Lou Moon Lodge, Axim, Ghana

Lou Moon Lodge, Axim, Ghana

This article appears in SUITCASE
Vol. 18: The Rhythm Issue
.

On the coast of Axim, this understated beach resort stands as a
shining example of the type of exciting, boutique tourism that
Ghana is beginning to develop along its largely untouched stretches
of sand. With thatched-roof villas that are built from mud, wood
and terracotta, this hotel is designed to blend into its
environment. And why not, when your natural surroundings are 25
acres of lush jungle, tropical forest and a dramatic coastline?
Stretching from the mainland to a private islet of luxury villas,
Lou Moon is one of the only hotels in Ghana to have its own private
beach. Relax in the peace and quiet of a bay sheltered from the
roaring waves of The Atlantic.

The hotel was opened in 2007 by Paul Ramlot, whose background in
interior design has turned what could have been another brash beach
resort into a thoughtful property which gives new meaning to local
materials – think lampshades made from fishing traps and bathroom
counters carved form single pieces of raw wood. Although it’s owned
by an expat, the hotel is committed to the community, employing 75
per cent of its staff from the neighbouring village and donating 1
per cent of every bill to the Agyen Community Fund, which helps
provide sanitation services.

Who you’ll find

The emphasis on privacy at Lou Moon Lodge means it’s mostly a
retreat for couples.

Rooms

Rooms on the mainland are located in earthy bungalows with
simple, chic furnishings, lots of light and impressive bathrooms
sculpted from polished, coloured concrete. For a more secluded
experience, cross the sandy ocean path to a small peninsula of
luxury villas, which are fashioned in the same natural style but
have an extra element of elegance. Island Cape South and Island
Cape West villas have become honeymoon staples with their
impressive infinity pools, wraparound porches, outdoor showers and
standalone baths looking out across the sea.

Food and drink

Ghanaian food with a European twist is the name of the game
here. For breakfast you can order eggs any way, while lunch and
dinner is more about delectable creations including paw-paw
(papaya) and orange salad followed by sautéed shrimp and coconut
curry or grilled barracuda. The friendly bar staff also make a mean
cocktail – start the night with a mojito in the purple-clad,
open-air dining deck, or in the privacy of your room.

What do in the area

Lou Moon Lodge is really a destination in itself and there is a
wealth of activities on offer here, including badminton,
table-tennis, paddle-boarding, beach volleyball and a guided walk
through the jungle to a nearby village. That being said, the
retreat is also well positioned for visiting Fort Santo Antonio in
Axim as well as Nzulezo, Lake Amansuri’s village on stilts which is
best reached via canoe.

Things to know

This is the ideal place to kick back and relax, but not the
place for those looking for buzz.

How to get there

We recommend renting a car and driver from Accra so you can make
a couple of pits-stops en route Located just under two hours from
the capital, Cape Coast is home to Elmina, the oldest and largest
slave castle in West Africa. You can also make a trip to Busua
Beach, which is lined with colourful bars and is a haven for
surfers in Ghana.

Rooms from £85

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