This lovely island paradise is located just beyond Snake Island, bordered by the waters of the Lagos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Established in September 2013 by the Grand Imperio Group the name is derived from the Yoruba “Ninuigbo” which literally means “inside the bush” this grand enterprise was built in less than 360 days. All the furniture was built on site by EH furniture owned by the Grand Imperio Group from the chairs, tables to the beds.
There are 125 rooms in total ranging from the Standard – N35, 000, Deluxe – N45, 000, Two Bedroom Chalet- N75, 000, Oceanview –N65,000, Executive – N100, 000 and Six Bedroom-N270, 000
Apart from the view of the ocean there are 2 swimming pools, a stable with 13 horses, a Golf course, a football pitch, 10 Quad Bikes, Volley Ball and Basketball courts. For a birthday parties, school reunions, wedding reception or corporate retreat there are two multipurpose halls with 35 – 200 person capacity. And the resort has a DJ on site that costs N150, 000.
The preferred manner of arrival for most guests is by boat and the pick-up points are Addax Jetty by Sand-field Bus stop along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island and Lagos State Regatta Jetty along Queens Drive, Ikoyi. I was tardy and missed the 11am boat and had to wait almost two hours for another. I also didn’t find the regatta jetty on time (they need to put up a big sign). Eventually I got a call from the captain who informed me of his arrival at the jetty. He had two crewmen who helped load some recently purchased items needed at the resort, then I boarded along with a nice couple who happened to be on their honeymoon, their names were Ify and Raphael Chukwuneke. The captain told us the commute would last 20-25 minutes and cast off; we chatted while I took photos of the couple, all the way to Island.
The jetty is sturdy and a straight walk to shore, where you are greeted by the Inagbe Grand Resort and Leisure sign. At the reception I met the manager; Mr. Jide who after meeting with me instructed the staff to show me around. I rode in an SUV for the almost four minute drive to the beach which had about 10 completed and furnished chalets with lots of room for more to be built, a pier, a pool, a clubhouse, two elevated platforms that gave bird’s eye views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
There were some ladies on the pier having a party high-school reunion party, not to be rude I didn’t take any close up pictures of the pier but I was allowed to go into one of the chalets and I got beautiful photos of these mini bungalows with the layout of studio apartments i.e. living room/bedroom/dining room all in the same space but with such a lovely view of the ocean to wake up to. I would spend a weekend at Inagbe just for that view.
I soon went back to the main part of the resort that housed the different rooms each block represented a different state in Nigeria and had a fancy plaque to prove it. I between the blocks was a min amusement center for the kids. There were paved paths to each doorway and down to the floating restaurant. Just picture the effect of dining out o the water and listening to the waves slapping the wooden stilts the whole place is sitting on. The DJ was spinning his tunes for the ladies having their reunion and I met the honeymooning Chukwunekes out for a stroll. We chatted and I took more photos of them because the light of the setting sun made the atmosphere just right. I saw a barbecue grill going by the second pool on the resort and asked to see the regular menu. It had the usual fare of Continental, Intercontinental and local cuisine. And whilst chatting with the staff I found out that majority of them are members of the indigenous residents of the town. No wonder they all seemed at home in their element. I went round the rooms in the blocks and some of which were 6 bedroom flats with really large showers/ bathrooms.
Much too soon, I got word that the captain was ready to take all day-trippers like myself back to the Jetty in Ikoyi. I had fun and made new friends and I’ll say this about the Inagbe Grand Resort & Leisure; it’s an awesome getaway for couples or large groups. And while some might say the expense is on the high side I say it’s totally worth it. Corporate entities can use it for retreats for their staff, it’s perfect for the large family as there’s something for all the age groups.
Check it out today.
