Kaya Energy Bar & Design Accra: Ghana gets its first luxury raw food restaurant.....

 

 

Paulina says: The weather in London has been a nightmare, my little man now has the beginnings of a cold, -still I mustn't grumble, -there are many in the UK truly suffering with floods et al.

Anyways I was talking to La Accra socialite last night and she mentioned that she was very cross with me -with regards to my lack of forthcoming post(s) about that new plastic surgery place in Accra Ghana -she wants me to post it before someone else does!!!

Again I had to let Ms Jagger-jagger know that I took precious timeout from my tight-over-fraught schedule to message said plastic surgery place ---to ask to speak to its founding surgeon and at least
four happy customers/clients for me to interview etc, -and they failed to get back to me -and as I 've stated here on Ghana Rising Blog in the past, -I will not post something as serious as a plastic surgery on La blog without having some real facts....and testimonials.

Still, La Accra socialite reminded me about the newly opened chichi Kaya Energy Bar & Design Accra, -known locally by Accra's style elite and expat community as Kaya, and informed me that they had now uploaded images onto their FB fan page -very good!!!

Its soooooooooo important for all businesses to have a FB page -even more sooo than a website -at timessss. The honest-to-goodness truth is that I'm contacted daily by businesses who 'get the power of La Ghana Rising blog post' but ------I tend to only write about 10% of said businesses as I often don't understand what they are selling, -one,  -and two, ---most don't have up-to-date websites and the few that do, -the website are utter rubbish!!! Thus, I tend to prefer FB, its free after all.. -Plus, all said businesses have to do, is update their fan page daily ---but this also -is very difficult for some!!!

Anywaysssss, La Accra socialite is raving about Kaya and its trendy-new-to-Ghana-and-Africa-green-credentials...

According to La Accra socialite, Accra's urbanites have been crying out for somewhere uber elegant, well elegant enough for them to take their visiting friends (the likes of you and me), a venue that understands that the 'world of the fashionable and the fabulous' no longer do sugar but raw food -and Kaya is that with bells on!!!

Apparently Kaya, -a contemporary concept bar-and-restaurant-come-chic-design-furniture-and lifestyle-store (they are selling most of the quality elegant furniture you see in the photos above) -is the place to be if you want true exclusivity and beautifully prepared healthy food, including raw food as we have already established (though I can't quite see the likes of my father going in for all that raw food stuff) -in the most serene, gorgeous surroundings in Accra's chic Cantonment postcode. ...and you know what, I can't wait to check out it...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the haute folks behind this 'green' venture and gorgeous venue for adding more icing to Ghana's burgeoning sexy lifestyle cake... For more info about Kaya (Energy Bar & Design Accra) visit: http://kayaenergybaranddesign.com/ &
https://www.facebook.com/KayaGhana


　

More Info:
Raw Food Restaurant, Nature Shop & Gallery

Description: Kaya Energy Bar & Design is a conscious life-style concept of blending a bar, raw food restaurant and designer show-room, offering furniture, textiles, jewellery, cosmetics, super-foods and other products of natural and organic origin.

In beautifully decorated showroom, terraces and gardens (see attached pictures), KAYA serves natural and healthy drinks, all prepared with fresh fruit, vegetables, organic seeds and super-foods.

A raw food menu (first of that kind in Africa) is created by Green Chef Darko Juric. Why eat raw food? Cooking is the major factor that destroys the vitality and essential nutrients in the food. Eating our food raw improves our health and well-being.  


**Credit: All photos come courtesy of Kaya Energy Bar & Design Accra
 

Kanye West as an Ashanti King……

I claimed Kanye West as one of my own a hundred years ago, and as far as I’m concerned -he’s of Ghanaian origin (laughter). -Anyway, imagine my surprise…, when I stumble upon this fab imagine of Kanye via Face book -looking uber regal in a majestic kente cloth fit for a king?

I don’t know if this image is real or photo-shopped, but I love it paaaaaa… He looks sooo at home as an Ashanti King…

Hope to see Kanye in Ghana soon….. x

Niobe Salon & Spa, -number one for pampering in Accra, Ghana….

I’ve been researching a piece about high-end weddings in Accra -forever, and ever in need of the hottest services available in Ghana; -I got asking some of the cities most fashionable for much needed info with regards to services/venues/stuff etc and apart from the usual suspects (places I’ve already written about), -Niobe Salon & Spa came up trumps on the beauty front and I’m not surprised.

A home from home for the nations chicest ladies, the newly opened Niobe Salon & Spa, -situated at the very centre of chichi Accra’s Lizzy Sports Complex, and The African Regent Hotel, -offers the very latest in all things wellbeing. Touted for its chemical peel facials, microdermabrasion, anti-ageing facials and body wrap, hot stone massage and much more, -Niobe Salon & Spa’s therapists are extensively trained in all facets of the beauty industry and understand our pampering needs.

Facials, body scrubs, body wraps, massages, nail extensions, spa manicure and pedicure, youth nurturing facials and waxing -and all the pampering you need is on offer at Niobe Salon & Spa…

Using the finest products on the market including: Mizani, OPI, CND (Creative Nail Design) Shellac, Supercover Professional Make Up, Murad, Australian Body Wax, Universal Contour Wrap, The Carlton Group, Pure Fiji and much more, -Niobe Salon & Spa is now officially, Accra’s number one go-to spa and salon of choice.

For more information or to book an appointment visit:
http://niobebeauty.com/

　
Location:
Niobe Salon & Spa
Lizzy Sports Complex:
Cotton Street (Behind A&C Shopping Mall)
East legon
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Sunday 2:00pm - 7:30pm
Tel: +233 (0) 302 765 180-2 / +233 (0) 302 766 500http://niobebeauty.com/

When Accra was great, the architecture of Mid-century Ghana…..

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Sometimes I wonder…..are we [Ghana] regressing? Is it me or does Accra look less modern -now?? Has our failure to develop northern Ghana -left Accra overcrowded, prone to cholera outbreaks -and looking less advanced? I don’t like to compare our Ghana to other African nations -or Accra to other African capitals but -we’re not exactly skyscraper 21^st-century fabulous are we??? I love the architecture of Mid-century Ghana!!! 50’s Ghana seemed soooooo promising, much cleaner and more modern????

Title: Midcentury Modern: Ghana’s Freedom Fad.
From: Troverove.com

January, 1957. Description: Exterior of the new Central Library in Accra. Location: Gold Coast, Accra, Ashanti, Sekondi, Ghana. Courtesy of The National Archives, UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa

1952. Description: Exterior of part of the new building of the Kumasi College of Technology. Location: Ashanti, Ghana. Courtesy of The National Archives UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa

The National Archive’s [UK] Africa Through a Lens is a collection of thousands of images from Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, taken from 20 African countries starting in the 1860’s through the 1980’s. This date range spanned from colonization to

the independence of many African nations. Looking at the collections, the indicators of change are apparent. Having the most notable signs of this transition, is the Ghana collection. Among early images of chiefs, tribesmen and villages are photographs from urban Ghana in the mid 20th century with signs of modernization through infrastructure, especially architecture.

During Ghana’s transition from British rule to independence, 1951-1957, the emergence of ‘tropical architecture’ began and continued through the 1960s. In Mark Crinson’s book, Architecture and the End of Empire, there is a section dedicated to this movement Ghana, although it was prevalent in much of Western Africa, and discusses its synonymy with liberation from imperial rule. The excerpt below, from Crinson, describes the progression:

Location: Accra. Courtesy of The National Archives, UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa

“Everything of the colonial period – a period now past, was to be distrusted and even discarded without explicitly acknowledging it as belonging to a colonial past, nor the possibility of a continuing colonial presence or a rising neocolonial future.

‘Tropical architecture’, it was hoped, was not so much post-imperial as beyond imperialism, part of another world-view all together. It was part of an imagined world where liberation had already happened, without violence and without social unrest, and in which the job now was all to do with modernization, the opening up of another field for architectural territorialization. As the old modernist rallying cry had put it, ‘Architecture or Revolution’.”

There were two prominent figures who lead the tropical architecture movement in British West Africa, Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew. Fry and Drew, a British couple, were both leading modernist architects in London. During World War II, Fry was sent to Ghana on a military post. Once the war was over, Fry and Drew stayed to contribute their architectural endeavors in Western Africa and give birth to ‘tropical architecture’.

In this new style, buildings were usually built with cement walls and incorporated elements to cope with the heat and humidity, such as cross-ventilation by the use of pierced screens, verandahs, perforated walls, and wide eaves. The use of African designs in detailing was encouraged, commonly seen banisters and window decorations. Hospitals, universities, museums, libraries, municipal centers, and embassies were some of the likeliest candidates to receive an edifice in the style of tropical architecture.

Description: A view of the new Central Hospital and Nurses' Training Centre at Kumasi, In Ashanti. Courtesy of The National Archives UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa/

Description: The Kumasi hospital. Location: Accra, Kumasi. Courtesy of The National Archives UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa/

It should be acknowledged that this revolutionary form of architecture was led by British architects. The colonizing nation’s talent was still dominating planning and creation of the prominent facilities for change while enforcing a European system. With mostly British contractors using African workforces, the recipients of the largest salaries were most certainly taking funds back to the homeland of their former imperial rule. Despite finding possible flaws with the movement of ‘tropical architecture,’ the sleek, linear structures nestled in the lush Ghanaian landscape were beacons of hope and progress.

The National Archive has hosted Africa Through a Lens on Flickr, so that the public can contribute any information regarding the images since much data is missing. Peruse Ghana, along with 25 other African countries, and look out for the signs of liberation.

Description: Electricity House, Accra, the new Headquarters of the Electricity Department. Location: Accra. Courtesy of The National Archives UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa/

January 1957. Description: Schoolboys and a teacher in the grounds of the Opoku Ware Boys' Secondary School at Kumasi, in Ashanti. This boarding school, in its new and modern building, was established in 1952. Location: Gold Coast, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana. Courtesy of The National Archives UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa/

Description: The headquarters of the Industrial Development Corporation (left) and beyond it the newly opened Co-operative Bank in Accra, the capital of the Gold Coast. Location: Gold Coast, Accra, Ghana. Courtesy of The National Archives UK. Obtained from: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa


**Location: Gold Coast, Accra, Ghana. Courtesy of The National Archives UK.

Credit Text and Photos: http://troverove.com/

Joe Osae-Addo’s Home in Accra -probably the most beautiful home in Africa…

Designed without air conditioning, the house was raised three feet off the ground to take advantage of the cooling under floor breezes. Sliding slatted wood screens throughout the home allow cross ventilation from outdoors and the fans overhead.

I stumbled across architect Joe Osae-Addo’s serene interiors via Escapade blog and fell in love. I wonder -all those Accra based hotels that claim to be 4 or 5 star, why don’t they consult architects like Joe Osae-Addo’s and David Adjaye -or interior designers like myself, because this is how successful African interiors look like. The colours, textures, furniture and quality of Mr Osae-Addo’s home speaks for itself! Be inspired -dare to do it properly or call me.


More Info…
Title: At Home in Accra
When Ghanaian-born architect Joe Osae-Addo decided to move back home to Ghana from Los Angeles, he set out to design a space inspired by the striking modern style of his favourite icons - Finland’s Alvar Aalto, Australia’s Glenn Murcutt, and L.A.’s Ray Kappe and apply it in a way that was relevant and suitable in an African context. Through long distance correspondence, he and his fiancee Sarah Asafu-Adjaye designed a space that would stand out among Ghana's typical concrete block houses. The house has a balcony wrapping around it, inspired by both colonial English bungalows and the courtyard plans of rural Ghanaian houses. “There are no internal corridors,” Osae-Addo says, “so rooms extend from one wall to the opposite wall, allowing for free flow of light and air." www.escapade blog

(Credit: http://www.escapadeblog.com/2011/03/at-home-in-accra.html)

9twenty5 -Selling Luxury Jewellery in Accra Ghana….

“We have a beautiful range of exclusive gift packaging. You can have your gift purchase in a stylish silver box decorated with a Bluebell ribbon. We'll also include a gift card, to be personalised with your own message.”  http://www.9twenty5.com/

If like me, you often wonder, why Ghana -a country known for its gold -isn’t known for its goldsmiths -then wonder no more. The wonderful artisans at 9twenty5 -make the most delectable jewellery out of yellow gold, sterling silver, beads, pearls and much more. Their eclectic array of bold colourful beaded pieces and lovely delicate silver and semi precious gems alike are a big hit with Ghana’s fash-pack. I’m especially loving their high quality diamond brilliance Cubic Zirconia rings -set in Rhodium plated .925 sterling silver for platinum pieces -ideal for weddings and the gold and silver chains above. The staff at 9twenty5 also offer an array of services including: made-to-order, personalized inscriptions and gift packaging. To purchase the above or for more information visit: http://www.9twenty5.com/

Location:
Behind Corpus Christi Catholic Church or PS Global Building,
Sakumono Estate
First Floor, Ocean House
(Same building as Ghana Telecom Care 4 U Centre -Sakumono Estate)
Tema.
Tel.: +233 22 413 437
Fax: +233 22 413 438
email: info@9twenty5.com

Luxury Lifestyle Ghana: The construction of a new Luxury Hotel in Accra

Title: Prince Walid Makes a Huge Loan for a Luxury Hotel in GhanaDated 5 May 2011

Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a nephew of Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, the current kink of Saudi Arabia, has recently received approval for a $26 million loan from the International Finance Corp. (IFC), a branch of the World Bank Group. The loan is meant to be used for the construction of a luxury hotel in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

The thing is, Ghana is a West African nation where 40 percent of the people struggle with poverty and a five-star hotel might just not be the best solution to the problem. To top it all off, the prince (also known as Prince Walid) is the 26th richest man in the world, according to Forbes. This makes it pretty difficult for IFC to justify their decision to grant the loan.

Prince Walid obtained it under an IFC program meant to encourage private developments in countries with a developing economy. The hotel will be erected in Accra’s central business district, near several commercial developments. It is expected to cost $103 million and it will boast 259 rooms. An explanation coming from IFC was that their loan will help “create jobs related to the construction and the eventual operation of the property” and that “the hotel is expected to source almost all of their food and nonfood purchases locally, thereby providing increased business opportunities to a wide range of local suppliers and subcontractors.”

This all sounds pretty good, however some critics can’t help but wonder for how long will the construction-related jobs be available. They also remember us all that hotels like this usually create a lot of low-paying service positions, which is not exactly the best solution to poverty. Controversies are many and explanations are plenty, but the fact of the matter is that since the loan has already been granted, all this talk and fuss is really in vain. The hotel will be made, the loan will have to be paid back and that’s it.

Credit: http://luxedb.com/prince-walid-makes-a-huge-loan-for-a-luxury-hotel-in-ghana/

The African Regent Hotel, Accra Ghana’s latest Ad campaign for Easter fun is fabulous..

Offering the jet-setting ‘Afropolitan’ a fantastic Easter Holiday Package for only $300 GHC, comprising of: Complimentary room upgrade,  Complimentary early check-in and late check-out, Complimentary Cinema tickets, Afropolitan memoir, Kids stay free and Easter Monday egg hunt inclusive –deal, the African Regent Hotel, Accra is most definitely the place to be this Easter 2011. For more information visit: http://www.african-regent-hotel.com/

Men's Fashion: T.M.Lewin stores in Accra, Ghana

Where does the stylish man-about-town go to buy his shirts in Ghana? He heads straight to Accra Mall, to T.M.Lewin for quality shirts, suits, ties, cufflinks and more! For more info about shirt connoisseurs T.M.Lewin stores in Ghana visit their latest store in Osu at: 4, 15th Lane Osu R.E

Or visit...
T.M.Lewin (Ghana)
Shop G38
at Accra Mall Tetteh Quarshie
Accra, Ghana
030 282 3106
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/TMLewin-Ghana/287800735084?v=info

Note, like their brother stores in the UK, T.M.Lewin (Ghana) also stocks women’s attire.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, is set to open The Radisson Blu Hotel in Accra, Ghana in 2013

Radisson Hotel, Boston

**I am doing a piece about the luxury market in Ghana -and having been searching for various websites/addresses of some of Accra’s hottest businesses/venues to no avail -and must confess -I’m disappointed. I think that businesses in Ghana need to be aware that we live in a global village and doing business by word-of-mouth, will no longer cut it in 2011, -its just not good enough. Anyway, I stumbled across the following pieces about The Rezidor Hotel Group building a The Radisson Blu Hotel in our Accra, due for completion in 2013 -and I just had to share. I’m soo pleased, as I truly believe that this luxury group know their stuff and will add to Accra’s luxury landscape, plus judging by their other hotels -their spas alone will make heading to Accra -very worthwhile, -lovely…
***
The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, has announced its 10th hotel in West Africa: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Accra in Ghana, which is scheduled to open in 2013 and adds 168 rooms to Rezidor's pipeline.

"The emerging African continent is a key development area for Rezidor. We are delighted to add a new hotel in a new country to our portfolio which now comprises 37 hotels and almost 8,300 rooms in operation and under development across 15 African countries," said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Accra, will be located in the heart of the business district of the Ghanaian capital; 5 minutes walk from the beach. Besides 168 guest rooms which includes 20 apartments ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms, the property will offer a restaurant, 2 bars, 300msq of meeting space, a gym, and an outdoor swimming pool.

One of the most economically and politically stable countries in Africa, Ghana has experienced several years of sustained economic growth, despite the global economic situation. Good fiscal management and high prices for key commodities like gold and cocoa have sustained the economy and the IMF projects accelerated growth for the coming years. Moreover, in December 2010 Ghana began to pump its first commercial oil from the offshore Jubilee Field, which contains an estimated 1.5 billion barrels of oil, and is projected to generate $1 billion in government revenues annually.

"Africa is an exciting market with huge natural resources, increasingly stable systems and improved infrastructure, a high GDP growth and - last but not least - an imbalance of supply and demand when it comes to modern, internationally branded hotel rooms. We see a great potential for profitable growth in Africa and are actively seeking for further development opportunities," commented Kurt Ritter.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group
The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in operation and under development with 86,300 rooms in over 60 countries, including a wide range of Paris hotels, Rome hotels and London hotels.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the goldpoints plusSM loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder. The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium. Credit: http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=630286&Itemid=33

For more information about the Radisson Hotel Group visit:

http://www.rezidor.com/

Wow look at the new Vodafone Headquarters located at Airport City, Accra, Ghana…..

**I read the following information about Vodafone’s new head office via myjoyonline.com -and thought of you. Its good to see this kind of dedication by a global telecommunications giant to provide jobs and boost the Ghanaian economy…

Title: Vodafone relocates to ultra modern headquarters Dated: Thursday 10 February 2011

Accra: In a significant move that indicates its determination to provide world class services to its customers, Vodafone Ghana has relocated its Headquarters to an ultra modern office at Airport City, Accra.



The nine storey building, which is to be commissioned on February 25, 2011, can be described as a work of art displaying work from some of Ghana’s most talented artists.


The workspace is laced with adinkra symbols and artwork that reflect Vodafone’s local flavour. The open floor plan promotes optimum productivity for the Vodafone employees and also reflects the company’s culture of open and instant communication.


Each floor of the building is designed to reflect a region in Ghana with artwork representing movement, and vitality with a touch of Ghanaian history.


The building has a total gross floor area of about 5620sqm, planned particularly to meet its work place standard and health and safety concerns. The ground floor features an 80 people-capacity restaurant and five meeting rooms, and the terrace has been designed to efficiently utilize the outdoor space.


According to the CEO, Kyle Whitehill, ‘the move to the new premises is to assert ourselves as the world’s leading mobile telecommunications company; we are committed to providing world class products and services to the people of Ghana and one of the most important steps to doing this is to provide a high class environment for our employees.


The telecommunications giant, can be said to have truly put the welfare of Ghanaians at its forefront. This significant move marks the beginning of an exciting year that Vodafone has purposely planned out for the benefit of its valued customers and Ghanaians at large. The new Vodafone Headquarters is located at Airport City, Accra.

(Credit: http://news.myjoyonline.com/business/201102/60878.asp)..

Angelina Jolie due to land in Ghana tomorrow....

If the latest hot rumours circling Accra are to be believed, -controversial Hollywood actress, Angelina Jolie will be in Accra tomorrow [Thursday, 15th July] on a United Nations assignment. She's also rumoured to be attending a number of hot events in Accra including: Kenny Gee’s Ball at the State House on Friday and an after party at Citizen Kofi! There’s no news as to whether Brad Pitt and her six children will be accompanying her [or not]. I’ll keep you posted....xx