…. Latest incentive getaway for top performers and retreat for families and eco travellers.
Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing demand for leisure and unique experiences in the Atimpoku enclave of the Asuogyaman District.
Naturally, the dominant tourism activity here has generally focused on relaxation, owing to the quixotic backdrop of the suspension arch of the majestic Adomi Bridge flanged across the Volta Lake in the vicinity.
All the hospitality establishments that have sprung up along the shoreline here have become go-to places with a vibe for serenity and some idleness.
From the luscious Royal Senchi Resort to the delectable Afrikiko Riverside Resort and the delightful Bridgeview Lakeside Club on the other side, they all offer unmatched combinations of natural beauty, tranquility and some form of outdoor activity or another, with well-stocked bars and dining options.
Enter the Platinum Blue Island Resort, opening in August, a new facility set on one of the many isles scattered in the lake. Here, surrounded by breathtaking lush mountains and the dense flow of the lake, this place offers a playground for subtle adventure, rejuvenation and a strategic alignment with purpose.
And, judging from advanced bookings coming in, it already seems to be gaining ground as one of the country’s most inspiring team-building destinations. PaJohn Dadson just returned from spending two fabulous nights there.
I am standing on one of the decks jetting out into the water at the Platinum Blue Island Resort. From here, I can see the unmistakable arch of the suspension rigs of the Adomi Bridge a few kilometres upstream.
The view is an indulgence of stunning vistas of forest green and the sparkling reflection of shimmering sunlight on the dense but rippling waters of the Volta against the bright blue skies. The therapy of just staring into this space, in whichever direction, is working its magic on me. I feel so totally relaxed, at one with nature.
Originally built as a private vacation home for a family, the facility, impressive as it may be, does not command Bali-inspired attention as one would expect for such a top-tier ecological location.
The architecture does not speak to the vernacular of the space, with its white walls and double glazed windows. It looks like any other beautiful structure plucked from the midst of the ‘concrete jungle’ of Accra and placed here, an amalgamated mix of concrete, glass, aluminum and ceramic.
That notwithstanding, surrounded by the spectacular landscape of leafy greens and wilderness as it is, this place possesses a charm that passes for a serene getaway any day! The aura of loud silence that heavily hangs about alone makes it a remarkable experience just being here.
Accessed only by boat or canoe, it has about a dozen rooms configured into individual chambers and lounged apartments. Outside, there are gardens with pretty flowers and surreptitious nooks.
It is a wonderful place – a world of its own, with butterflies floating around and palm trees growing around the tennis court. There’s the medium-sized swimming pool and the jetted decks, with their cosy seats which are a big draw, setting a pace for serenity.
More of a M.I.C.E destination, Platinum Blue boasts of its meetings capacity as a big asset. It’s not exactly a massive convention venue. Nevertheless, there’s an indoor auditorium that has capabilities to host up to one hundred people, depending on how the room set up is configured. And then, there are the grounds, poolside and the lawn.
Eugene Vidzro, formerly Food & Beverages Lead at such top hotels as Novotel, Kempinski Gold Coast, the Royal Senchi Resort, as well as being founder of the 8-year-old annual Hospitality Awards & Tourism Expo Africa events, is the General Manager of Platinum Blue.
He believes that their edge in attracting a throng here is “the event planning capabilities we have. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a company-wide strategy reset, an exclusive group sanctuary for a themed party or just a weekend getaway, the Asuogyaman’s serene topography and majesty of the vast lake serves as the perfect backdrop for any event. We are here to collaborate and execute it seamlessly”.
From honeymooners to thrill-seeking eco travellers who like to hike in the nearby gorge and teams seeking a break from boardrooms, this island retreat provides the space – physical and mental – to realign, reconnect and reignite purpose.
It packs the essence of all that is needed to keep up the pace of an exciting events venue and more.
At about 90 percent done, the resort’s kitchen, though fully equipped, currently serves a limited menu. This afternoon, I had the Chef’s special beef stir fry rice with a herby pepper sauce. Each dish I have had so far has been a flavourful adventure.
If this is kept up, the food will be another pull so much that it could help make their day package just as attractive, and a good reason to cruise there for the day.
The boat ride that brings guests from their specially arranged dock situated at the Wadiva Waterfront Inn on the mainland is an exciting cruise experience in itself.
Thanks to technology’s instant communication, a waiting mini boat is deployed within minutes of announcing your arrival at the mainland dock with a call or text.
As you approach the island, the gardens surrounding the main buildings show off the beauty of the islet, instantly switching your mood, getting you in touch with nature, ready for rejuvenation.
When it formally opens in a couple of months, General Manager Vidzro is confident that they will bring about a new wave of exciting developments into the hospitality arena, particularly within that Asuogyaman-Adomi Bridge enclave.
There are plans to make non-motorised water sport equipment, including kayaks and floats, as well as motorised crafts available for use alongside hiking excursions that take thrill seekers up the nearby gorge – the scene from whose top is simply breathtaking.
Besides that, day trips would be arranged for visits to the thrilling adventure attractions of waterfalls and animal sanctuaries scattered throughout the Volta Region and within short distances away.
Did you know that it rains almost every day in the Asuogyaman District? It does, a lot! It poured down everyday that I was there.
First, it gets overcast with grey clouds that clear quickly to reveal a fiercely scorching bright sun; and then the next moment, it’s pouring cats and dogs! Then just as swiftly, it returns to scorching sun, like nothing has happened, like there has been no clime drama.
Apparently, it has something to do with the geography of that locality, known as Kalamanikofe. It is possible that this enclave, set within the valley between the Akuapem-Togo Mountain Range and sprawling water, records about the highest levels of rains in Ghana.
Locked in that spot within the expanse of the Volta gives Platinum Blue that certain appeal. As Vidzro charges, he and his team are working on providing “exceptional dining, revitalising recreation, including spa treatments and immersive cultural experiences for a truly unforgettable retreat”.
I can see that happening. Here, without effort, the mountains will move you as you move on with your mission. More than a cosy destination, the terrain presents a transformational virtue for teams seeking depth, direction and a renewed drive. Platinum offers the perfect backdrop for that connection.
As an introduction, there are plans to host an event themed ‘Island All White Affair’ all night jam set to take place on Saturday, July 5 with The Grandmaster, Nii Ayi Tagoe, manning the DJ box.
Until then, it’s a patient wait for the doors to formally open. Then, we will all WangoWango ourselves to tranquility at Blue Island.
