Interesting Facts about Villa Rica Beach Resort; The Real Rich Home

 Knock Knock

Anybody home?

Happy New year

How has 2021 been so far?

I have been trying to make sure this year is better than the last.

Y'all will agree with me that 2020 was quite a peculiar year and it affected a lot of things, so the zeal to blog about travels went down a bit, but trust me when I say NEVER AGAIN!

I was able to explore few places after the pandemic, I explored the Badagry Slave Trade for the second time but this time with a group of history-loving, fun-seeking, adventure enthusiasts of TourersNG

I definitely will share my experience about Badagry in the next post but for now, permit me tell you about my weekend getaway at Villa Ricca Beach Resort with my fellow travel buddies which included Itz.nikeh, Ayomide, Jumoke, Wehmie, Fowosire, Sola and Thamarah

Beautifully shot by @the_thamarah

I am still basking in the euphoria of the fun I had at this wonderful resort. I don't know if it was because I was with my travel buddies or the ambience of the resort or both. 💃 It could  as well be the delightful services rendered at the place. I think it is only proper I share this with my you so I won’t be the only who's aware of this gem.

So here we go!

The Villa Ricca Beach Resort is located at Dabojo Idado Road, Eleko, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State. Villa Ricca is an Italian name for "Rich Home" and it is indeed rich!!!

HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TRIP

Highlight 1

We met a nice gentleman who also was lodging at the Resort and he took a like into us and we immediately became buddies, he said he liked us because we are young and vibrant. The gentleman offered to show us something amazing; he took us to the shore, we arrived just in time to witness how fisherman berth their boats and also pull out the fishes.

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The dexterity with which fishermen works is one beautiful sight to behold, though they strictly objected to taking pictures except only pictures of the fishes. Our fisherman friend gave us fishes and drinks for bonfire later in the night. We then returned to our rooms to freshen up for the bonfire and game night 

Highlight 2

Bonfire at the beach is something you would love to experience, we danced round the fire while we chanted beautiful songs, and afterwards we started our games which lasted long into the night. I’m still reliving these ecstatic moments.

We then left the beach front to the resort and played some more games while we had fish barbeque (I hope you remember the source).

So it was time to sleep, while some of us opted to sleep in the tent, I decided to sleep in the room for maximum comfort, but my buddies who slept in the tent said I missed a lot. You can trust me to take enough pictures in the camp tent. 

We woke up very early the following morning to chase the sunrise but it didn't come out till 8:00am. 

Highlight 3

Watching the sunrise is beautiful but watching it rise at the beach was so damn beautiful & magical!! We took a lot of pictures, what do you expect, it’s not every time you wake up to a sunrise at the beach

Then on our way back to the Resort, we came across a group of guys playing football in the ocean and we joined them, I can't possibly describe the amount of fun we had but I hope this blog will be able to capture it all.

We thereafter went back to our rooms to freshen up then we were told our breakfast of rice & meat stew was ready💃💃💃 

We chose to eat in the Resort, trust us to also have fun while eating, you only do that when the food is good and you're also in the midst of good people

We had a meeting with the MD of the resort  right after the meal and he told us of the ongoing and future plans for the Resort and we can't but marvel at the laid down plans for the resort

This beautiful Beach Resort is recommended for Baecation, weekend getaway for couples, escape from the hustle & bustle of Lagos etc. 

Their amenities include:

• Children playground

• Basketball court

• Table tennis

• Beautiful monuments scattered all around to take pictures

Bouncing Castle

• Swimming pool

• Beach house

Gym

Restaurant...

The Resort is suitable for all age groups and gender as there is something for everyone visiting and also

there's something spectacular about this Resort. 

The Beachfront is well demarcated from the Resort, so you can be at the Resort and may decide not to visit the Beach. 

How to get there

This depends on where you're coming from, but you can find your way to Ajah, it's a straight road to Eleko where you make a turning to the right which also lead towards Amen Estate, you're driving past Amen Estate to a t junction then you turn to your right and keep moving for 300M, Villa Rica is by your left (Google map comes in handy here)

*The average amount to spend depends on the service you're using but the room ranges from N10,000 to N15,000 which actually covers a night accommodation, breakfast, camp tent, access to the beach front and other facilities. External foods are not allowed so you'll have to budget for your food too. A meal cost about N1,500.

I sure had a good time at this beautiful Resort and  I can't wait for you to experience it also and also share with me

Would you like to visit Villa Rica Beach Resort? We can plan a private tour for you.

or better still wait for our group tour

Click here👇

BOOK A TOUR TO VILLA RICA

Everything You Need To Know About Nike Art Gallery

NIKE ART GALLERY

Nike Art Centre is the largest art gallery in West Africa and it's one of the top tourist destination in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nike Art Centre is made up of an art gallery and a textile museum. This Centre features over 8,000 beautiful and colourful African artworks, including paintings and sculpture which  is privately owned by Chief Nike Davies Okundaye.

HISTORY FIRST!
It was established in 1983 at Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria, by Nike Davies Okundaye.

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye born in 1951 in Nigeria, is one of the internationally known female designers and artists. She was brought up amidst the traditional weaving and dying practice in her native village of Ogidi in Western Nigeria. Her artistic skills were nurtured by her parents and great grandmother, who were musicians and crafts-people specialising in the area of cloth weaving, adire making, indigo dying etc.

Here is a quick guide if you plan on visiting Nike Art Gallery anytime soon.

1.It is located  at 2 Elegushi Beach Road, 3rd Roundabout,Epe  Expressway,Lekki Phase 1,Lekki, Nigeria.

2 . Access is free but they charge token for groups.

3. It is best to combine your trip if you're not in a hurry to return home with another tourist attractions around the area which includes Lufasi Park, Elegushi Private Beach, Lekki Conservation Center orLor Art&Crafts market.

4. The Art Gallery is in four different States in Nigeria which include: Lagos, Abuja, Osogbo and Kogi States. While the one in Lagos is the largest Art Gallery museum in West Africa.

5. Nike Art Gallery speaks Art from the entrance and all is up for sale should you desire to purchase one.

Have you heard of Nike Art Gallery before? Kindly drop a comment.

Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria. You can also book a private/ group tour with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

Interesting Facts I Bet You Never Knew About HIKING

WHAT IS HIKING?

Hiking is an outdoor activity which involves walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain.

Hiking has many advantages which include nice views, fresh air, and the beautiful sounds and smells of nature.

Hiking is fun and is a great travel experience, it is  an awesome way to immerse yourself in nature for a day; and a super easy micro adventure that you can have on a weekend, to escape the grind and refresh yourself for the coming week.

What sets hiking apart from other forms of exercise is that it’s done outdoors in a natural setting.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIKE?
i. Hiking is therapeutic, being highly recommended for people suffering from anxiety, stress or depression;

ii. It improves mental health.

iii. it helps you keep fit and stay in shape! Yeah you heard that right.

If you ask me, I'd say hiking represents what life is all about. You need to work hard to get what you want. You need to put in time and effort. However tired you may feel or unsure what step to take next, you keep going. You keep going up and keep persevering because in the end, you’re gonna reach something really amazing; be it a river, waterfall or a breathtaking view.

Here are safe hiking rules that should be followed. I categorized them into Do's & Dont's

DO's

i. DO HIKE WITH A FRIEND
It’s best not to hike alone particularly for first timers, especially on unfamiliar or remote trails. A partner or group of partners can help you navigate and assist if you get hurt. Going with a friend makes it more fun and energizing.
Generally, hiking in a group is better! Apart from the fact that its makes the activity more interesting, it also enhances safety as you would be able to render or receive help in case anyone gets hurt.

ii. DO YOUR RESEARCH VERY WELL
A particular destination may have its own rules and regulations but if you don't know, you might trespass and this could attract fine or punishment, but all these can be avoided if proper research was made.

iii. DO BRING ALONG A FIRST AID KIT
Getting injured during a hike is inevitable, it is only appropriate that you are fully prepared for it, so you won't be caught unaware. So please endeavor to go with a first aid kit, if not all then basic.

iv. DO BRING YOUR FUN SIDE
Please make sure you are not being forced to go on a hike. Either you are going with a group or alone, you need to go with an open mind and have all the fun you could.

v. DO PACK LIGHT
This point cannot be overemphasized, packing very light makes your hiking easier hence not getting tired on time. I went with my brother to hike Ado Awaye Mountainous and suspended lake and he flouted this particular rule despite my warnings and he paid for it. Guess who is a preacher of packing light now? Yeah you guessed right.

DONT'S

vi. DO NOT HIKE WITHOUT CHECKING WEATHER FORECAST
I remember when we( travel content creators) planned a trip to Idere and we had to postpone because the weather forecast predicted rainfall and we were not willing to risk. After all, what fun is hiking when its drizzling? So you might want to check out that forecast before you set out.

vii. DO NOT HIKE WITHOUT PROPER RESEARCH OF THE AREA
You might want to check for local restrictions I.e if you'll need a permit, reservations or pass to avoid embarrassment.

viii. DO NOT RUSH
Endeavor to make sure you have enough time to complete your hike. Get information on  how long it usually takes to hike that particular destination because you don’t want to be caught out after dark.

ix. DO NOT DRESS INAPPROPRIATELY(tight denims, slippers etc)
As Owanbe has it's type of dress 😉 Same way hiking has it's own. However, there's no penalty for not wearing Aso Ebi to Owanbe but there is for dressing inappropriately for a hike such as DISCOMFORT and the last you want to experience on a hike is DISCOcomment.

x. DO NOT FORGET TO PACK SNACKS & WATER/
As a foodie that I am, you know I dare not omit this one😁 Minimie Chinchin is my go to snacks as it's handy and crunchy because I know if I don't eat, I might wear out easily but don't get it twisted; snacks is important but water is much more important.

CONCLUSION
Not only is hiking a lot of fun, “it also offers significant benefits to the human body. In fact, hiking can be considered to be a powerful cardio workout that has the potential to lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels.

THANK YOU!!!

So now that you are fully convinced hiking is the real deal, please read this👇

The Tourers in conjunction with Funatics Adventures is organizing a trip to Idere Hills in which 60% of this tour is Hiking.

Here are what you stand to enjoy if you sign up for this trip

Hiking
Caving
Bonfire
Adventures
Networking
Competition & Games...and lots more
Click Here to for more enquiries and bookings.


If you read to this point, you are the real MVP. Please don't forget to drop a comment.


Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria. You can also book a private/ group tour with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

7 Interesting Reasons Why Visiting Beach is Good for your Wellbeing

I know I can't be the only one who is head over heels in love with the beach.
Let’s face it; you can never hear “Oh my god, I just got back from a day at the beach and I regretted it. I’m stressed out and now feeling more depressed than ever!”
I'm very sure that blasphemous statement has never been uttered in the history of human and come on, it can't even happen!!
So my visit to the beach recently prompted  this blog post

I highlighted six reasons why you should make visiting beach number one on your list as it's good for our total wellbeing.

1. Salt Water Is Good For Your Skin And Body
Research has it that salt water is good for your skin. And I also got that confirmation from my aunt who's a Skincare expert. It is full of minerals like Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium and Calcium.  These are some of the same ingredients found in our daily vitamins which are essential for our internal organs, so going to the beach is healthy after all😉


2.Sea Breeze Is Good For our Brain
Tired of being unproductive? Well, head to the beach and breathe in the fresh air and thank me later.  Spending a lot of time indoor can be unproductive. So please when next you are invited for a beach hangout, don't even hesitate, just hop on it!


3.Sunshine Is A Great Source Of Vitamin D
Did you know your body is a manufacturer of Vitamin D?  That’s right.  When your body gets sun exposure, your skin uses the ultraviolet rays to manufacture Vitamin D.  This vitamin is used by the body to support immune, lung and cardiovascular health and where else can one enjoy sunshine than the beach? Let's go to the beach Yes? Yes!!!

4. Beach Is A Great Stress Reliever
The sea, with both its hand sounds and sights is the perfect destination for rest and relaxation. Not only for your physical body, but for your mental health
The soothing effects of the waves and sun combined is enough to make one leave his/her stress behind. The heat of the sun, the sound of the waves, and your feet in the sand can help to fight off any feelings of anxiety and stress.

5.A Great Place To Nap
 Have you had a hectic week and you still can't get to relax at home because there's noise? Why not head to the beach
Ever noticed dozers everywhere at the beach? Not only is the breeze enough to make you doze but just imagine sleeping at the beach with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore😍😍 but just make sure you are far enough away from the kids playing😉.  A beach nap (under the shades though) slaps different💯 On a more serious note, it is therapeutic!!!

6. Beach Walk is therapeutic
I find there’s nothing more revitalizing than taking a long walk on the beach (as against walking in the city, which can trigger emotions worse than road rage). It doesn’t have to be fast, and it definitely doesn’t require a watch, or any kind of app. Walks on the beach are perfect any way you do them; either with your kids, your partner, or alone. There’s no goal, no rush, no race, no place to be. Just relax and find some seashells along the way.

I hope with this few points of mine I have been able to convince and not confuse you that you need to visit the beach more often.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about any tourist destinations in Nigeria or you need a tour guide.

Please feel free to add more points in the comment section
Thank you


Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria. You can also book a private/ group tour with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

Trans Amusement Park; My Clear And Unbiased opinion

             TRANS WONDERLAND

Trans Amusement park is an amusement park and theme located in Ibadan, Oyo state.

I never knew there was a theme park in Ibadan until some weeks ago that I discovered TRANS AMUSEMENT PARK on Instagram some weeks ago and I was surprised Ibadan is housing such wonderful destination but my excitement was shattered when I realized the place is now a shadow of itself courtesy neglects from the concerned parties.

I immediately added it to my destination bucket list then I contacted a travel enthusiast like me who goes by the name Vera, to know if she would love us to explore the destination together. She agreed and then we chose a date. She, however, expressed her doubt about the working state of the facilities at the Park, but there was only one way to know, so we agreed to check it out regardless.

Our Experience
When we got there, we were told to pay #300 as gate fee. we were about to pay when a lady asked if we wanted to use the facilities, “of course” we replied, this isn't a museum or monument centre that we just came to have a look and go, it was then we were told that the facilities are not working at the moment as a result of power outage but that we could pay and go in, then wait till the light is restored. My friend I and glanced at each other then we nodded in disagreement and told the lady that we would be back shortly. We went back after some hours of doing mini photo shoot but this time, we met a man who advised us to take the 2nd entrance so we wouldn’t have to pay.

We went in and it was very sad to see a once lively place so deserted even the lawn was screaming "mow me" "mow me". Although the facilities were still standing tall but you could tell they have seen better days.

So I posted the pictures on my social media handles and I got mixed reactions from my audience; some were lamenting that the place is now a shadow of itself while others insisted all they knew about “Trans” (as popularly called by Ibadan residents) was its spectacular bubbly night life. I was surprised and sad because I was wondering why would a spectacular destination like this be reduced  to just a  bubbly night club
😢

How about some history?
Trans Wonderland also known as Trans Amusement Park is an amusement and theme park in Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria. The Trans Wonderland project was initiated in 1987 and was opened to the public on November 29, 1989. Trans Wonderland is also referred to as NIGERIA'S DISNEY WORLD.

Attractions include;

Roller coasters

Electronic bumper cars

Merry-go-round horses

 Dragon Boats

Ferris Wheels

Panoramic Wheels

And lots more...

RECOMMENDATIONS
i. The facilities in this destination needs to be revived, but to do this, the government has to take full interest or transfer the ownership to interested private developers who are ready to turn the place around;

ii. After this has been done, then the revamped facilities should be well publicised.





Follow me on Instagram (@damiehind@damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria/ Africa as a whole. You can also book a private/ group tour   with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng