Last Updated on 20 November 2023 by Vanessa
Considering Coconut Residence in Kerr Serign for your Gambia escape?
This is my favorite boutique hotel in The Gambia, not just for its tranquil ambiance and top-notch amenities, but for a delightful surprise that added an extra layer of charm – cats!
Read my review for an insider’s perspective. Your guide to deciding if this boutique gem is the right fit for your stay
Coconut Residence hotel in The Gambia: my review
I’m currently on a press trip in The Gambia in West Africa. While I’m writing this, I’m sitting on the terrace of my hotel, the recently re-opened Coconut Residence, which is the coziest resort I’ve visited in the country. Several green velvet monkeys sit next to me and sunbathe near the swimming pool. Sometimes, a cat walks by.
This is the last hotel I’m visiting in The Gambia, and this is by far my favorite. (You can see an overview of all the accommodations I’ve visited in The Gambia, together with short reviews, in my article Best Places to Stay in The Gambia)
Things I love about Coconut Residence hotel in The Gambia
Spacious rooms
Spacious accommodations define the experience at Coconut Residence, where the junior suites, resembling small villas, offer generous living spaces and large terraces These well-appointed suites, accommodating 1-3 people, boast a luxurious and comfortable ambiance.
Each suite is equipped with a king-size bed featuring a mosquito net, a designated sitting area, individually adjustable air conditioning, and amenities such as a minibar (available at an additional cost), coffee and tea making facilities, satellite television, and a complimentary safe.
The suites also feature a terrace furnished with a table and chairs, providing a tranquil garden view.
Each room encompasses a bathroom with a shower, toilet, bathrobes, and a hairdryer.
Primate encounters
Occupying a ground-floor room at Coconut Residence in Kerr Serign places you in close proximity to nature. The hotel is right across from Bijilo Monkey Park, and this results in frequent visits from a lively troop of green velvet monkeys on the premises. They even come to greet you on your terrace or near the swimming pool.
Personally, I love the sounds of the green velvet monkeys playing and vocalizing on my terrace throughout the night. It’s a very immersive experience with nature that you will not quickly find anywhere else. However, they did keep me awake for most of the night, so keep this in mind when evaluating your accommodation preferences.
Cats
As a self-proclaimed cat-addict, I found the presence of stray cats both within the hotel’s interior lounges and the gardens encircling the villas an appealing feature.
I have a particularly good connection with the white kitty. He greets me before going to bed, patiently waits on my terrace in the morning, and currently occupies my lap. He has been sitting there for quite a while and doesn’t seem to want to leave. I’m in cat heaven!
I wish I could take my newfound companion home with me, but I have a looming flight in a few hours and no time to take care of everything that needs to be done to adopt a cat in a foreign country.
Should you decide to book a stay at Coconut Residence hotel, please shower this sweet cat with love and some food.
Swimming pool
The area around the swimming pool is an oasis of tranquility. Not too many people, lots of palm trees, and the company of monkeys and cats. The ideal place to read a book for a few hours.
Coconut Residence hotel Gambia restaurant
Meals are served at the Cinnamon Restaurant, an à-la-carte dining venue situated by the pools, where guests can savor chef specialties spanning Mediterranean, Eastern, French, and Gambian cuisines.
Additionally, the option to dine on the terrace of your room is available (at an extra charge, reservation required).
The Coco Bar and Sisha Lounge Bar extend their offerings into the late evening, providing an assortment of snacks, drinks, and cocktails (additional charges apply).
Atlhough I didn’t have the chance to dine at Coconut Residence hotel, its cuisine enjoys a highly favorable online reputation.
What you need to know about Kerr Serign and its surroundings
Kerr Serign is located in the Serrekunda area in the western part of The Gambia. Serrekunda is the largest city in the country and serves as a commercial and economic hub. For tourists, the region is mainly known for its street markets and coastal attractions.
Banjul Airport is only a 20-minute drive away.
The beach is approximately 1.5 km away from Coconut Residence, and guests can take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary beach transfer service.
Consider renting a car or booking a guided tour with hotel pickup and drop off if you want to explore The Gambia.
Must-see attractions in the area
Coconut Residence is the kind of hotel where you can easily spend an entire week by the swimming pool. Nonetheless, The Gambia offers an array of fascinating attractions, making it a missed opportunity not to venture out and explore during your stay. Here are some must-see attractions in the area:
Albert Market in Banjul
Albert Market is a bustling market in the capital city, offering a wide range of goods, including fabrics, crafts, spices, and local products.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Approximately 12 kilometers.
Bakau Fish Market
A vibrant fish market by the sea where you can experience the local maritime culture and purchase fresh seafood.
Distance from Kerr Serign: About 4 kilometers.
Bijilo Forest Park
A nature reserve with walking trails, offering the chance to observe wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species. Bijilo Monkey Park is located within Bijilo Forest Park and is known for its abundance of monkeys in their natural habitat.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Roughly 2 kilometers. Bijilo Monkey Park, however, is right across the street from Coconut Residence.
Independence Stadium
The national stadium of The Gambia, hosting various events and football matches.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Approximately 5 kilometers.
Juffureh
Juffureh is a historic village known for its connection to the slave trade, with attractions like the Juffureh Museum and the Fort James on nearby James Island.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Roughly 30-40 kilometers.
Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool
A cultural site featuring a museum and a sacred pool with friendly (!) crocodiles, believed to possess spiritual significance. And yes, the crocodiles are friendly. I even petted one of them.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Approximately 4 kilometers.
Makasutu Cultural Forest
Makasutu Cultural Forest is a unique ecotourism destination featuring a diverse forest ecosystem, river trips, and cultural experiences with local communities.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Around 15 kilometers.
Senegambia Craft Market
A bustling market where you can explore and purchase local crafts, jewelry, clothing, and other handmade goods.
Distance from Kerr Serign: Around 3 kilometers.
Address: Coconut Residence, C7PH+2GR, Serrekunda, The Gambia.
Conclusion – Should you consider staying at Coconut Residence hotel in Kerr Serign, The Gambia?
Absolutely, if I find myself returning to The Gambia, Coconut Residence would undoubtedly top my list for accommodation. It’s important to note, however, that this tranquil hotel caters primarily to adults. If you seek a livelier atmosphere, sports activities, and entertainment for children, this may not be the ideal choice.
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