WHEN IN SIERRA LEONE: YOU SHOULD KEEP CALM AND VISIT THE PEARL

Last week I treated myself to a stay-cation at The Pearl Residence & Hotel. As an entrepreneur, mother, wife and leader. One needs self-care everyday but more importantly, you will need time to rediscover who you are. Take frequent breaks as often as you can to recharge and evaluate your growth and development. Sometimes all it takes is a little quiet time to reveal the magic.

My stay at The Pearl was intentional, I wanted a safe space within the city that was devoid of the normalcy of my daily work. I wanted to put in the finishing touches to a project that required intense concentration but the right ambience and amenities. I was not disappointed at all!

Since September 2017, The Pearl Residence & Hotel opened its doors in Freetown 9.7 km from Sierra Leone National Museum. Pearl Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Among the various facilities are a bar, a private beach area, as well as a terrace. The property has a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests. I noticed that they have a pent-house with double rooms that could serve friends who are in the mood to celebrate an occasion or spend quiet time together.

The space was sparkling clean, I believe that this is a must in the new normal, the hospitality industry must focus on strict hygienic measures. Their bathrooms are self-cleaning, a small but distinct feature. I wasn’t going on a stay-cation to go pick up unwanted stuff. I loved the extra storage spaces in the apartment, I had loads of space in the closet to facilitate my scheduled photo shoot changes.

The housekeeping staff, pays attention to detail. I enjoyed the staff hospitality they did not become overly familiar and maintained social distance, a trait I find common in my many visits across resorts and hotels in Sierra Leone. 

I am a beach bae, I think I can survive on an Island, so being so close to the beach and luxurious ocean was amazing. I could hear the crashing of the waves, so therapeutic and on the day that I decided to try dinner on their terrace restaurant. I loved dining alone (no interruptions from lousy other guests or presumptuous waiters), great service, fresh and delicious food served on the banks of the historical Lumley beach in Sierra Leone.

For the most part, it was raining cats and dogs and the raindrops kept me company in their one-bedroom apartment that’s equipped with everything I needed. Even a Television with Dstv channels that worked for those who binge watch. A built in kitchen with all the essential utensils needed to whip up a simple meal or a full course dinner for two. Come along with your washing up liquid or like me you would have to shop at the Chinese Grocery store which is a few minutes walk away on the beach strip.  I drowned in my love for tea(from my collection), with the kettle in my apartment and the freshly brewed oolong straight from the hotel restaurant. As for the bed and lots of pillows, they simply matched my orthopedic needs. I slept off like a baby feeling safe and secure in the nicely chilled room. 

I enjoyed breakfast on the terrace overlooking the pool, I would have loved a buffet breakfast to suit my weird food choices but a selection of 4 options from the breakfast menu served in the comfort of the apartment was like having breakfast in bed. I was surprised when within 20 mins of placing my order through the telephone in my room, food was served.

Truth is The Pearl Hotel and Residence is a match for its pull on your spending power, I enjoyed every moment of my stay with them.

Plan your own escape today.