Abuja Getaway: Work & Play Paradise!
Abuja Getaway: Work & Play Paradise! - My Honestly Messy Review (and Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Abuja, staying at the much-hyped Abuja Getaway: Work & Play Paradise! and, let me tell you, the “Paradise” part? Well, it’s a bit of a stretch. But before you think, "Oh great, another negative review," hear me out. Because amidst the inevitable hotel hiccups (because, let's be real, every hotel has them), there were some genuinely fantastic moments. And, more importantly, this place gets the whole "work and play" thing.
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Let's be Real: The Arrival & Accessibility (with a side of "Hold Up!")
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I've traveled with people who are, and I'm always looking for how a place handles it. Abuja Getaway? Mixed bag. The elevator was a godsend (essential!), and they definitely had facilities for disabled guests. I saw ramps and what looked like accessible rooms, BUT (and this is a big but!), I didn't see explicit signage everywhere (it's the little things!). The front desk [24-hour] was always staffed, and I never saw a delay for my check-in or check-out experience, so that added to my accessibility rating.
Getting around was a breeze! The car park [free of charge] was convenient, and they even had car power charging stations - a nice touch! They also had a taxi service, and offered airport transfers which came in handy after a long flight.
Now, about that arrival. My flight was delayed. By hours. I'm talking, I arrived at 3 AM, exhausted, and just wanted a bed. The [hotel chain] aspect was nice, it was familiar. The check-in/out [express] option should have been great, in reality it wasn't. Turns out, the "express" lane was actually a slightly faster lane. Don't get me wrong, the staff were friendly, but I felt rushed. It was a lesson in not expecting miracles at 3 AM. However, the room was still ready - a massive win!
The Room: Ah, My Happy Place… (Almost!)
Okay, the room. Here's where things get interesting. I booked a non-smoking room (because, ew, smoke!), and it was… well, it was nice. Clean, with air conditioning (in all rooms), a blackout curtains and soundproofing (thank the heavens!). The bed? The extra long bed was a lifesaver for a tall guy like me. I had a desk for work (essential for a "workcation"), and the internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms!) was gloriously strong. I tested it relentlessly.
The Bathroom: A Tiny Tragedy… Then Triumph!
The bathroom was, shall we say, compact. I mean, I'm not expecting a ballroom in there, but it was a tight squeeze. The separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch (even though I’m a shower guy), and the toiletries were decent. But then, the shower head (it was ancient, and spluttered like a grumpy old man). But after a quick complaint, BOOM magic. Got me a new one! They Daily housekeeping was thorough and they kept the hot water linen and laundry washing clean. The slippers were a nice touch too - saved me from stubbing my toes on the cold tiles at midnight.
Work & Play: The Balancing Act - I LOVE IT!
This is where Abuja Getaway really shines. The whole "Work & Play" thing? They actually delivered.
Work: The internet access – LAN option was a solid backup. The laptop workspace was functional. I especially appreciated having a proper desk and the desk lamp was actually bright, not dim like most hotels. Oh and the meeting/banquet facilities were great for a formal meeting and i enjoyed the meeting stationery.
Play: Let's talk about the pool with view. Okay, picture this: sunlight, a cocktail (more on that later), and… well, the view wasn't exactly breathtaking (Abuja's not known for its dramatic scenery, right?), but it was incredibly relaxing. I spent a whole afternoon sprawled out there, and it was pure bliss. The swimming pool [outdoor] was beautiful! Now, the pool area also had a poolside bar, where a certain cocktail I remember, perfectly balanced the alcohol with a hint of tropical fruit, was my best friend.
The Spa: A Deep Dive into Relaxation (and a Few Quirks)
Okay, so the spa. I got the full treatment. Body scrub, body wrap, massage, steamroom, spa/sauna, sauna, and foot bath. Now, I'm not going to lie, the place looked a little… dated. The decor was a bit 90s, and the music was definitely on a loop. But the massage? AMAZING. The therapist was incredibly skilled, and I swear, I felt years of tension melt away. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. I definitely recommend booking the Spa.
Food, Glorious Food! (Mostly…)
The restaurants are decent. I took advantage of the breakfast [buffet]. Their Asian breakfast was a revelation! (I was craving some local flavor, but their international cuisine hit the spot when I needed something more familiar.) I went for their salad in restaurant, i just had to try the soup in restaurant, and their desserts in restaurant was the best part of the meal. The coffee/tea in restaurant was always ready.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
YES! Despite the minor hiccups (the slightly dodgy shower head, the slow check-in), Abuja Getaway: Work & Play Paradise! is a solid choice, especially if you need that work/life balance. They've clearly put a lot of thought into making this a comfortable, functional, and yes, even fun hotel. The staff trained in safety protocol, I felt safe during my visit here. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere! AND safe dining setup!
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Unbelievable Beachfront Views! Umdloti Resort 704, Durban Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is Abuja, Nigeria, through the eyes of someone who needs to work, but also desperately needs a vacation and some sanity. Forget the pristine, pre-planned perfection. This is going to be a glorious hot mess, and I'm here for it.
Subject: Abuja: Hustle & Zen - A Hilariously Imperfect Itinerary (Pray for Me)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Caffeine
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Land at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Ugh, airports. The smell of jet fuel mixed with… something… uniquely Nigerian hits you like a brick. Immigration? Pray for the best. Honestly, the efficiency (or lack thereof) is part of the experience. This is where you start learning to breathe deeply and embrace the chaos. Find a driver – negotiate the price ruthlessly. They'll try to fleece you, it's the game. But don't be afraid to haggle! It's a cultural necessity, not a personal attack.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check into my hotel. (I'm leaning towards either the Fraser Suites - hoping their internet is decent - or maybe somewhere a little more… local. Gotta choose wisely for the Wi-Fi situation, folks. Can't work if I can't actually work.) The real tragedy is the lack of good coffee. The search begins! Seriously, finding a decent espresso in Abuja is a Herculean task. I'm envisioning myself wandering the streets like a caffeine-deprived zombie, muttering about "flat whites" and "artisanal beans."
- Afternoon: The actual work part. Set up my laptop. Pray the Wi-Fi doesn't abandon me (a common problem in these parts). Try to squeeze in a few hours of actual work… wish me luck. I'll probably get distracted by the view, which is hopefully a bit more inspiring than my current, sad excuse for a home office.
- Evening: Food! Dinner. I'm thinking suya! (Grilled, spiced meat – a must-try.) Or maybe some jollof rice, the national dish. (And the subject of fierce, ongoing national debate about who makes the best jollof. I’m prepared to take sides.) Find somewhere lively, preferably with some actual character. Maybe a bar with live music – gotta soak up the atmosphere. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find the caffeine I desperately need.
Day 2: The Abuja City Tour - Or My Attempt to Avoid Tourist Traps
- Morning: Wake up. Hope my back isn't killing me from that awful airline seat. Actually, I hope I wake up at all. Did I set an alarm? No clue. Gotta start work, but first, coffee! And maybe a quick trip to a local market. I'm all about experiencing the real Abuja, not just the sanitized tourist version. This is where I start getting into serious "negotiation" mode. I'm talking down prices like a seasoned pro. Okay, maybe not. But I'll try. And inevitably, I'll probably overpay for something because I just can't bring myself to argue that hard.
- Mid-Morning: The Aso Rock Viewpoint! (The iconic Nigerian presidential villa). It's obligatory, right? The view will be amazing, regardless. That and the Presidential Villa itself I imagine are pretty awesome.
- Afternoon: I also want to visit the National Mosque and National Christian Centre. Hopefully, I can get some work done during this time, and maybe I'll meet an interesting person.
- Evening: This is where things get a little vague. After work, I'm thinking… more suya? Or maybe try shawarma. Or perhaps a fancy restaurant? Or probably just collapse in bed and order room service because I'm exhausted from being on a "vacation." The struggle is real.
Day 3: Shedding the Workload and Embracing the Beauty
- Morning: Finally, no work! (Or at least, minimal work. I'll probably be sneaking emails in when no one's looking). Today is all about nature, baby! First, a visit to the Millennium Park. Supposedly, it's the largest park in Abuja. We all know how much I love walking.
- Afternoon: Zuma Rock. It's that giant, imposing rock formation that looks like it's guarding the city. It's a bit of a drive, and I'm completely prepared to get lost. Navigating traffic in Abuja is like a real-life game of Frogger, except with more potholes and aggressive drivers. Seriously, they need a much bigger Frogger board.
- Evening: Find a place for dinner with a view (if I'm brave enough to venture out after dark) and maybe watch the sunset. It's a beautiful city, but the stress is always there, like a persistent mosquito buzzing in your ear. No matter what, I'll try to relax and enjoy myself.
Day 4: The Work-Life Balance Experiment (Spoiler Alert: It Might Fail)
- Morning: Back to the grind. More work. More coffee (hopefully, the search continues). The cycle repeats. But today, I'm determined to maintain a semblance of work-life balance. I swear! I'll put down my laptop, take a walk, breathe some fresh air.
- Afternoon: Maybe visit a spa? I could use a massage to work out the knots in my shoulders from hunching over my laptop. Or maybe get my hair done.
- Evening: Okay, here's where the "work-life balance" might fall apart. I'm thinking of trying out one of the many clubs in Abuja and maybe, just maybe, I'll meet someone interesting. Or I'll dance horribly and regret it in the morning. Either way, it's a chance to unwind. And maybe find a good drink to help me forget all the work I still have to do.
Day 5: Departure (or, Thank God!)
- Morning: Last-minute work, packing, and the inevitable frantic search for my passport (which I swear I put somewhere safe).
- Afternoon: Head back to the airport. Embrace the chaos. Hope my flight isn't delayed. Pray to whatever deities control air travel that I actually make it home this time.
Reflections and Post-Trip Ramblings (Because I Know Myself)
This itinerary is a guideline, a suggestion, an optimistic illusion. The reality will probably be messier, more stressful, and far more hilarious. I know I'll get lost, I'll get frustrated, and at some point, I'll probably want to chuck my laptop out the window. (Don't worry, I won't. Mostly.)
But within the mess, there's beauty. There's the energy of the city, the warmth of the people (once you get past the initial, "are you trying to sell me something?" vibe), the incredible food, and the sheer resilience of the human spirit.
So, wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually get some work done and have a decent vacation in the process. Or maybe I'll just come back with a suitcase full of stories, a caffeine addiction, and a slightly frayed sanity. Either way, it'll be an adventure.
And that's the truth.
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Abuja Getaway: Work & Play Paradise? (Or Is It Just Me?) - Let's Get Messy!
Is Abuja really a "Work & Play Paradise," or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be real, shall we? "Paradise"? Maybe a *slightly* overzealous description. I mean, I've seen paradise... and I've seen Abuja. They're... different. Abuja's paradise-adjacent, I'd say. The "work" part? Definitely legit. Tons of shiny new buildings, government offices buzzing with activity (or at least the appearance of it, from the outside, I'm just saying!). "Play"? Okay, this is where it gets interesting.
I went thinking it was a concrete jungle...which is pretty true, let's not lie. But I also managed to get a few good experiences.
What's the work scene like? Is it all suits and power lunches? (And do they actually *like* the food?)
Suits? Oh, yes. And enough power lunches to fuel a small nation. I'm not kidding. I swear, I saw more people in perfectly tailored outfits than I have in my entire life. Which, admittedly, isn't saying *that* much. But still!
The food? Hmmm. Okay, deep breath. The options are vast, from your local buka to the swanky international restaurants that look like they were beamed down from a Michelin star universe. And the power lunches... are *intense*. Deals are made, reputations are cemented, and… well, I'm not exactly sure *what* they're eating. I stuck to the jollof rice and suya, and it was ALWAYS a good call. The suya? That's a solid win.
One time, I accidentally walked in on a meeting where the power players were all chewing pens and looking serious and stuff. I wanted to ask if they'd seen the meme of the week- but I figured I should probably keep my nose out of other people's business.
Okay, the "play" part! What is there to *actually* do for fun? Don't tell me it's just sitting in hotels.
God, no! Please. I would have lost my mind! And I am NOT a fan of hotel-sitting. Look, it's not *immediately* obvious, but Abuja does have some fun stuff.
Outdoorsy stuff: Zuma Rock (a must-see, even if you just drive by!), parks (some are actually quite lovely, surprisingly green!), and hiking trails (if you're feeling adventurous and brave -- the heat!). I swear, I saw a guy trying to climb Zuma Rock in a suit. I'm still not sure what his story was.
Nightlife: You *have* to hit up a club or two. Get ready for loud music, and fantastic energy (and, you know, some very late nights). It's a vibe. Be aware, it can get a bit...well, *unpredictable* sometimes, so keep your wits about you.
Shopping: There are huge malls filled with luxury shops and more local markets. I went to a local market by accident (thought I could get some fruit) and ended up with a whole pile of souvenirs. I'm not complaining.
Is it safe? I've heard mixed things...
Let's be candid. Abuja is generally seen as safer than some other parts of the country, but that doesn't mean you can run around like a headless chicken. Common-sense precautions are a must!
Lock your doors, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid flashing expensive things around. Oh, and definitely travel by reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps, especially at night. Like I said, common sense! I felt mostly safe, but I always kept a wary eye. And a hand on my bag. Just in case.
The traffic! Tell me about the traffic! Will I ever escape the car?
Oh, the traffic. *Deep breath*. It's a thing. A *very* big thing. It's legendary. It's… let's just say, calculate your travel time *generously*. Add an hour. Then, maybe add some more. And pack a podcast or five.
I swear, I spent more of my life in a car than I did anywhere else. It's just a real test of patience. On the plus side, you get a fantastic view of the city! From inside a car!
Seriously though, the traffic is the one thing that might actually drive you insane. I think I saw a guy playing chess on the dashboard of his car once. Dedication, I guess.
What's the hotel situation like? Are there decent places to stay that won't break the bank?
Hotels are a mixed bag. You can find everything from ridiculously luxurious five-star palaces (where you could probably get lost in the lobby alone) to more budget-friendly options. The prices vary wildly, too. Do your research. Read reviews. And check, double-check, and triple-check the location! You don't want to end up in a location which is a long drive away from everything.
One time I got a budget hotel and it was... fine? It was clean. It had air conditioning. That was about all it had. But I survived! And the breakfast was… edible. So that's a win.
What's a MUST-DO experience that everyone should have in Abuja?
Okay, this is my opinion, and you can take it or leave it. But for me, the must-do, hands down, is… a Suya crawl! (Or, if that sounds too much like hard work - a Suya binge.) Okay, not technically a "crawl." But hear me out. Every corner has a suya stand and a different taste and a different vibe. Honestly, some of the best of Abuja's food? Right there. Get yourself a good suya, maybe some pepper soup to wash it down, and just… enjoy. Trust me on this one. It's *delicious*. And it makes the traffic, maybe, almost worthwhile. Almost.
Seriously, go eat suya. Please.
Any advice for a first-time visitor?
Okay, some rapid-fire tips from yours truly:
- Pack light, but pack smart. The weather is warm,Trip Stay FinderA perfect place for working and vacating guest. Abuja NigeriaA perfect place for working and vacating guest. Abuja Nigeria
