As you’re well aware, I spent the past week in Lagos, Nigeria, visiting fabric markets, luxury boutiques, and more! During my time there, I patronized restaurants, did a bit of shopping, and lived it up!
Take a look at a few Fashion Bomb tips for Lagos:
1. How to Get There.
We were booked on a direct flight from JFK to Lagos on Arik Air, a Nigerian airline operating a domestic, regional and international flight network. I flew business class, and I must admit: it was nice! The roomy seats fully reclined, the food was delish, and the decor was reminiscent of a discotheque!
The business class service was the bomb, and I was happy as a clam watching Nigerian and international movies while sipping champagne. But then I landed…and my suitcase didn’t appear on the baggage carousel.
Thus began three days of confusion, unanswered questions, and frustration. It seemed as if Arik didn’t have a computerized system to find my checked bag. Bag tag numbers were written down on forms instead of put into a system, and it seemed everyone we called didn’t know where my bag was! I feared it was lost, stolen, switched, or had completely disappeared into the ether. Thankfully, after several Snapchatters and insiders asked about my luggage’s whereabouts, it was located, and I was given my belongings.
After all that, I’d honestly recommend flying Arik again, ONLY if you DON’T check your bags. I spoke to my father, who was a pilot for United Airlines for several years, who also said that he tries not to check bags on international flights with airlines he’s not super familiar with. I’d say it’s a good rule of thumb! If not, Delta also flies to Lagos…
Just saying!
2. Where to Stay
Pierre and I stayed at the Radisson Blu, which has nicely appointed rooms, a yummy restaurant, and a cosmopolitan outdoor dining and pool area.
My room was freezing because of a broken Air Conditioner, but aside from that, I have zero complaints about Raidisson Blu! Customer service was tight. It was bomb!
3. Where to Eat
I probably gained about 10 pounds in Lagos. The food is DELICIOUS (if you like spicy food). Egusi soup, peppered snails, beef stew, pounded yam, Joloff rice, jumbo prawns…my mouth is literally watering thinking about all of it! I loved it all (though the food didn’t always love me…!).
We had the best cuisine in all of Lagos, so behold, my favorites.
This snazzy café and restaurant features bumping music and some of the best in Nigerian cuisine. You can get everything from Beef Burgers and Grilled Steak to Peppered Snails and Roasted Fish.
What to Get: The Seafood Okra and a Chapman with Ciroc.
In addition to food, Terra Kulture has a bookstore on the main floor, and an art gallery on the 2nd floor. Pop by for readings, events, and mouth watering meals.
What to Get: The Egusi Soup
Bring your laptop to Crust and Cream to get some work done while sampling their menu. All the seafood is a safe bet; they have more American cuisine than other restaurants mentioned.
What to Get: The Crispy Prawn Appetizer.
4. Where to Shop
Meidei exclusively carries African designers, from Eve & Tribe to Ada by Alter Ego, and more.
Their prices run the gamut; there really is something there for everyone!
With goals to expand into a department store, Meidei’s 2nd floor houses their beauty enclave, where you can get a mani pedi, hair and makeup, body scrubs, organic products, and more.
Shoe game crazy? Make it even crazier with haute heels from Florence H.
Inside their two locations, you’ll find flats, heels, and booties by Sergio Rossi, Rene Caovilla, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Casadei.
With the manager of Alara, Lagos
Alara Lagos is a fashionista’s dream! Your eye will dance with delight as you gaze at all the beautiful items and breathtaking architecture.
The concept store carries local art, furniture, and European brands that cater to an African or global aesthetic like Stella Jean, Dries van Noten, Mary Katrantzou, Marni, Nicholas Kirkwood, Stella McCartney, and more.
Prices are steep, but I challenge you not to find something you enjoy.
All about accessories? Look no further than Polo Avenue. You’ll find Rolex Watches, Gucci Bags, Jimmy Choo heels, and Les Petits Joueurs bags, along with sparkly, vibrant baubles by lesser known designers.
Try on shoes and bags as you swill champagne. Guys, they have stuff for you, too!
You’ll love every minute.
See more at PoloLuxury.com.
5. What to do
When I go away, I like to luxuriate. Which means, lay by the pool, dine at a delectable restaurant, maybe go out a day or 2. While we spent a lot of our time on the move, I was able to relax at Oriki Spa (7B Oju Olobun Street V/I Lagos; OrikiGroup.com).
I decompressed with a full body massage, foot rub, and facial using all natural ingredients.
It was heavenly! Book your appointment at OrikiGroup.com.
And that does it!
Do you have anything to add?
*See more Lagos, Nigeria insights at TheBombLife.com.
A few extra Lagos, Nigeria Notes:
*A lot of my friends asked me about security and safety. It’s hard to say, as we were accompanied by a driver and security the whole time.
Francis, our Security Guard
I met some residents who didn’t think security was necessary, and others who did. Suffice it to say that Francis never had to use his gun, but it felt good to have him there. If you don’t have a mobile security guard, it would be a good to have a local contact who can pick you up from the airport or help you in a pinch.
**Uber just opened up their Lagos chapter, so you can definitely use them to get around. See more at Instagram.com/UberLagos.
***Images: Karl Pierre
