Unearth more lesser-trodden destinations in the Wake Up Here
feature in our latest print issue, Volume 36: Discovery.

Where?

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Why now?

Bordered by Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire (widely known as Ivory Coast)
sits on West Africa’s edge. Blending urban pockets and sweeping
greenery, the country’s southern corners are flanked by lush
plantations, dense forests and national parks, while its western
edges are studded by dramatic mountain peaks, the tallest and most
treasured being the 1,750m-tall Mount Nimba. The residents are just
as mixed a crowd, with 78 languages being spoken nationally –
French being the most commonly heard, due to the country’s history
of French rule.

It is Abidjan, however, that has caught our attention. The
country’s largest city and a hotbed of economic activity, its
skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture feel somewhat futersitisc
and ahead of the curve. It has served as a major shipping hub since
the Vridi Canal opened its lagoon to the sea in 1950, but it’s only
recently that a cool crowd of design-driven individuals has moved
in, attracted by lively street-food markets, beach bars and a bevy
of new boutique hotels.

Don’t miss

Sundays look different here. Head down to Fondation Donwahi to
attend La
Sunday (you’ll hear it before you see it), a weekly festival
that brings together those looking to dance, sing and meet new
people. Upcoming and legendary DJs spin everything from old-school
classics to banging African dance pop – come prepared to scribble
down a note of pretty much every track’s name.

Where to stay?

Mark your calendar; set a countdown: La Maison
Palmier is set to officially open its doors this April.
Surrounded by 200 varieties of palm, this leafy oasis is home to a
pool, bistro and bar. Set to become the city’s first boutique stay,
interiors feature pastel terrazzo tiles, sage-green-splashed walls
and beadboard ceilings. Bask the afternoon away on one of the sun
loungers – positioned on their own island in the pool.

Where to go for breakfast?

Café des
Jardins for bowls of porridge that almost look too perfect to
eat. Plus, there’s an entire menu dedicated to eggs – yep,
seriously. Sweet tooth? Order the chocolate bread, and don’t even
think about sharing.

And for dinner…

When it comes to dining options, visitors to Abidjan are spoilt
for choice. So, we’re making things simple. For a date night, the
only place to bag a table is Le
Méchoui – a laid-back setting made seductive thanks to its
low-lit ambience and gold detailing. Out of an array of hot and
cold Lebanese mezzes, our all-time favourite is the beef and
aubergine fatteh platter. Falafel fans, meanwhile, will delight at
the kibbeh.

Who to take with you

That water-baby friend. They’ll enjoy sunrise and sunset paddles
at some of Abidjan’s ridiculously beautiful beaches.

When to go

Dry season is between December and April. We suggest planning
your visit in late March or early April, when the sun remains warm
but days aren’t sticky-hot.

Essentials to pack

Abidjan is humid most of the time. To avoid a restless night and
to sleep in style, pack these Deiji Studios short linen pyjamas.

How to get there

Take a flight from London Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
From there, it’s just under a seven-hour flight to Abidjan’s Félix
Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.