Christmas under the starry sky of the Smiling Coast
As the sun slowly sinks behind the palm trees of Brufut into the Atlantic Ocean and the African night descends with a sea of shining stars, The Plantation is transformed into a place that proves Christmas doesn’t need snow to be magical.
Thirty hand-picked guests gathered at the long table, reflecting the true face of modern Gambia. It was a harmonious mosaic of cultures: friends from Germany, Belgium and England sat side by side with people from many different African nations. What united them all was the decision to make Gambia their home.
In the middle of the tropical garden, Nikki Lincoln had invited guests to a very special private Christmas party. Fairy lights sparkled everywhere in the trees, and the scent of exotic spices mingled with the warm evening air.
But the centrepiece of the decoration was a real eye-catcher: Nikki’s proud white 1965 Land Rover. Decorated with glittering tinsel and festive decorations, the vintage car sat enthroned in the garden like the modern sleigh of an African Santa Claus – a symbol of both adventure and constancy. The fine piece of machinery is driven diligently, and not only by Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
A bespoke group of thirty guests took their places at the festive board, acting as a living portrait of modern Gambian society. It was a stunning tapestry of heritage, where friends from abroad sat shoulder-to-shoulder with people from a multitude of African backgrounds.
Despite the variety of their roots, every person present was linked by the life-changing choice to plant their flag in Gambian soil.
Nikki Lincoln manages the green oasis with a keen eye for detail
Nikki, the perfect hostess with the mostest, had conjured up a festive buffet that left nothing to be desired. Between lively conversations about life on the coast and hearty laughter, the guests enjoyed the culinary delights. It was one of those rare evenings when time seems to stand still. Amidst the interesting life stories of the expats and locals, there was a sense of deep harmony.
There was dancing, philosophising and celebrating – a Christmas party that showed that home is where you sit together at a table, no matter where you come from. Under the watchful spotlight of the old Land Rover, this night at ‘The Plantation’ became an unforgettable Christmas fairy tale under palm trees.
Nikki’s Christmas party was not only a wonderful event, it was also an interesting networking opportunity. Numbers were exchanged and people chatted about the future of Gambia. Everyone agreed: Africa is on the verge of a boom, and that also applies to little Gambia…
Endearing: Gambia is a largely Muslim country, but Gambians are very tolerant and often wish you ‘Merry Christmas’. This shows how positively religions can develop here. Incidentally, there are also many churches in Gambia…
Nikki’s ‘The Plantation’ deserves a recommendation
The Plantation Boutique Hotel in Brufut is a hidden gem on Gambia’s ‘Smiling Coast’. Under the warm management of Nikki Lincoln, guests can expect a tropical paradise full of tranquillity and authentic charm. Just a short walk from the fishing village of Ghanatown, the complex offers six lovingly designed African-style bungalows nestled harmoniously in a lush garden.
The inviting pool forms the heart of this retreat, where relaxation is the top priority. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent cuisine, renowned for its freshly caught seafood such as lobster and king prawns. Those seeking personal hospitality and a taste of the real Gambia away from mass tourism will find their perfect temporary home here.
What do guests particularly praise about Nikki’s Boutique Hotel?
The privacy and excellent food, the absolute tranquillity of the tropical gardens. The ideal place to recover from Europe, laughs Marcus Bongarts, who has also made Gambia his home.
Marcus runs Franz-Josef’s Beach Bar in Ghanatown. A lot of Europeans are living in Gambia and more and more are coming …
The Plantation Boutique Hotel Gambia
