Seku-Bi - Dakar, Senegal

Lounge at Seku-Bi.

In late October I learned a friend was traveling to Dakar on a work trip. I was already mulling which destination to travel for my upcoming November birthday, so I joined. A short, six-hour flight later from JFK airport I arrived in this bustling West African capital and major art destination.

Although we had a few recommendations on where to stay in the capital we chose Dakar’s newest boutique hotel (a “jewel box hotel”), Seku-Bi, for our stay. This gem is tucked at the end of a small street, just beyond Independence Square. As my taxi from the airport slowed towards the end of the street a neat, white building revealed itself on the left side of the vehicle. If we shifted our gaze from the emerging structure and instead looked directly ahead, the Atlantic Ocean lay before us. The location seemed perfect.

Coffe shop Buunna at Seku-Bi.

A guard directed the taxi inside a private courtyard and the driver promptly removed my luggage. The hotel manager greeted me warmly and escorted me inside. I was so curious about this place.

Seku-Bi is owned by Ethiopian businesswoman Yodit Eklund – a fact that made me feel especially proud in supporting her venture. (She is also the founder of surf brand Bantu Wax). There are 7 rooms in total and nearly all of them offer views of the ocean. Our room had an ocean view from the en suite bathroom, visible from sitting within the soaking tub surrounded by expansive, pane-less windows. Bliss.

The rooms are divided in two French colonial villas. While the architecture is European other features of the property remain locally sourced. The uniforms of the female staff are designed by Senegalese designer Adama Paris. The chic coffee shop Buunna, located on the ground level of one building, has colorful iron furniture and bright woven rugs by Ousame M’Baye, who is also Senegalese.

Lounge at Seku-Bi hotel.

Above: details of the lounge in Seku-Bi.

The on-site restaurant, Il Pappagallo, served the best pasta I’ve eaten outside of Italy. The menu combines influences from head chef Abdou Fall’s childhood in Italy with his Senegal roots. My dinner favorites were a fresh pasta topped with a grilled lobster and a pizza blackened with cuttlefish ink. Our daily breakfast included fresh fruit and exotic juices like ginger and baobab, the latter being a new (and tasty) discovery for me.

My favorite part of the hotel was the library and lounge, conveniently located in the building in which we stayed. A selection of contemporary art and sharp design made this area our lounge spot of choice. ‘Made in Africa’ was the theme throughout: From small decorative pieces, like the Seri Bowl from Mabeo, a brand from Botswana, to carved stools and furniture, the setting was African and proud.

Restaurant Il Pappagallo.

Photography by Nadia Sesay.