Vacation in Abuja? or dare I say Bae-cation? As a Nigerian, vacationing might be a foreign concept, not because we don’t like enjoyment, but how do you pay 50 thousand Naira to sleep in a place for one night?
In your head, you’re probably nodding and thinking this writer is on point, but I’ll burst your bubble and give you a reason to vacation with this list of the 10 best resorts in Abuja.
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, that phrase comes to mind so easily when you’re working on your laptop and decide to take a break and watch a movie or play video games, but hardly do you think of taking a long-term break.
Think about it, you work at a bank -and you’re in for it if you work in Lagos- you get up at 5:00 am so you get to work before 9:00, if you’re a mom, you have to plan for the kids, and by the time you’re rushing out of the house it’s already 7:50.
You have two options now; become Vin Diesel and drive fast and furiously to get your kids to school before 8, or sit in traffic and wonder how you can make it in time.
If you’re single, the story isn’t much different, you might not have to take kids to school but the thought of what to cook every day eventually takes its toll, and even worse, is the thought that you’re doing your best but it all just makes you really tired.
And if you’re single and schooling in a Nigerian university aka being a student, you would agree with me that nobody deserves a break more than you do!
And generally, if you’re a Nigerian currently living in Nigeria, doing anything at all to get by, take that break, you’ve earned it!
I can’t think of a group of people that probably need more rest than Nigerians do -maybe because, there aren’t any- but hardly would you hear Nigerians plan a vacation. That’s quite ironic, don’t you think?
So now I’m wondering why we don’t take vacations. In my years of experience, there’s one question that gets asked whenever the topic of vacationing is mentioned; ‘where do you see money?’. This question is phrased in so many ways, but still drives the same thought, and that’s the first reason why a lot of people don’t consider it.
So let’s break it down, what really is a vacation? I know in your head now you’re thinking of spreading a towel on the beach of Exuma in the Bahamas or swimming in the waters of the Male beach in the Maldives but in reality, a vacation is just a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation.
So no, you don’t have to travel to Paris, Greece or Mauritania or Seychelles to have a good time. All you have to do is leave home -and not leave home to become a wanderer- but if that’s your idea of a vacation, all well and good, as long as you go back home tho. Lol.
In all of this however, somebody has said “love is sweet o when money enters love is sweeter”, and if I’m being honest, you’ll need a little money to spoil yourself, so start saving up now! the year is still young, and before it’s time to take your vacation in august or September or December, you’ll already have enough.
and you’re probably still thinking ‘how much do I want to save to travel to Maldives?’, truth is you have to save a lot, but if you cannot afford Maldives, you can afford Abuja. and if you’re saying, it’s Maldives or nothing, here are the 10 best resorts in Abuja that would definitely change your mind.
why Abuja? you might ask, and I’m tempted to tell you to go first and you’ll see why but I’ll give you some insights;
for starters, Abuja is to Nigeria, and Washington DC is to the USA -that’s the capital if you missed it. although relatively new, it ranks between 1 and 3 when talking about the most popular cities in Nigeria.
Considering that it’s also the capital city, a lot of development, in terms of beautification, architecture, and construction has gone into making it look like what capital cities should look like. And yeah, it houses some of the best resorts in the country; does Transcorp Hilton ring a bell?
it’s always amazing to visit cool places and with Abuja the list of cool places is endless and which made it tasking to compile this list of the 10 best resorts in Abuja because we have streamlined this list to places that will certainly be worth your money.
These places are the destination themselves, with good food, amazing views, top-notch amenities, and an aesthetic and serene environment and they are located all over the best places in Abuja.
they also are close to other destinations that might interest you to visit during your stay. i hope I’ve been able to convince you to an extent why Abuja is it, but if not, wait till you see the resorts we have on this list and your mind would be blown.
10 Best Resorts in Abuja
Transcorp Hilton
Is it even a surprise that this one tops the list? this resort is as old as Abuja itself and the services they offer have been something to talk about, enough that there’s hardly a Nigerian who doesn’t know this place.
located at the heart of Maitama, this resort is just 20 minutes from the city centre which is close to other places that you would love to visit. and should you choose to spend your days in the resort, the amenities such as the restaurant, bar, spa and even the eco-friendly environment would keep you relaxed.
Customer service is very important to the people who run this place and they are out to make sure you’re comfortable, providing airport pickup —if you book online— a mart to cater to your shopping needs, a spa, a sauna and a club for some late night shenanigans. that explains why it’s so high on budget.
Contact Information – 08039013000
Location – 1 Aguiyi Ironsi St, Maitama 900001, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 3 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N130,000
Fraser Suites
Another high-budget resort just like the Transcorp Hilton and their services have not been disappointing because it has earned them local and international awards since 2017. if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience brought together by quality service and ambience, this is just the place.
located in the business district of Abuja, its proximity to several other places makes for an amazing sightseeing experience. you also get to enjoy some discounts, alongside airport pickup if you book your stay early enough. you also get access to a spa, pool, bar, restaurant and gym, should you choose to stay here.
Contact Information – 08139888888
Location – 3F3G+PR9, 294 Leventis Close, Central Business District, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 2 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N230,000
SEE: Top Ten Beach Resorts in Lagos
Casalinda Hotel & Gallery Resort
We can’t talk about vacation spots and exclude the Casalinda hotel and gallery resort. This resort is the destination itself. Although not a beach resort, the services provided here make you forget that maybe visiting a beach was part of your criteria. This establishment offers everything needed to make your vacation experience a memorable one.
Located close to the city centre of Jabi, Abuja; it has proximity to all the cool spots including Le Petit Square and Apple Boulevard and if you’re feeling like wine tasting, these are some of the best spots. The Casalinda hotel also caters to audiences of different classes with fair and pocket-friendly prices for every budget.
This Establishment also features an art gallery, so if you’re a lover of art or even if you’re not, but there’s someone you might like to spend some time knowing, this could be a really good place for a first date. Don’t say I never did anything for you.
Contact Information – 09127759045
Location – 6 Tarkwa Cres, Wuse 2 900001, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 2 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N58,000
SEE: Serviced Apartments in Abuja
The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartment
Let me drop the disclaimer here that, this hotel is one of the most expensive on this list and the amenities here explain why. First, the scenery makes for great aesthetics, so now you don’t have to worry about the background that’ll be in your pictures because every spot is camera worthy.
The amazing piece of art that is the building is located at Asokoro. It houses a fitness gym, a spa—for you to get rid of that tension in your shoulders— a pool and do not only provide airport pickup services but also provide tour services and drive you around the city while you’re staying there.
This and many other reasons which you have to experience for yourself is why this resort is included on this list of the 10 best resorts in Abuja.
Contact Information – 09081879231
Location – 8 Gado Nasko St, Asokoro 900110, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 2 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N60,000
Nordic Hotel
The quality service and ambience of this place have earned it a spot on this list. With the location being so close to the city centre in Jabi, this place is just 2km from fun places like the Jabi mall, Jabi Lake and Park etc.
You begin to experience luxury right from the entrance of the hotel, the atmosphere is such that you can relax and take your mind off your worries, and to make it better, there’s a poolside with palm trees and all of this works to give off the vibe that you’re vacationing on a beach.
The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and if you’re with a significant other, they make extra plans for you. Other facilities that make this place worth it include a gym, spa, restaurant, bar and pool.
Contact Information – 08099944480
Location – Blvd, Plot 1332 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Mabushi, Abuja
Check-in/out hours – 3 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N70,000
READ ALSO:
- Top 5 countries with the most Nigerians
- Top 20 countries to go for vacations around the world
- Tastiest Nigerian Street Foods
Zuma Rock Resort
I’m sure you always imagine enjoying the water, basking in the sun while sipping on coconut juice, getting a tan while enjoying the cool breeze and watching the waves. But have you ever thought about getting the same experience at a mountain? I know, that’s definitely not conventional but normal is boring and this resort proves that.
The Zuma rock resort is located at the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria expressway, and yes, it is close to the famous and immaculate Zuma rock. The well-equipped rooms give you a beautiful view of the rock at every time of the day. And if mountain climbing is your thing, you have that solved just by visiting this place.
And to add to this, there’s a poolside to spend the cool nights and hot afternoons, a horse riding and bicycle riding unit, all of which makes this place the best to breathe in the fresh air. Other facilities provided include a spa, gym, bar and restaurant. If you ask me, I’ll say it’s a best-of-both-worlds experience that you need to have.
Contact Information – 08123375147
Location – Zuma Rock, KM 6 Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria Express Way, 910103, Tafa, Niger
Check-in/out hours – 2 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N55,000
Crest Inn – Apartment & Suites
There may be many resorts in Abuja and this one might come in at number 7 on this list of the 10 best resorts in Abuja but there are only a few resorts that compare to this one.
If luxury is your goal, then this place is the exact place you need to be. A lot of resources have been invested in this place to ensure that you as a customer get the best experience. The Crest inn is recommended if your budget is on the high side, but the price reflects the standard of their service.
The food here is exceptional, and the bar makes quality drinks available for your consumption. Other services include a gym, pool, restaurant and bar.
Contact Information – 09164604166
Location – Plot 526 Shehu Yar’adua Way, District 900108, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 1 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N75,000
SEE: Lagos to Abuja by road Prices 2023
Mayfair Hotels
This work of wonder is located in two parts of Abuja; one at Wuse 2 and the other at Maitama. One thing that makes this resort unique is that; despite having two branches, the quality of service and uniformity is top-notch. You’ll find the same efficient customer service, the same ambience and the same luxury at both locations.
Their rooms in both locations are not very many so you’d have to book early to save a spot. The not so many numbers of rooms mean that there usually aren’t many people so you can enjoy your peace and quiet, after a day of mingling with and meeting new people.
Contact Information – 08101000017
Location – 2 Danube Street, Off IBB Way, Maitama 900271, Abuja,
Check-in/out hours – 12noon/12 noon
Room Rates – from N50,000
RELATED READ: 5 best Tattoo Shops in Abuja
Johnwood Hotel
Johnwood Hotel comes in at number 9 on this list of the 10 best resorts in Abuja but the potential for enjoyment and relaxation here is 11 over 10. The building which reeks of luxury is strategically located in the Berger area of Abuja, which is about 43 minutes away from Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.
The building is also just two minutes away from the Novare Mall and 20 minutes away from MKO Abiola National Stadium and The Hustle and Bustle nightclub. So imagine, a day spent at the mall and a night spent winding down at a nightclub; bliss!
The hotel itself prioritizes Luxury and this is evident in its amenities and on-site facilities The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and there are three restaurants which offer a variety of dishes ranging from local to international cuisines.
There is also a jacuzzi terrace, two bars, a gym, a sauna and a pool to help you make the best of your experience.
Contact Information – 09038852600
Location – 6 Sokode Cres, Wuse 904101, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 3 pm/12 noon
Room Rates – from N119,000
Grand Cubana Hotel
The phrase ‘last but not least’ has never been as evident as this resort shows. The Grand Cubana hotel, located in the Jabi area of Abuja is a combination of class and ambience, with consideration for low-budget planners.
The customer service reflects quality as do the other facilities present here, which you’ll hardly find at other hotels. They have a unis3x salon, a car rental service, a spa, a restaurant and a gym, all of which synergize to make your stay memorable.
Contact Information – 08133380666
Location – 6 Ebitu Ukiwe St, Jabi 900108, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Check-in/out hours – 12 noon/12 noon
Room Rates – from N35,000
Conclusion
Vacationing doesn’t have to be expensive. This list contains some of the most luxurious hotels in Abuja and even at that, some of the rates are relatively affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. You just have to want it enough to get it.
Despite all the resorts that made it to this list, there are other resorts that provide good enough service and at cheaper rates, so you don’t exactly have an excuse to not take a break.
Life can be hard, and if you get a chance to just forget about all of it, I think such a chance should be taken, even if it’s just once in a lifetime— I’ll recommend it multiple times though if you can afford it.
After going through this list, I hope that I’ve been able to convince you beyond reasonable doubt that vacationing in Abuja can be just as amazing as anywhere else and I’m looking forward to the memories you’ll make.
