Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports on the amazing transformation of ancient heritage into a modern leisure complex. Going to and living in Ondo State has been made all the more pleasant with a revolutionary construction of a world class resort. With the recent transformation of Idanre Hills into an alluring and enchanting picturesque destination, conferencing, hospitality, leisure and entertainment have taken a giant leap for good. With this latest effort, Governor Olusegun Mimiko has demonstrated his unalloyed commitment to development and promotion of tourism in the state.
The newly built hills resort is an eco-friendly blend that amplifies the heritage of Idanre, which is known for its magical Idanre hills. It once served as the settlement of 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. This latest move by the government is, according to the state tourism authority, part of the effort at transforming the spot into a tourism haven with a lot of development carried out in preserving the natural appeal of the hills and transforming it into a tourist destination for the pleasure of tourists. Construction wise, the project, to the amazement of the people was undertaken in a record time of 90 days. This feat is said to be a demonstration of the government’s determination to fast track the ground design to open the tourism underbelly of the town to the world. The state government has commenced a move to enlist Idanre Hills Resort in the Guinness Book of Record as the only hills resort to be completed in 90 days. This is expected to further boost the hills resort and attract global attention to it.
Named Idanre Hills Resort, it is built at the foot of the hills and it is a very attractive and inviting structure. The site where the resort is located was once used as dumpsite until the state government took over the location. Now a gorgeous and aesthetically appealing resort stands in its place. 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. The resort compels attention with its most impressive and imposing outlook. Amongst its facilities are tree houses, houses on the rock (Ile oriota), all fully serviced apartments (Three bedrooms and two bedrooms, ensuite); featuring tastefully fitted amenities for the pleasure of the guests, all creatively crafted and exuding a blend of African and continental motifs. Besides, the resort has a reception, where guests are first received and given a treat of the resort’s traditional welcome (Ekaabo) treat and the reception consist of sit out area, mini theatre with stage, game facilities such as table tennis, snooker boards and a number of traditional games.
With this resort, which boasts world class facilities, visitors to the town are now guaranteed a choice option of overnight stay where they would be treated to the best of contemporary and African entertainment packages as part of the services on offer.
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.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/idanre-hills-transforms/201848/
