Whether you're heading to Las Giddy for Arise Magazine Fashion Week or simply because you've got your finger on Africa's pulse, Zara Okpara (Head of Public Relations for Jewel By Lisa) has you covered on where to eat, shop, sleep and what to do while you're in Lagos! 

FUSION  (Lagoon, No 1C, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island)
Fusion is the perfect spot for your sushi fix. I love it because it is experimental. They’ve got the standards but also have the fruit mixes. Try the “Crazy Duo”. It is topped with Mango pieces and literally melts in your mouth! 

REEDS  (No 190, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi)
I can’t decide between thai & sushi...they are both my absolute fave, but whenever I need that modern Thai fix, Reeds is my choice. The ambience is dark and sexy and on Fridays and Saturdays turns into the weekend hangout spot. My favourite drink is the Rose petal mojito and most of the time I go for the Lamb Massama.
 
CHARDONNAY  (No 92, Awolowo Road, Ikoyo)
I love Chardonnay because I would describe it as Modern-African-Continental. It offers an array of distinctive homely recipes – a mix of local dishes with an international genius to them. They are well known for their Yam Patty Patty Cakes & Ribs as delicious starters and the Sea Food Jollof Rice! The décor is eclectic - it reminds me of a vintage bistro/café parlor with the green walls, velvet red couches, and zebra arm chairs.
 
CASA LYDIA  (No 19, Glover Road, Ikoyi)
Casa Lydia is a quaint resto/café on a tiny street off Glover Road. Very easy to miss, but once you get in, the food is heaven. If it’s not too hot, sit outside because it's surrounded by flowers – so pretty! Perfect for a business lunch or just hanging out with friends. And if you sit inside, its small and cozy too. The Cajun Fish is everyone’s fave and it goes down nicely with a strawberry margarita for me.

JEWEL BY LISA  (No 13, Ribadu Street, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi)
I am gonna be biased and say the Jewel by Lisa studio! You cannot come to Lagos without visiting the JBL studio. It's a treasure trove off a main shopping street (Awolowo road) and you’ll find everything from clothing to embellished accessories like beaded belts, clutches, soft furnishings and candles.

TEMPLE MUSE  (No 21, Amodu Tijani, off Sanusi Fafunwa, Victoria Island)
Temple Muse is a one stop luxury stop offering everything from clothing to jewelry, accessories, and homewares. They house local African designers as well as international brands like Givenchy, Lara Bohnic, Kara Ross, and Amrapalli. While you take a break from all the wonderful things you could possibly buy, hang out at the Moet et Chandon bar and indulge in some luxe custom cupcakes. 

LEKKI MARKET  (off Lekki Expressway, Lekki)
The Lekki Market is a craft and antique market full of vendors selling locally made jewelry, leather goods, and artifacts. It’s great for one of a kind finds like old currency, stamps, and vintage photos. Don't be afraid to bargain till the price is right!

RADISSON HOTEL  (No 1A, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos)
A nice, chill, hang out – lounge spot is the bar at the Radisson Hotel. It faces the ocean, so at night its breezy, cool, and quiet. On busy nights they’ve got local top-charting music blazing through the speakers. They serve the best crème brule I’ve had since I lived in Paris.
 
NIKE ART GALLERY  (No 2, Elegushi Road, Lekki Phase 1 Peninsula, Lekki)
Nike Art Gallery is a must-visit! It’s great because I see it as a modern museum boutique. They house loads of Art pieces – from paintings to hand carved bed frames to mirrors, and even textiles – but what I love is that each piece you’ll find there is really special and exclusive. (It’s not too far from the Lekki Market (see SHOP) 

SLEEP

WHEATBAKER HOTEL  (No 4, Onitolo Road, Lawrence Road, Ikoyi)
I love the Wheatbaker Hotel! It just opened up a few months ago. I absolutely adore it just for their rooms, which are very modern and cozy! It sort of reminds me of a New York City hotel, perhaps the W hotel?

HOUSE OF AWELE  (No 3, Olayinka Omololu Close, Victoria Island)
The House of Awele is a petite guesthouse off a cul-de-sac in Victoria Island. The rooms are very spacious, come with in-built wardrobes (perfect for storing all your fashion week pieces nicely), and the bathrooms are very clean! (very important :-)) . Not to mention the staff are quite warm and it's a 10-15 minute drive to the Federal Palace hotels (where the shows will be)!

Zara Okpara is Head of Public Relations at Jewel by Lisa. She is a publicist, writer, and fashion show/event producer. She loves fashion, shopping, and family but most importantly has a passion for development in the apparel industry.

Zara Okpara is Head of Public Relations at Jewel by Lisa and resides in Lagos, Nigeria.