Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Emia Haven Studio Lekki, Nigeria
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Emia Haven Studio Lekki - My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just clawed my way out of the glorious, fluffy embrace of Emia Haven Studio Lekki in Nigeria, and I've much to report. Let's be real, luxury hotels can be a gamble – you pray the online photos aren't airbrushed lies. But Emia Haven? It's… well, let's dive in, shall we? I'm going to be honest with you, and I'm going to be opinionated. Because, honey, that's the only way to do it.
First Impression: A Whirlwind (of Good Things)
The website promised “Unbelievable Luxury.” And honestly? They’re not lying. The feeling upon arrival is akin to being wrapped in a cloud of designer perfume and good decisions. Accessibility seems well thought out, which is always a HUGE plus. I didn't need it personally, but I saw elevators and well-marked pathways, which is a sigh of relief in a city that doesn't always prioritize ease of movement. Check-in was smooth. Contactless, like a futuristic handshake. That was actually kind of cool.
The Room: My Castle, And Let Me Tell You About The Damn Bed! (Okay, the Internet too)
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The room. The rooms! The pictures don’t lie. They're seriously beautiful. But what really mattered? The bed. Oh. My. God. That bed. It just… swallowed you whole in comfort. Literal heaven. So fluffy, so supportive, I nearly missed my flight because I couldn’t drag myself away. It also helped that they had blackout curtains that could probably stop a nuclear blast. Pure bliss!
And… the Internet? Yeah, I work, so that's a big deal. They boast about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas. And you know what? It worked. Fast and reliable. I even managed to stream a whole season of something without a single buffering hiccup. Victory! They even had Internet [LAN], in case, you know, you're some kind of mad scientist who needs a direct line to the server.
Speaking of Work, and The Stuff That Makes Me Happy:
Emia Haven nails the "work while you relax" vibe, which is a must, especially in this day and age. Laptop workspace is a given, but the details matter. Plenty of outlets? Check. Good lighting? Check. Comfortable chair? Double check. This isn't just a hotel; it's a damn basecamp.
They have all the standard services and conveniences: Daily housekeeping (which was on point, always), laundry service, dry cleaning, currency exchange, and a concierge that could probably find a unicorn if you asked nicely. I did see the elevator, which made maneuvering the property a breeze.
Now, Let's Talk About the Things That Really Matter (And Don't Matter!)
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is crucial. With the world as it is, I'm side-eyeing everything. But Emia Haven? They get it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff who clearly knew the drill. The attention to detail was impressive. I also appreciated the hand sanitizer everywhere and the physical distancing measures (though, let's be honest, people can be unpredictable).
- A funny aside: One day, I watched a staff member spray some stuff into a mirror, and I was about to step up to use it. I almost tripped. I didn't get to use the mirror. I was so embarrassed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where Emia Haven REALLY shines, and where my self-control went to die.
- Restaurants: There seem to be a few, I think, but I spent most of my time at one. The a la carte menu was ridiculously tempting. I went straight for the international cuisine in restaurant and never looked back. (Seriously, their chef must be magic. I was eating stuff I didn't even know existed, and I was in love.
- Breakfast service was included, and it was a full-on buffet, that includes Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. I got Breakfast [buffet] which provided you with basically everything. I had Coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, and salad in restaurant. Honestly, I got so full every morning.
- Drinks: I spent too much time at the Poolside bar. Their cocktails were dangerously good and I spent my evenings there getting very happy.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: This is where you realize this is a vacation. A real vacation.
- Pool with view: Check. Seriously impressive. And the pool itself seemed, well, pristine.
- Anecdote: I spent a solid afternoon in the pool, just staring at the view. It was pure zen until a kid jumped in and splashed me and my book. I wanted to be mad, but I just found it funny. Gotta love kids.
- Spa: They have a spa. This is where I lost myself and forgot the concept of time. I got a Massage. Then another. Then a Foot bath. Then I almost cried. It was so good. The whole experience was perfect; my muscles are saying, thank you.
- Fitness center: I can barely lift a coffee cup, but they have a fitness center. So, yeah, maybe next time.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: See, I'm really getting into this.
- Body scrub, Body wrap. Ooh, these are really speaking to me.
- Pool with view: Check. Seriously impressive. And the pool itself seemed, well, pristine.
The Nitty Gritty (Stuff That Makes or Breaks Things)
- Pets: Nope, unfortunately, the property doesn't allow pets.
- Couple's Room: They have it, it's perfect for couples who want to be intimate.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good. I didn't hear a peep from my neighbors. Except the one night that they were playing loud music in room, until they found out they were disturbing me, and they quickly shut it off.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning. Yes, and thankfully, they were on point.
- Additional toilet and Bathroom phone were nice small luxuries.
- Wake-up service, Alarm clock are included.
- Smoking area: I'm not a smoker.
- Hair dryer, Towels, Bathtub: were awesome.
- Elevator: Thank goodness they have that.
- Non-smoking rooms: A definite plus.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Always a good thing when you're alone, and not in the mood for anything.
The Not-So-Great (And the Things I'm Being Picky About)
Okay, I'm being honest, there's always something.
- The Small Stuff: Okay, this is nitpicky, but… the in-room coffee could be better. It wasn't bad, just… not the same level of perfection as everything else.
- The Loud Guest: This is more about the guest than the hotel, but the one night the guest's music came through my walls could be annoying, but luckily, the hotel made him stop immediately.
- Traffic: Okay, this really isn't the hotel's fault, but getting around Lekki can be, well, a journey. Factor in extra time, especially during rush hour.
Overall Verdict: BOOK IT. NOW.
Seriously. Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Emia Haven Studio Lekki is the real deal. It's a place where you can truly unwind, be pampered, and feel like you're living in a five-star fairytale. The staff cares, the rooms are divine, the food is incredible, the spa is heavenly. It's a splurge, for certain. But honestly? It's worth every damn penny. I'm already plotting my return!
My Unbelievable Offer (Because I'm Feeling Generous):
Okay, here's the deal: Book your stay at Emia Haven Studio Lekki within the next month, and get a complimentary foot massage at the spa! (Mention this review when you book). You deserve it. Seriously. Go. Now. You can thank me later.
Moon Lake Farm: Tupelo's Hidden Gem (MS) – You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned spreadsheet. This is… my attempt to navigate the glorious, chaotic mess that is Emia Haven Studio in Lekki, Nigeria. Prepare for a journey, not a guidebook.
Trip Title: "Emia Haven & Existential Dread (and Maybe Finding Some Decent Jollof Rice)"
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- 10:00 AM: Lagos Airport (Murtala Muhammed) - Oh, God, the heat hits you like a brick wall. I SWEAR I pre-booked a ride…where is my driver? Sigh. Okay, deep breaths. Found him eventually, sweating buckets and apologizing profusely for “traffic go chop the road.” Embrace the chaos. This is Nigeria.
- 11:30 AM: The Lekki Expressway. I’m fairly certain my heart rate is currently competing with the LAST DAY OF RAMADAN traffic. Holy moly, the cars are a colorful, honking ballet of near-misses. Every driver is a character, and I'm pretty sure one of them is currently break-dancing. Fascinating. Terrifying.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Emia Haven Studio. "Studio" feels generous at first, but hey, it looks charming enough. Check-in…well, let's just say "Nigerian time" is REAL. Took about 45 minutes. My mood swings are already a rollercoaster.
- 1:45 PM: Unpack, and realize I forgot my favourite book. (MAJOR DEPRESSION). The room? Cleanish. The AC is sputtering, but it's better than nothing, I guess. I might need a stiff drink. Or twelve.
- 2:30 PM: Lunch at a local "Mama Put" restaurant. Ah, the promise of jollof rice. I've dreamed of this moment. And… it's… okay. Definitely needs more pepper. The plantain, however, is a revelation. Sweet, crispy, and divine. This, I could get used to.
- 4:00 PM: I’m meant to be working on a project, but instead I'm staring at the wall trying to reconcile with the fact that I have zero mobile data. It's so bad, if I didn't have the offline maps I downloaded, then I'd be lost (again) forever.
- 6:00 PM: The power went out. Okay, this is actually quite a mood killer. My "chill" is currently evaporating in the humid heat. I start to wonder what's the point of my life. Am I here for something? or is this just a distraction?
- 7:30 PM: Power's back! Small victories. But now, I'm staring at my laptop, the blank screen mocking me. Maybe tomorrow… tomorrow will be better, right? Or maybe I should just order pizza.
Day 2: Jollof Journeys & Market Mayhem
- 8:00 AM: Okay. New day, new me, new potential for forgetting to breathe. Breakfast at the hotel: A questionable omelet and a surprisingly good cup of instant coffee. I'm choosing optimism.
- 9:00 AM: Trying to work. Failure. But I did manage to get a little done. And I'm not sure if that's a win or a loss. I’m starting to think my brain runs on “Nigerian time” too. It's like a permanent state of… well, I don’t even know.
- 11:00 AM: I'm heading out! I've got to find a SIM card, and I've heard there's a local market nearby. I'm already bracing myself for the sensory overload.
- 12:00 PM: The Local Market: This is where it gets real. The sheer energy is incredible. The hawkers, the smells, the colors, the sheer volume of… everything. I’m pretty sure I saw a goat casually munching on a discarded mango. I didn’t even think to haggle at the first stall, so I basically gave away a small fortune for a bottle of water. I’m clearly an idiot.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch, round two. This time, I ask for a Jollof recommendation from a local. The restaurant is overflowing, and bustling with activity. The Jollof is. chef's kiss. This is what I came for. I inhaled it faster than you can say "pepper soup."
- 2:30 PM: I attempted to navigate the traffic on my own. (Terrible idea.) I swear, I saw a guy driving a Keke Napep (the infamous tricycle) with a goat on the roof. This is a level of chaos I'm not sure I'm qualified to handle.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the studio, feeling slightly shell-shocked. Another power outage. Just… sigh. I've started using my phone as a candle, and I'm finding it a little bit cathartic.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a small restaurant nearby. Again with the Jollof (I'm hooked). The locals are friendly, and I'm starting to feel… something like… a connection. Maybe this place isn't so bad after all. Or maybe I’m just delirious from the heat.
- 8:00 PM: The rain came! a full-on, torrential downpour. The world outside my window is transformed into a symphony of sound. It's beautiful, and I feel a wave of gratitude. And also, I'm really glad I brought an umbrella.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Tomorrow… maybe… I'll actually be productive. Maybe.
Day 3: The Power of Connection (and More Jollof)
- 9:00 AM: Okay, I’m actually working. I’m still feeling a little disconnected, but the internet is miraculously working.
- 11:00 AM: I strike up a conversation with a really nice guy at the local shop, we're exchanging stories and laughing and I'm realizing that this trip is, slowly, maybe, turning into something I didn't expect.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Jollof. This is practically a religion.
- 3:00 PM: I found a cafe that has stable internet. It is the best cafe I've ever been to.
- 5:00 PM: Another power outage. But this time? I don't care. I've got my book. I've got my newfound sense of… something. I even manage to laugh at the situation. Progress!
- 6:00 PM: I met up with a local artist for dinner. The conversation flows easily. We connect. I realized that despite the chaos, the heat, and the occasional power outages, there’s real beauty in this place.
- 8:00 PM: Back at my room with a newfound appreciation. Nigeria isn't just a destination; it's an experience. And yes, I've had the best Jollof rice I've eaten.
Day 4: Departure and a Question Mark
- 9:00 AM: Packing. Saying goodbye to the studio.
- 10:00 AM: I'm leaving. The airport is somehow worse than when I arrived. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and still slightly overwhelmed.
- 12:00 PM: I’m on the plane. I look out one last time. I have so many questions. What have I become?
- 1:00 PM: I landed. I look back at the trip, and I realize that this isn’t about the “perfect” itinerary. It’s about the unplanned moments, the unexpected connections, the Jollof rice, and the feeling of finally realizing that the world is a messy, beautiful place. I'm already planning my return, and this time.. I will find the goat on the roof.
So there you have it. My messy, unfiltered, and utterly human experience of Emia Haven Studio and Lekki. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the ride. And for the Jollof. Seriously, the Jollof.
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Unbelievable Luxury...or Is It? Your Burning Questions About Emia Haven Studio, Lekki, Nigeria (The Real Honest Truth, Maybe)
Okay, So What *Actually* Makes This Place "Luxury?" 'Cause, Let's Be Real, "Luxury" Gets Thrown Around a Lot.
Alright, deep breath. "Luxury." It's like a magic word, isn't it? Emia Haven… they *say* it's luxury. And yeah, the photos… wowzers. Think gleaming white surfaces, infinity pools that seem to melt into the horizon (well, the horizon *they* choose to show you, anyway…), and furniture that probably cost more than my first car.
But here’s the honest truth, or at least *my* honest truth after my slightly chaotic stay: It’s a mixed bag. Yes, the lobby *is* impressive. Like, seriously, jaw-dropping. And the staff? Mostly lovely, genuinely trying to be helpful. They’re on that "luxury" script, you know? Always smiling, always asking if you need anything.
However… and this is a big HOWEVER… the devil, as they say, is in the details. The infinity pools? Gorgeous. But the water was a *bit*… lukewarm on the day I attempted a dip. And the "high-thread-count Egyptian cotton" sheets? Felt… fine. Not cloud-nine amazing. More like, "Yeah, these are nice sheets" kind of nice. You know? Luxury with a few, very tiny, chinks in its gleaming armor.
The Rooms! Are They as Glamorous as the Photos, Or Are We Talking Instagram vs. Reality?
Ugh, the rooms. Alright, so, remember those photos? Pristine, spotless, minimalist chic? Yeah… pretty close, actually! My room was *definitely* a step up from my student digs. The minimalist thing? They nailed it. Lots of empty space, lots of white. Like, so much white it felt a little… clinical at first.
The view, however… this is where things get interesting. My “ocean view” (which I paid extra for, naturally) was more like “peek-a-boo ocean view” between a few very tall buildings. The balcony, though, that was a win. Perfect for a quiet morning coffee (which, by the way, was *delicious* from the in-room Nespresso machine. Tiny win, but still!).
And the bathroom… oh, the bathroom was glorious! Giant soaking tub, rain shower… except… and this is a small, but significant, wrinkle… the water pressure. At times, it was less of a rain shower and more of a gentle… sprinkle. So, glamorous? Yes. Flawless? Not quite. Again, like many experiences in life. "Pretty great, but needing a little bit of work."
What's the Food Like? Because, Let's Face It, Bad Food Can Ruin the Whole Vibe.
The food. This is a tough one. The restaurant, with its fancy décor and linen napkins that felt like a promise of culinary excellence, was… inconsistent. One day, the breakfast buffet was an absolute triumph. Seriously, the freshly baked croissants were worth the airfare alone. The next day? Dry scrambled eggs and lukewarm coffee.
The a la carte menu was even more of a gamble. I ordered the grilled snapper one evening, and what arrived… well, let's just say it wasn't the snapper I was expecting. It tasted okay, not awful, but definitely not *life-changing*. My friend ordered the pasta, and it was better. Go figure. The service, though, was always top-notch, even when the food wasn’t quite there. The servers were always polite, and always ready to listen if you had any complaints.
Verdict: Good, but expect some food disappointments. I'd give it a 7 out of 10 food-wise. However, the desserts? Those were heavenly. Especially the chocolate cake.
Let's Talk About the "Experience." What's There to *Do* Besides, You Know, Lounging By the Pool?
Okay, the "experience." Besides the pool, which, again, was lovely when the water *wasn't* lukewarm, there's a spa. And a gym. I visited neither. Let's be real, I'm not the target demographic for a luxury spa. I prefer my spa treatments to involve a bathtub full of bubbles and a good book.
There's also supposed to be access to the beach, apparently. But I spent most of my time at the hotel. The whole thing just felt like an extremely over-the-top place, with everything expensive that seems like one huge scheme. You can just feel it, it's not entirely welcoming. The best experience was definitely just relaxing in the room, and getting away from the overly-formal environment.
Honestly? I spent most of my time admiring the lobby. It's just so… opulent. And taking photos. Because if you don't take a picture, did it even *happen*?
Okay, Spill the Tea: Would You Go Back? And, More Importantly, Would YOU Recommend It?
Alright, the million-dollar question. Would I go back? Hmm… maybe. If someone else was footing the bill, absolutely! It's a beautiful place, no doubt about it. And the staff, for the most part, are lovely.
Would I *recommend* it? That's trickier. If you're looking for flawless, consistent luxury, the kind where everything is perfect all the time? Maybe not. But… if you're willing to embrace the imperfections, the slight inconsistencies, and the slightly over-the-top vibe? Then, yeah. It's a fun experience. A slightly flawed, but ultimately charming, taste of the high life. Just go in with realistic expectations and maybe bring your own bottle of shampoo. Just in case.
