The Clooper Guide To Ikoyi
Ikoyi is an exclusive address. It is THE exclusive address in Lagos, Nigeria!
Ikoyi is without a doubt Lagos’ most affluent neighbourhood. Located northeast of Obalende and borders Lagos Island to the west, as well as a small portion of Lagos Lagoon, Ikoyi is home to the elite, politicians/top government officials, and very well-to-do residents.
Ikoyi’s proximity to Victoria Island, Lekki, and even Lagos Island adds to its tourism and hospitality appeal. Houses in Ikoyi are extremely rare and only belong to the ultra-rich. Houses in Ikoyi are owned by Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Folorunsho Alakija, and other billionaires.
Ikoyi is home to important consuls. The Consular-General of the United States of America to Nigeria is on Ikoyi Crescent. Bourdillon Road, Alexander Road, and Gerrard Road are all long stretches of road that are regarded as the most prestigious in Nigeria!
This stretch has the French Embassy, the Iranian Embassy, the Iraqi Embassy, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Commissioner of Lagos Police, the Deputy-Governor of Lagos State, the National Army Headquarters Liaison Office, the Federal Secretariat of Nigeria, and so on.
It is home to Banana Island, currently Nigeria’s most extravagant and expensive neighbourhood, which has been compared to Paris’s Seventh Arrondissement, San Diego’s La Jolla neighbourhood, and Tokyo’s Shibuya and Roppongi neighbourhoods.
Ikoyi is home to luxury hotels, opulent homes, upscale boutiques, and artisan bakeries, as well as high-end Nigerian restaurants and cocktail bars.
It is also an excellent place to live, thanks to its beautiful scenery and well-kept trees. One of Lagos’ most expensive neighbourhoods, but well worth it.
PROPERTIES AND PRICES
TO BUY
Ikoyi is a wealthy neighbourhood. It is also the most exclusive location for the wealthiest of the wealthy. The cost of buying or renting a home in this area reflects this.
A high-end 4-bedroom apartment in the high-end neighbourhood of Ikoyi will set you back around N829,000,000 to N1,660,000,000.
TO RENT
In most cases, this location is prohibitively expensive because it caters to the 1%. Also to families who have passed down lands and family homes. It’s not called “Old Money” for nothing!
A four-bedroom apartment in central Ikoyi can cost as much as N25,000,000 per year to rent. This does not include deposits, service fees, or other fees.
TO STAY
Luxury serviced apartments in Ikoyi and its environs can cost as much as N160,000 per night. Click here to see some of our professional managed properties.
GREEN SPACES
Ikoyi has maintained its indulgent reputation over the years. There are serene places to explore in the affluent neighbourhood, from the trees, plush scenery, intimidating buildings, serene atmosphere, and overall quiet in the midst of the activity-filled Lagos.
Falomo Garden is a lovely park maintained by a Lagos state agency, located just beneath the Falomo link bridge and directly across from the Falomo roundabout.
Visit Clear Essence California Spa & Wellness Resort for a relaxing break from the daily grind. This exclusive facility in a lush garden setting, tucked away on Alexander road in Ikoyi, will help awaken your inner senses and help your mind. To rejuvenate, indulge in their baths and spa treats, as well as the resort’s overall indulgent atmosphere.
Ikoyi Golf Club, a private-member family club founded in 1938 following the merger of the European Club and the Lagos Golf Club, is one of Nigeria’s oldest sports club.
It has remained an “elite only/expatriates club” run by top European civil servants and respected business leaders.
The Ikoyi Club has evolved from a European-only club to one of the best examples of multiracial clubs, with membership from all over the world.
Explore the club’s extensive food and drinks menu from their kitchen. Open for lunch and dinner, the club restaurant serves international cuisine. With the exception of the Cads bar, which is open from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am daily and the Main bar, which is open until 2:00 am on weekends, all bars are open from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Explore the magazine stores, sports souvenir stores, gym and spa. Try some spicy ‘suya’, the Lawn Tennis and Golf sections have some of the best.
Ikoyi is full of hidden gems that you should learn about and thoroughly explore!
THINGS TO DO
Eat, Play, Repeat! Ikoyi has a lot of great bars, indulgent artisanal bakeries, restaurants, and high-rise hotels.
Eric Kayser Ikoyi. Eric Kayser, located within the Alliance Française de Lagos / Mike Adenuga Centre, is a great place to visit if you enjoy baked goods, ice cream, and slightly opulent dishes.
It is the ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, meetings, and everything else. The setting is visually appealing, and you will enjoy it. There is also outdoor seating if you want to take in the fresh air.
Southern Sun, Ikoyi. The intimidating building offers guests a stunning view of Ikoyi. This lovely hotel is memorable for its popular buffet. The spa, gym, pool, room service, complimentary breakfast, and ample parking space have all contributed to this hotel’s popular appeal. The restaurant offers a variety of meals, which is always a plus. The pool is clean, and the sauna/steam room is quiet and private! These are pluses.
For even more indulgent and memorable moments, visit The George, The Garden, Ikoyi, and The Wheatbaker, among others.
Amenities
Ikoyi is a nature lover’s paradise. Parks and gardens are well-kept here. You’ll be able to find anything you need in a matter of minutes, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and fruit markets.
Within minutes, you will also find high-end boutiques, top cosmetics stores, bars, outdoor cafes, and restaurants.
Depending on your preferences and budget, there are numerous gyms and other facilities nearby. Ikoyi has a well-developed infrastructure and road network.
Education
Living in Ikoyi offers its own set of educational opportunities, as there are several good schools nearby.
So, if you’re looking to relocate your family or enrol your children in good local schools that offer A levels, here are some good nursery, primary, and secondary school recommendations.
- St Saviour’s School, Ikoyi
- St. Georges Boys & Girls School
- Bridge House College
- Greenwood House School Parkview Estate
- St. Gregory’s College
- Heritage House School Ikoyi
- Corona Primary School Ikoyi
- Lagos Preparatory School
- Le Poshe School
- Holy Child College
- Brownsville College Ikoyi
Looking to discover this affluent location? You can book an apartment here.
Looking to explore the island? Check out our Lekki and Victoria Island Area Guides here and here.
Featured Image: Kings Tower (kingstower-ng.com)