A first-hand experience of the many interesting things to do at the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, from the expected to the exotic. The resort is ideal for self-rejuvenation.
By Omolara Adeniyi
It is said traveling is the best way to get in touch with yourself. Although I’d heard these words many times, I didn’t know how valid it was till I took my first solo trip to Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort. A pleasurable and indeed, one of the best places to visit in Ibadan, Oyo State. The previous year had left me exhausted, so I started looking for ways to rejuvenate and feel alive again in the New Year. So many options were on the table, from a road trip with my friends to lunch at a fine restaurant.
But in searching for what to do, I realized getting back on my feet entailed taking some time alone to relax, rejuvenate and restart. Therefore, I decided to go on a solo weekend trip and do what I’d never done before. I started searching for the best places for an exciting weekend in Ibadan, and Ilaji Resort, and places I’ve been to with friends, came on top. I chose the Ilaji Resort.
The Ilaji Hotel and Sport Resort is at Oloyo Village, Akanran, Ibadan. It’s an 80-minute drive from Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, and a 90-minute drive from Palms Shopping Mall, Ibadan. Although located at the innermost part of the city, it maintains a peaceful, laid-back, and comfortable ambiance for those looking for premium relaxation. Its expansive land has two phases. The first phase features the main stadium and hostel, among other structures. The second section consists of a mini-golf course, four blocks of rooms for 400 lodgers, a pool, and other exciting features. The various facilities it offers were all I needed for an unforgettable weekend experience.
I spent the greater part of my morning checking out the entire space. Ilaji Resort has an incredibly large area with many facilities to help maximise stay. There were endless possibilities from the gym to the stadium, golf course, bushmeat bar, and others. I took my time examining every part of it, taking pictures, and relating with the staff to know more about the place. If you are as curious as I am, I suggest you explore the space after you’ve settled in. It will allow you to harness its features optimally because you’ll know the facilities available so as to plan your weekend around them.
My afternoon was quite relaxing because I was exhausted from walking around. I had a quick nap, and after that, I set out for lunch. Again, I asked the staff for guidance, and I was told I could have lunch in three places, depending on my preferences and budget. There’s the kitchen for exquisite meals and a restaurant, where food is sold at lesser prices compared to the kitchen. There’s also a kiosk for regular-priced meals. I decided to try out the restaurant for a start with plans to explore all options during my stay.
In the evening, as a way of getting accustomed to the place, I spent most of my time watching others have fun while I strategised what fun would mean to me. After that, I went to an open space to self-reflect while enjoying the view of the beautiful scenery. At night, the bar, bush bar, and restaurants were a bubble of activities. I had dinner at the restaurant, had a drink at the bar, and retired for the night.
My plan for the second day was to have fun and maximise my day. I kicked off at the gym. It is equipped with several facilities to make every workout effective. If you’d be using it, I suggest you ask for help with the equipment if you are unsure how to use them. I explored different exercises that got my heart pumping fast. Then, I joined a group of people having fun with various exercise moves. Soon, we switched it to a dancing class, learning different styles to stretch our bodies, which left me refreshed and energetic. Afterward, I had breakfast and spent some time alone in my room. Then, I joined others at the lawn tennis court.
I had lunch in the kitchen at noon and met my new friends at the sitting arena close to the zoo. There, we had some banter and played golf afterward. I went to my room from the golf course for a cold bath and a nap. Afterward, I finished a book I’d been reading and replied to some emails. There’s an uninterrupted power supply and access to unlimited Wi-Fi; you can work non-stop. But I’d suggest you don’t get carried away with work and have yourself some fun!
My evening started at the pool. I swam for a while for a refreshing feeling. Afterward, I went for a long walk to enjoy the evening breeze. At night, I went to the bush bar for asun (peppered goat meat). This area is one of my best places at the resort because of its ambiance. With the trees, plants, thatched roofs, and playlist, you’d almost feel like you are having drinks at the village square! There’s a variety of drinks, from freshly-made palm wine to cocktails and mocktails, along with a variety of tasty bushmeat. If you are looking for a village-like party experience, visit the bush bar while you are there.
Sunday was my last day at the resort, and I was determined to make the most of it. I evaluated the things I had yet to do, and to my surprise, I hadn’t been to the mini-zoo! After my breakfast at the kiosk, I headed to the mini-zoo, where I saw an ostrich for the first time. Afterward, I went sightseeing at the mini-museum. I decided to shop for a few items I intended to take home at the mini-mart at noon. Then, I went to the shawarma and grills spot for a snack and took pictures at the fountain. I also played handball for the first time.
I packed this evening with activities because it was my last at the resort. I wanted to learn to play volleyball at noon, but I was told to come by evening for training where I learned the basics. Then, I went to the football pitch and joined a team, and we won! I was exhausted from the match and took a bath to cool off. Then, I went around the resort the last time, took pictures, bade my new friends’ goodbyes with a promise to keep in touch, and retired to sleep.
I left Ilaji Resort fulfilled, refreshed, and energised for the New Year. I met new people, tried new things, and had enough time alone to reflect. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I would love to go there again and again!
Omolara Adeniyi is an avid explorer of cultures. She writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
