Top 10 resorts for short vacations in Southwest Nigeria 

December is here, and the rush for quick, refreshing getaways is picking up.

More people are choosing staycations over long-distance travel, opting for short-stay spots that deliver comfort, fun and a break from the year’s pressure.

The short-stay market has grown quickly, offering a mix of affordable and premium options across major cities.

With each city offering its own unique vibe, the Southwest has become a reliable hub for short, activity-filled holidays.

According to official figures, Lagos recorded 18,273 international tourist arrivals in 2024, up from 16,798 in 2023 and 14,357 in 2022, showing steady growth in its appeal as a destination. A big part of that growth comes from Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for “Detty December,” which has become a cultural and social magnet.

Many of these visitors use Lagos as a gateway to explore other Southwest destinations. This interlinked regional appeal makes the region a hotspot for both locals and returnees seeking memorable holiday experiences

Individuals want short stays that offer something to do beyond relaxing indoors. Many are looking for quiet spaces close to beaches, hiking trails or wellness centres. Families are gravitating toward places that offer playgrounds and wildlife parks.

This region is packed with destinations that feel like mini-holidays without the stress of traveling far.

According to tourism experts, here are some of the top resorts for short vacations in Southwest Nigeria.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort 

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is a unique natural and leisure destination located in Ikogosi town, Ekiti State. This destination is famous for its rare warm and cold springs, which flow side by side into a confluence, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon for relaxation.

Visitors at Ikogosi Warm Springs can enjoy a variety of activities that go beyond simple sightseeing. There are forest trails for hiking, guided tours to explore the springs, swimming in the warm spring-fed pool, nature walks, and picnic spots around the resort, making it suitable for families, couples, solo travellers and returnees looking for a refreshing short-stay experience.

Accommodation at the resort is designed to extend the stay beyond a day trip, with rooms that offer comfort alongside modern amenities. Guests can stay in standard rooms, executive suites, two-bedroom villas, and a presidential villa. On-site facilities include a restaurant, conference spaces, and access to the springs and surrounding forest.

For pricing, day visits at Ikogosi Warm Springs typically include an entrance fee ranging from N500 to N2,500 per person, depending on activities, while room rates for overnight stays vary by type of accommodation. Standard lodging is from N250,000 per night, with executive and luxury villas ranging up to N500,000 per night, generally including breakfast and access to resort grounds.

KAP Film Village and Resort 

KAP Film Village and Resort is a unique cultural and leisure destination located in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This destination doubles as a traditional resort and cultural hub, with authentic movie sets used in major Nollywood productions such as Anikulapo and Ijogbon, offering visitors a rare behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of filmmaking in Nigeria.

Visitors at KAP Film Village can enjoy an array of activities that go beyond simple relaxation. There are hiking trails through scenic landscapes, horse riding across open fields, paint and sip sessions, pottery classes, and movies.

Accommodation is designed to reflect Yoruba heritage alongside modern amenities. Guests can stay in culturally themed lodges. On‑site facilities also include a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness centre and free wifi.

For pricing, day visits at the resort start at about N20,000 per person for sightseeing and basic activities, while room rates for overnight stays vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Standard lodging can begin around N75,000 to N250,000 per night with complimentary breakfast included.

Whispering Palms Resort  

Whispering Palms Resort is a classic leisure and holiday destination located in Iworo Village, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos State.

This destination offers much more than just a place to rest. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities that include boat rides on the lagoon, cycling, paddle boats, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, a swim at the pool, and picnics on the lawns. There’s also a heritage museum that highlights Badagry’s history, a mini zoo with a collection of animals to see, and open spaces for team building or family picnics, making the resort perfect for both fun and relaxation.

Whispering Palms is suitable for families, couples, and solo visitors, offering a calm, nature-filled escape that feels like a true break from city life.

Accommodation at the resort includes Poolside Terrace rooms, Marina Palm View rooms and Marina Executive rooms, all designed to offer comfort with lagoon or garden views and modern amenities that help guests relax after a day of activities. It also has on-site dining offers both Nigerian and international dishes, and the waterfront restaurant enhances the experience with scenic views and good food.

For pricing, rooms typically start around N50,000 – N65,000. Day visitors can often access the resort for a small entry fee, and activities like boat rides, paddle boats, and cycling are available at affordable rates, ensuring there are options for both overnight stays and day-cation plans.

Xtralarge Farms  

Xtralarge Farms & Resort is an innovative agritourism destination located in Sango Ota near Idiroko in Ogun State. What started as an agricultural enterprise aimed at producing organic food and empowering farmers has evolved into a destination for relaxation, education and hands-on experiences that make agriculture exciting and accessible.

The farm’s vision is to rebrand farming as fun and profitable while giving visitors a taste of nature, farming culture, and wellness in one place.

The environment at Xtralarge feels welcoming for families, couples, returnees and individuals who want more than a typical resort stay. Guests can take part in guided farm tours, interact with livestock, plant and harvest crops, and learn about organic food processing.

Accommodation at Xtralarge is designed to help guests extend their visit from a day trip. The resort blends eco-friendly lodging and modern amenities for families and friends to rest after a day of activities. Pricing options vary depending on the type of stay and activities chosen. Day-cation rates start at around N60,000 – N150,000.

Nibanola Motherland Resort  

Nibanola Motherland Resort is an expansive leisure and agritourism destination located along Km 7, Ondo‑Ore Road in Igbado, Ondo State.

At its heart is an 18‑hole standard golf course where visitors of all skill levels can test their swing against beautifully maintained greens set within a scenic landscape. Beyond golf, the resort’s lake and water sport facilities offer canoeing, kayaking and jet‑powered rides, giving guests a mix of adventure and relaxation on the water.

Nibanola Motherland Resort also embraces its agrotourism roots, with expansive farm areas and open grounds that speak to the agricultural heritage of the state. Visitors can take in gentle walks, enjoy picnics by the water, or simply soak in the peaceful setting where the atmosphere feels both refreshing and energising.

Accommodation is designed to extend the stay beyond a day‑trip, with room rates varying by category, ranging from N48,000 per night- N120,000 per night. These prices usually include breakfast and access to resort grounds.

La Campagne Tropicana 

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is a well‑known beach and nature resort in Ibeju‑Lekki, Lagos State, set on palm‑lined white sand beside the Atlantic Ocean and the Ikegun lagoon.

It combines natural beauty with a wide range of activities, making it one of the top short‑stay destinations in Southwest Nigeria for families, couples, solo travellers and returnees who want both relaxation and fun by the water.

The resort offers an array of land and water attractions that keep visitors busy all day. On land, guests can enjoy swimming in Africa’s longest pool, beach soccer, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis and horseback riding. On the water, there are kayaking, boat cruises, jet skiing and canoeing, along with quiet spots for fishing or just floating by the lagoon. Traditional drumming, cultural performances and nature walks add to the experience, giving visitors plenty to do beyond simply lounging.

Accommodation at the resort comes in a variety of chalets and villas that range from comfortable beachfront rooms to luxurious treehouses and larger family‑sized suites. Day visitors pay an entrance fee of about N7,000 per adult and 2,500 naira per kid, which includes access to many land activities and pools.

Lodging rates for overnight stays depend on the chalet chosen, with standard beachfront units starting from N187,000 per night- N500,000 or more per night depending on occupancy and features. Water sport activities and special packages are priced separately, giving guests flexibility in how they plan their stay.

Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate  

Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate is a leisure and short‑stay destination located off the Lekki‑Epe Expressway in Lakowe, Ibeju‑Lekki, Lagos State.

At its core is a championship 18‑hole golf course, but the estate also includes walking and cycling paths, lush lawns and a series of interconnected man‑made lakes that shape its relaxed, natural atmosphere.

The resort’s activities go well beyond golf. Guests can enjoy fishing, paddle boating and pontoon cruises on the lakes, take cycling trips through tranquil trails, book fitness classes or spend evenings at an outdoor cinema. Tennis courts, open‑air yoga, gym facilities and spots for group fitness

Accommodation at Lakowe Lakes is available in short‑stay cottages and apartments from around N215,000 per night for a standard room and prices vary by room types.

For visitors who are not staying overnight, there are also sports and recreational fees, especially for golf, where non‑member green fees typically run around N80,000 on weekdays and N120,000 on weekends per person for an 18‑hole round with shared cart. Lessons, equipment rental and other activities are priced separately

Epe Resort and Spa 

Epe Resort and Spa is a leisure and hospitality destination located on Itoikin Road, Epe, Lagos State, just off the Epe‑Lekki Expressway

The resort offers a variety of activities and facilities aimed at keeping guests engaged during their stay. Visitors can swim in the pool, play tennis or volleyball, try table tennis, go cycling, or use the fitness and spa facilities for massages, manicures and other wellness treatments.

The resort also has rooftop dining, a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine, and outdoor spaces where adults and children can relax and spend time together.

Accommodation rates at Epe Resort vary depending on the type of accommodation. Rooms from 22 December to 6 January range from N360,000 per night to N450,000 per night, all typically including breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 2 persons sharing. Prices at other period ranges from N100,000 per night to N150,000 per night with breakfast for two adults.

IITA Ibadan

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a large research and eco‑tourism destination located on Oyo Road in Ibadan, Oyo State. It serves as the headquarters of one of Africa’s leading agricultural research organisations, but its campus also functions as a place visitors can stay and explore nature, recreation and leisure within a secure, green environment.

The most visited part of IITA for travellers is the IITA Forest Reserve. On the grounds, there are opportunities for forest walks, birdwatching, picnics by the lake, fishing, swimming, cycling, golf, and a range of sports including badminton, lawn tennis, volleyball and squash. Some activities, such as bicycle hire and guided forest walks, carry small additional fees.

Accommodation at IITA Ibadan ranges from N836,000 for an International House Economy Room for one guest, to N968,000–N1,017,500 for Standard and Executive Rooms. In the Residential Building, rooms are priced from N968,000 to N1,001,000, Executive Rooms at N1,017,000 to N1,606,000 during the festive season from 15th December 2025 to 15th January 2026.

Golf enthusiasts can also access the estate’s course with fees for holes ranging from N8,000 to N15,000. Other activities prices include cycling (N3,500 per adult), forest walks (N4,000 per adult, N2,000 per child), fishing (N5,000), bird watching (N5,000), and gym sessions (N2,500), with group aerobics charged at N25,000 per hour.

Visiting IITA requires booking in advance, and guests must have confirmed reservations for accommodation or specific activities before they can access the campus. Once booked, guests can make use of on‑site facilities like the restaurant and explore the institute’s grounds, including the forest reserve, plant, bird life and the golf area.

Isimi Lagos 

Isimi Lagos is a wellness, leisure and lifestyle destination located in the Epe area of Lagos State, developing into one of Southwest Nigeria’s emerging short‑stay spots where nature, sport and community living intersect.

Visitors at Isimi Lagos can enjoy a range of outdoor and leisure activities. The estate incorporates a polo turf and equestrian facilities, allowing guests to watch or take part in polo events and horse riding. There are scenic trails for hiking and cycling, nature‑integrated spaces for relaxation, resort‑style pool areas, cultural events and wellness‑focused experiences such as yoga, spa sessions and farm‑to‑table interactions.

The development also hosts lifestyle events like the Isimi Lagos Polo Festival, which combines sport, art, design and social experiences in a green country setting.

Accommodation on the estate includes luxury nature cottages and lodges that are set within the greenery of the estate, designed to provide comfort amid natural surroundings with rustic and modern elements. These units allow guests to stay overnight and make the most of the recreational offerings without having to travel back into central Lagos.

Pricing at Isimi Lagos varies depending on the type of access and season, with day booking packages around N450,000 per person during peak seasons like April, November and December, and N350,000 per person rates during off‑peak seasons.