Shay Lia

Abidjan

Le Cafe des Jardins is a new, very modern cafe with a western approach and design to it. It has that green, soothing and relaxing set up. There aren’t that many places like that in Abidjan. The food is absolutely delicious. I recommend the fish skewers or the salmon with peanut butter sauce. The desserts are all very delicious too! If you're looking for a young, refreshing restaurant with a European aesthetic and a more elevated dining experience, this is for you.

The Ivorian soil is so abundant. Every direction you look in, you see green. It feels like one big jungle so there are garden centres everywhere in Abidjan. They don’t have a specific name or a registered address (like many places in Africa) but they are definitely worth mentioning. It’s an affordable way to sight-see too! I took this picture at my favourite one, in the neighbourhood I stay in.


Everyone who’s been to Abidjan knows about the CAVA. Translated from French, these four letters stand for “The Crafted Centre of the City of Abidjan”. It is the best place to buy authentic handcrafted gifts. It looks like a small village where all merchants and artists are selling fabric, sculptures, paintings, jewellery and more. It’s such a beautiful, colourful, charming and inspiring place to go. It exhibits the talent and identity of Abidjan so well and is also the perfect place to practise your bargaining skills!


Domaine Bini is the place to disconnect from society. From the city of Abidjan, it will take about half an hour to get there. You’ll be welcomed in full nature by professional guides and a welcoming staff and can go on an educational walk in the woods where you will be introduced to the surrounding ecosystem. It’s a beautiful way to learn about how coconut palms grow; why rubber trees are bent and the cocoa circuit. After the hike you’ll be able to take a bath outside, covered in the natural clay of your choice. Then comes lunch - a selection of delicious traditional meals. They also have bedrooms if you decide to pay for 2 days! It’s a divine place to connect with Mother Nature and educate yourself while spending a good time with friends and family.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam is the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire. It is so well preserved and protected by UNESCO. Being there feels like travelling through time and going back to the late 19th- and early 20th-century. It is an incredibly charming and calm little town where you can spend the day walking around and wondering about the past. Grand-Bassam was the most important port, economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire when the country was a French colony.

The Equinox Fitness is a Fitness Centre located in Cocody. I love this place! If you want to stay in shape during your stay in Abidjan I highly recommend it. It has a huge, well equipped gym on two floors, a basketball court, a pool and a small spa. The best thing is that it’s never packed, so you don’t have to worry about Covid-19! I love that the coaches are very nice and helpful. It’s also very affordable considering all the services that also include full access to all the classes (afro dance, spinning, boxing, yoga etc.). A very friendly peaceful atmosphere with good music!! It will boost your mood!

Top Spots in Abidjan with Shay Lia

Michael Brun

Haiti 

Haiti is the island of many mountains and Kenscoff is one of the more well known neighborhoods of Port-Au-Prince at an altitude of 6000 ft. The Wynne Farm is a must visit if you are in town. For years they have promoted environmental sustainability, conservation and education, and the views from the property are stunning.

île à Rat is a tiny island in the middle of The Atlantic ocean facing Cap Haitian, surrounded by crystal blue water and fresh seafood caught on order. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in the Caribbean and somewhere I can’t wait to visit again in the near future.

One of the most iconic structures in the Western Hemisphere, the Citadelle is a must see when you visit Haiti. The fortress was built by Henri Christophe in the early 1800s to ward off any future French invasion after Haiti’s revolution in 1804.

Two beautiful beach resorts located an hour and a half from Toussaint L’Ouverture airport in Port-Au-Prince. Whenever I’m in town and want to get to the beach for a few days, I visit Decameron or Wahoo Bay.

If you want a bird’s eye view of Port-Au-Prince, there is no better place to visit than L’Observatoire. This combination restaurant, bar and observatory has been around for decades, and was actually the first place I ever DJ’d!

Did you know Haiti had multiple waterfalls across the island? Now you know. Kaskad Pichon located in the South East Department is one of the most iconic in the country and a must visit if you are in town.

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