Ikogosi, Smokin’ Hills partner to boost Nigeria’s leisure tourism

By Jimoh Babatunde
Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort have entered into a strategic partnership to expand Nigeria’s leisure tourism offering by combining nature-based attractions, hospitality and golfing in a multi-destination getaway.
The partnership, facilitated by Glocient Hospitality, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, is designed to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and create new business opportunities for tourism operators and host communities. Located about an hour’s drive apart, the two resorts offer visitors the opportunity to combine the natural attractions and relaxation experience of Ikogosi with golfing and other recreational activities at Smokin’ Hills in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State.
Under the arrangement, tourists, families, golf enthusiasts and corporate groups can enjoy a more diverse holiday experience without having to choose between a nature retreat and a sporting getaway.
Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort offers accommodation, dining, spa services, adventure activities, retreats and events in a serene natural environment. Its renowned warm and cold springs remain among its major attractions.
Visitors can complement these experiences with a round of golf and other leisure activities at Smokin’ Hills, an 18-hole championship golf course established in 2012 and designed by Ron Garl.
The agreement was formalised at Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort, Ilara Mokin, with the signing of partnership documents involving the General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, Mr Lanre Balogun; Chairman of Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort, Elizade University and Elizade Nigeria, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; and other representatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Balogun said the partnership would give visitors more reasons to travel, extend their stays and explore the attractions offered by both destinations.
“This partnership is about giving our guests more reasons to travel, stay longer and experience the best of what our destinations have to offer,” he said.
He added that combining Ikogosi’s natural attractions and hospitality with the golfing experience at Smokin’ Hills would create a more complete getaway for individuals, families and corporate groups.
Balogun expressed optimism that the collaboration would stimulate tourism growth, attract new visitor segments and create lasting value for both destinations and their surrounding communities.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Philip Oguntunde, expressed optimism that the partnership would unlock new business opportunities and encourage greater social engagement.
The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on connecting complementary tourism assets to develop more attractive holiday packages and broaden the range of experiences available to domestic and international visitors.
By linking nature, hospitality and sports, the two resorts hope to strengthen the appeal of Ondo and neighbouring destinations, encourage visitors to spend more time in the region and generate economic opportunities for local businesses.
About the resorts
Glocient Hospitality, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, manages Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, known for its distinctive warm and cold springs and its hospitality, leisure and event facilities.
Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort, established in 2012, features an 18-hole championship golf course spread across 140 acres of hills and forest in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State. Designed by Ron Garl, the resort offers golfing facilities amid a scenic natural landscape.