Yokan Lodge

Set on a stretch of white sand where the Sine Saloum delta meets the Atlantic, Yokan Lodge sits in Palmarin, between Joal-Fadiouth and Djifer, south of Dakar. The delta beyond is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a mesh of mangrove channels, salt flats and bush that runs behind the property. Eight units make up the lodge: two two-bedroom pool villas, three pool suites and three suites facing the ocean directly. Rooms are built with raw wood and local stone, furnished with textiles from area craftspeople and set against contemporary lines. Each has air conditioning, a minibar and a Nespresso machine. A pool anchors the grounds, with loungers and a bar alongside it, and the beach itself lies a short walk beyond. Guests can take a pirogue through the mangroves, ride quad bikes into the bush, or fish, kayak and birdwatch along the delta's edges. Sunday brings a barbecue lunch with grilled fish and meat. The lodge can also be booked in full by a single group.