There are few hotels outside of Lagos that can lay claim to being truly world class, but Le Meridien certainly is. The journey up the long formal drive reveals a sumptuous setting: several acres of grounds, and a private golf course dotted with palm trees, proteas and bougainvillea. The hotel has a fairly low silhouette; it’s really a series of interconnected chalets, each with their own balcony looking onto formal gardens, water features and swimming pools. The chalets meet in a cavernous lobby — a huge space, but welcoming and stylish. Alongside reception there is the Rotunda bar, the Rising Sun restaurant, a number of luxury goods shops, conference rooms, and a well-equipped two-story gym and spa.

Outside there are two swimming pools and the ‘bird table’ bar overlooking the golf course and Marina. It’s a beautiful spot and aptly named with egrets, heron and sunbirds often seen from the vantage points. Set on the far side of the site, the waterside Marina comprises tennis courts, a squash court and indoor games room.

Hotel rooms are large, stylish and well-designed with fully stocked minibars, a full DSTV service and fast Wi-Fi. One of the main benefits of having a chalet environment rather than the tower block format common to most other hotels is the access to outside space: in the evenings it’s beautifully lit, with rooms looking out over a series of thatched pergolas. For the business traveller there is a business centre with access to printers and Internet enabled PC’s as well as 10 meeting rooms and conference facilities for up to 1000.