Amaka’s Travel Guide: The Best Places to Stay, Eat, and Explore in Lebanon, Zanzibar, and Doha

InMyCity is a series where people share the parts of their city that make it special to them, from the best places to eat to hidden gems and popular spots.

In this edition, we speak to travel and lifestyle creator Amaka, and she’s doing things a little differently, taking us on a tour of some of her favourite places around the world.

What I love the most about traveling is that it opens me up to new experiences that I could miss back home. I get to immerse myself in different cultures, cities, people and histories, that’s a really special thing.

Here are a few of my favourite places from recent trips.

Getaway

Scappa Resort, Lebanon: In Lebanon, I really like this resort called Scappa, and I will tell you why. It is a weird reason to like a place, but it is one of the only places in the entire country that caters to the Nigerian palate. Their food is as spicy as we make ours, and that is why a lot of Nigerians go there.

The resort is up on a mountain, so you get all these hilly views, and some of the chalets are shaped like an eagle’s nest, which makes it feel like you are living in one. It is breathtaking. They also have an infinity pool overlooking the entire mountainous landscape, which is to die for.

I have been to Lebanon twice, but I have been to this particular place three times. The best part is how different it feels depending on the season. In summer, there are more people, the pool feels different, and they have all these activities like a bonfire. They also bring out a canopy of umbrellas, kind of like the ones you see in Puerto Rico. In winter, you get stunning mountain views covered in snow, and the bonfire becomes a cozy gathering spot. Just two completely different vibes, which I love.

Bamboo, Zanzibar: I stayed at this hotel in Zanzibar called Bamboo, and I think it is one of the cutest rustic spots. It does not necessarily have a modern vibe, but the name is Bamboo, so you expect to see a lot of it everywhere. The view, the food, the water, and the beach made it one of my favorite places ever. They also had an amazing spa where I got a foot treatment, a massage, and a facial.

Where to Eat

Morimoto at the Mondrian, Doha: In Doha, I had an unforgettable Japanese dining experience at Morimoto inside the Mondrian Hotel. The ambiance, aesthetics, and sushi were incredible and truly too good for words. I have been to Asia, and obviously, Asia is the source, but the sushi I had there could compete.

Self-Care

Oma The Spa, Lagos: Here in Lagos, I go to Oma for massages, facials, body baths, body scrubs, and Pilates. I take Pilates every other week, and they hold sessions every weekday. Oma is an entire holistic experience.

Arts and Culture

The Upside Down Museum, Amsterdam: Everything at the Upside Down Museum is alternative. Think of the Upside Down House that just opened in Lagos, and it is like that. You could be in the bathroom standing upside down with the bathtub above your head and your feet on the ceiling. They also have a balloon pit, a private jet, a club, and a café, all upside down. It was great, but I feel like pictures tell the story better.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out our other InMyCity features for more recommendations.