Staycation | The Southern Sun Ikoyi Experience
The Southern Sun Ikoyi Experience
Who doesn’t love a great staycation? When Southern Sun Ikoyi told us they had a fun weekend planned out for us, we knew we wouldn’t miss it.
The weekend was packed with activities and the people were great but before getting into the details of our incredible itinerary, watch the video that tries to capture the essence of our weekend.
Others invited included Daddy Freeze and his wife Benedicta, Chigul, Chico, Ireti Doyle, Kelechi Amadi-Nonso, Mr Seyi of Inside Watch Africa, Mary Edoro of Bella Naija Style, Tony Ekaidem, Mozez Praiz, Onyeka, and Linda Ejiofor who are all talented and amazing individuals in their respective fields.
Day 1 – Meet & Greet
Checking in was a breeze, welcome drinks were offered and the staff were courteous. We checked in, settled in our rooms and had some time to tour the hotel.
Room for the weekend
View from my room
At about 6.30pm, we were off to the welcome cocktail by the Jacuzzi pool side. This was an avenue for everyone to meet in a relaxed atmosphere. Ubong Nseobot the Sales and Marketing manger welcomed us and the cocktails began. We were joined mid way by the General Manager – Mark Loxely.
The cocktail hour served its purpose as we all introduced ourselves, discussed careers, tried to solve Nigeria’s every growing list of problems and just enjoyed the evening.
After the meet and greet, dinner was next. I had to leave so I didn’t join in but I hear I missed out on a very exciting karaoke session and some great seafood.
It was a great way to start the weekend and we all felt like we knew a little bit more about the other guests.
Highlight – Getting back to my room and finding a tray of fruits with our itinerary for the rest of the weekend.
Detailed itinerary for the weekend
Day 2 – Beach Fun and Stuffed Bellies
Part 1 – La Manga Beach
The day started off with breakfast and I really liked the spread. There was a little of everything including puff puff if that’s your style. The plan was to head to La Manga Private beach and after forgetting me at the hotel, getting me a private car, we were at Fiki Marina getting kitted up and listening to the safety brief.
The boat ride was uneventful and in no time we were at our destination. Located in Ilase, La Manga has various beach villas owned by various individuals. Southern Sun partners with one of the owners and it’s a part of their leisure jumbo package for those interested in spending a day frolicking at the beach and soaking up some sun.
The sun was hot but luckily we didn’t have to walk to our particular villa as quad bikes had been made available.
The beach house was a site for sore eyes. It was nicely built with a kitchenette, living area, swimming pool and bedrooms.
A beach villa at La Manga
Beach day equals lazing around and that’s exactly what we did. We played games like cards and scrabble, listened to music, ate the tasty bbq that was provided, argued and just enjoyed the day.
Lunch at the Beach
Part 2 – Dinner
Dinner was done a little differently from the first day. Instead of a buffet, it was a la carte and we were asked to choose whatever we wanted. Now this was a struggle because no one was sure about what to get. The foodie in me wanted everything but I ended up settling for the tiger prawns and rice.
Other meals that were ordered included lamb shank, mixed grill, seafood salad and so much more. It was a colorful table and the food tasted just as good as it looked.
Lamb Shank & Mashed Potatoes
Tiger prawns and mashed potatoes (mine came with rice)
It was such a pleasant evening and the older ones, schooled us on tv shows, songs and games from when they were younger. Crazy stories traded on domestic help and salt being poured into car engines had us in stitches. Chigul ever the entertainer also had us made us laugh with her improv.
It was a great way to end the 2nd day and sadness began creeping in that our stay would soon come to an end.
Highlight – THE FOOD and great conversation.
Day 3 – Pampering & Goodbyes
Part 1 – Getting Ripped
Day 3 was all about feeding our body and soul. We started with a work out session that was led by Tony Ekaidem also known as the Body Alchemist. Not everyone showed up for this but as a card carrying member of team fit fam I woke up bright and early to join in.
The work out was intense and even though I knew it was great for my body, I couldn’t wait to be done. After killing it in the gym, I headed straight for breakfast and when I remembered all the work I had just put in at the gym, I was more careful about what I ate. I mean all that punishment work out cannot ‘waste’.
After breakfast we were left to our own devices. This made some of us very excited as we were able to get some more sleep, catch up on work or just hang out with our new friends.
Part 2 – Spa Date
Who doesn’t love a good spa treatment? Everyone was so pumped when we were asked to head to the lobby as we would be going to Oasis Medspa for a pampering session. This was needed especially for those of us who had worked out earlier.
Located at 21 Cameron Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, it is 10 mins away from the hotel if you walk; 5 mins if you opt to drive. Most of us decided to walk.
The aesthetics despite being simple were charming. We filled the necessary forms, were offered some tea and sent off to get our massages.
This was extremely relaxing and I slept off at some point. The masseuses were very professional and I just might be going back.
While we waited for everyone else to get done, Mary and I toured the other sections of the spa and had a mini photo session.
Part 3 – Champagne Brunch
I always wondered what the fuss was about when it came to Southern Sun Ikoyi’s Sunday Brunch. Every Sunday, the whole of Lagos runs there and I finally got a chance to see why.
There was a variety of food provided from Nigerian to intercontinental. Endless supply of jumbo shrimp, salads for days (for those watching their weight), breakfast offerings at its finest and so much more.
It was packed and the hotel was buzzing. Rumor has it that if you’re going for their brunch you need to dress up but I missed the memo. However I didn’t feel out of place.
I really had no complaints. Of course due to the crowd sometimes service was slightly delayed but it didn’t really take away from the overall experience.
We stuffed our faces till we could eat no more and after a couple of toasts, we said our goodbyes with a bit of sadness as it felt like we had been friends for much longer.
We checked out and all promised to keep in touch!
Crew Love
That, dear unravellers is how I spent the weekend at Southern Sun Ikoyi.
What did I think of the Southern Sun experience? Overall it was amazing. Great food, great people and all round great vibes. I wish we had a bit more time to ourselves as the itinerary was super packed but they wanted us to experience all that can be done when you stay at the hotel.
My room was comfortable and the hotel is tastefully decorated. We were told that everything in the hotel is made in Nigeria in their bid to support local businesses so that’s a plus for us. One thing that would be nice would be sockets near the beds. I had to charge my phone across the room and it was slightly inconvenient. (millennial blogger issues)
I found it a bit annoying that there were no irons in the rooms. You have to ask for them to bring one up if you need your clothes straightened out.
The restaurant although small, serves a delightful array of food. For Sunday brunch, make sure you either go in early or reserve a table as it gets full real quick.
I’m grateful for the experience and a big thank you to the team.
This package that we were treated to is called the jumbo leisure package and it is offered on the weekends. The rooms are N40,000 per night inclusive of 20% taxes and buffet breakfast for 2, oasis medspa vouchers and complimentary silverbird movie vouchers for 2.
An additional N45,000 is required for access to the beach house and it includes the return boat trip, lunch and games while you’re there. However they need 1-2 weeks notice to plan for you.
Have you ever been to Southern Sun Ikoyi? What did you think of their food, rooms and overall service?
Contact Details
Address: 47 Alfred Rewande Road, Eti Osa, Government Area, Ikoyi, Lagos
Tel: 01 280 0630
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*This post was sponsored by Southern Sun Ikoyi. However all thoughts remain our own.
*Southern Sun is owned by the Tsogo Sun brand
*Reviews are based on opinions and personal experiences, and may differ from person to person
*prices written are based on the time the visit was made and is subject to change by the owners.
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