Lifting Ondo tourism profile with hills resort in Idanre

ONDO State government has taken a giant leap in its tourism revolution with construction of the world-class hills resort reflecting government’s commitment to development and promotion of tourism in the state.

  The ancient town of Idanre hosts the newly built hills resort. The sprawling town is known for its rich historical attraction signposted by the magical Idanre hills with its alluring and enchanting picturesque conference of undulating rocky ranges and mountains. 

  Idanre hills once served as the base for the people of the town who were said to have lived atop the rocky and mountain plains for centuries until they settled at the bottom of the hills.

  The construction, according to the state tourism authority, reflects efforts at harnessing tourism potentials for global harvest without compromising the natural appeal of the hills. 

  Construction wise, the project, to the amazement of the people was under taken in a record time of 90 days. This is said to be a great feat as nowhere else in the world a project of such magnitude had been completed within that period. This feat is said to be a demonstration of the government’s determination to fasttrack the ground design to open the tourism underbelly of the town to the world.

  Named Idanre Hills Resort, it sits at the foot of the hills with its attractive and inviting pose. The site where the resort is located was once used as dump site until the state government took over the location, cleared the dump and now a gorgeous and aesthetically appealing resort stands in its place. For the people, this is a clear case of ‘transforming bush to a destination.’

  Spreading across five kilometres, the hills resort is well apportioned and fitted with a blend of sophisticated and traditional African motifs. It is the first of such hills resort to be located anywhere in Nigeria. 

  Amongst its facilities are tree houses, houses on the rock (Ile oriota), all fully serviced apartments (three bedrooms and two bedrooms, ensuites); featuring tastefully fitted amenities for the pleasure of the guests, all creatively crafted and exuding a blend of African and continental motifs.

  Other facilities at the resort are swimming pool, dining/bar, lounge, spa and treatment area for massage, game arcade and a walk way. Guests are guaranteed 24 hours services with each apartment enjoying the presence of beautifully attired female butler.

  Besides, the resort has a reception, where guests are first treated to special traditional reception and exposed to unique facilities such as sit out area, mini theatre with stage, game facilities such as table tennis, snooker boards and a number of traditional games.

  Other facilities of the resort include a restaurant, swimming pool, finger bar, outdoor stage and a VIP stage, children’s playground fitted with a number of facilities, sports facilities, sit out area atop the rocky ranges, kiosks for traditional cuisines and snacks, office complex and Wadii (meaning come and plait your hair). The complex also lends itself to eco – tourism scenery as it boasts a naturally enticing and breezy environment, which allows for exploration of the outdoor elements and aesthetics of the resort. 

  The hills resort has since opened for business as it hosted a number of guests during last year’s MARE Festival, a festival, which is devoted to promoting Idanre Hills as part of the festival’s activities is mountain climbing. It has continued to attract patronage from the town’s residents and visitors, particularly tourists to the hills.