Espace Sobo Badè

Top choice in Senegal


Perched over a wave-battered stretch of coastline, Sobo Badè has the wondrous look of a Gaudì creation, with its imaginative brickwork, shell-lined archways, steeply pitched thatched roofs, and mosaic-covered fountains and railings. Haitian-born artist Gerard Chenet (b 1927) is the visionary behind this imaginative space, which has become a magnet for artists, musicians and other creative types.

In fact, the sea views from the restaurant (and some of the rooms) is only a small part of the appeal of Sobo Badè. It's also a cultural centre, with classes in dance, pottery, batik-making and drumming offered from the annex across from the guesthouse. It also operates the Théatre de L'Engouement outside of the village.