A Sanctuary for Birds, nature lovers and free spirits
Stay in eco-style. wake to birdsong. explore the wild.
Back for the 2nd year! Ink & Earth Writers' Retreat
Writing flows more easily when you have space to slow down. Our retreats balance focused writing time with moments to wander, breathe and reconnect with nature, allowing fresh ideas to emerge naturally.
Whether you’re an established author, quietly working on your first manuscript, or simply carrying a story you’ve always wanted to tell, you’ll find a retreat designed with you in mind. Alongside our retreats for published and aspiring writers, we’re delighted to introduce the Ink & Earth Young Writer’s Atelier—a nurturing space where the next generation of storytellers can develop their craft, find their voice and write with confidence.
Discover Serenity in Our Eco Paradise
We may not be the biggest—but who needs big when you can be bountiful?
Our four beautifully crafted eco-lodges are thoughtfully spaced throughout lush tropical gardens, giving you all the room you need to breathe, unwind and simply be. Surrounded by mature trees and birdsong, Elsewhere is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers and anyone seeking a slower rhythm of life.
When you’re ready to explore beyond our gates, our trusted driver and knowledgeable, friendly local guides are on hand to help you discover the real Gambia, sharing the stories, culture and hidden corners that make this country so special.
Return whenever you’re ready for a refreshing dip in our intimate plunge pool before settling down to a freshly prepared, home-cooked meal, made with care and served at an unhurried pace.
Come and discover our conscious coast of quietude—a place where nature leads, time slows, and every detail invites you to rest, reconnect and leave feeling restored.
Experience Life Elsewhere@Farakunku
Find yourself at our serene and stylish eco-lodges – a peaceful and sophisticated retreat amidst the wonders of nature. Elswhere is more than a break from the constant stimulation of modern life – here, in the seam of Gambia’s vibrant culture, is where souls are rejuvenated. Good going, Nature Lovers! You have found the perfect haven, where cherished memories will be born.
Tranquil Lodges
A Stylish Retreat For A Peaceful Getaway
Our Facilities & Services
If you are looking for a relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating experience altogether, we offer all of that under one roof.
Powering Tomorrow
Experience sustainable luxury at our eco lodges, fully powered by solar energy. Enjoy modern comforts while minimizing your carbon footprint, all in the heart of nature. Our commitment to renewable energy ensures a guilt-free and eco-friendly stay.
Shuttle Services
We are too far off the beaten path to walk you and your baggage from the airport, but we can provide transportation by vehicle. We can also take you between towns and villages throughout your stay - when the distance permits, choose our walking bus instead!
Wifi If You Want It..
...Why fight if you don't? Stay in touch with the worldwide whirlwind - it's free. Or make a clean break from your phone - we won't judge.
Nurture Your Body
A fresh and healthy, complimentary breakfast is available for all our guests to enjoy from our open-sided bantaba restaurant.
Nurture Your Mind
Give yourself a sense of calm, peace and balance with pre-booked yoga and/or and/or meditation sessions.
Boundless Nature
Elsewhere@Farakunku grounds are filled with interesting plants, animals, and many visiting birds.
Plunge Pool
Dip yourself cool in our delightful plunge pool.
Tea for Two?
Tea and coffee on us, when you need it.
Late Check-out
We relieve the stress of having to check-out early. Your lodge is yours to enjoy until 2pm if you need it. After this, continue to use the rest of the facilities until you decide to bid us farewell.
Write without interruption. Create without expectation.
There are few places left where you can truly hear your own thoughts.
Ink & Earth is an intimate writers’ retreat for authors, aspiring writers, poets, journalists, academics and anyone with a story to tell. Set within the tranquil gardens of Elsewhere@Farakunku Eco Lodges on The Gambia’s Atlantic coast, the retreat offers uninterrupted time, inspiring surroundings and a supportive creative community.
Whether you’re beginning your first novel, refining a memoir, developing a screenplay or simply rediscovering the pleasure of writing, Ink & Earth gives you the space to immerse yourself in your work.
This is not a classroom.
There are no mandatory workshops, no deadlines and no pressure to produce a finished manuscript.
Instead, we provide the conditions in which good writing naturally flourishes: time, peace, conversation and inspiration.
Guests are free to structure each day around their own creative rhythm. Some write from dawn until dusk. Others alternate writing with birdwatching, swimming, walking on the beach or exploring local villages.
Whatever you are looking for is out there and it’s looking for you too.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Stay for one night – or more! The choice is yours.
Towels and bedding are provided, including extras at the foot of the bed in the wicker trunk. As eco warriors, we encourage guests to use towels and linen as sparingly as good hygiene permits!
Elsewhere has many pets who have chosen our space to roam within. While we take our custodianship as a privilege and honour, we recognise that outdoors is where our pets are most content and do not take them inside the buildings. Our animals have created a peaceful and happy community which we want to help them maintain, so we do not allow other pets inside.
Yes! We love hot showers!
This type of equipment weighs heavily on our solar energy system so we do not permit the use of hairdryers and hair straighteners. Make use of the sun’s heat! Stay curly!
Yes! Our security is available 24 hours and will facilitate entry to the compound at any time. Please bear in mind that we are nestled within a small community and need to be respectful of our fellow dwellers.
Each lodge has a lockable walk-in closet. You will be given a key and valuables can be safely locked inside.