The recent opening of Villa Monticello, in Accra’s exclusive Airport Residential Area, signals what is arguably the first luxury boutique hotel in Ghana. Luxurious without being ostentatious, elegant yet un-pretentious, the beauty of Villa Monticello is surpassed only by the level of service that exemplifies the best of Ghanaian culture.
Villa Monticello is the brainchild of three Ghanaian entrepreneurs – a Mining Engineer, a CPA, and an Oil and Gas Executive. Three divergent backgrounds with one key similarity: love of travel. Years of traveling the globe-experiencing everything from the 7* luxury resorts in Dubai, trendy hotels in NYC, to old colonial hotels in Singapore has afforded them first-hand experience to understand not only the entry level prerequisites for a hotel to be given the accolade of “luxury” but also the minutiae detail that can impact even the seasoned travelers well laid plans. This realization provided them with the insight to the makings of a world-class hotel – a place where beauty and service are not mutually exclusive. Global experience, coupled with an intrinsic understanding of Ghanaian society helped tailor Villa Monticello to a hotel that encompasses not only the best that Ghana has to offer but also places the property as a worthy member in the international luxury boutique arena.
“We are truly excited about Villa Monticello and how it has been received in both the local and international marketplace,” shares Efua Odunton, one of three owners who conceived the hotel. “Our vision was simple: to create a product where we would want to stay. For us this meant not only creating a beautiful hotel, but also a service portfolio that is relevant to Ghana, and an atmosphere that felt more like the elegant home of a close friend, than an impersonal hotel”.
Villa Monticello’s global influence can be felt from the moment one enters the hotel – images from Tuscany adorn the walls, painted murals from up-and-coming Ghanaian artists can be seen along the stairwell, and marble from South Africa lines the base of the glass paneled wall fountain in the signature restaurant – all distinct memorabilia from past travels. There is however, no greater evidence of the owners’ diversity than the 14 individually-themed suites – from the majestic tones of the Kwame Nkrumah presidential suite, with commissioned photos of Ghana’s first president providing a backdrop to the rich gold and wood textures of custom local pieces, to the chic, urban, ode to design of the Manhattan Suite complete with a city skyline that transports you to the vibrancy of the Big Apple.
In addition to the requisite comforts in each suite, such as flat screen televisions, luxurious bathrobes and cotton terry bath towels, several hand-picked favorite amenities have made their way to each guest room such as Acqua di Parma toiletries, ipod docking stations and Nespresso machines.
Villa Monticello offers two distinct all-day dining experiences. The signature 1A restaurant on Villa Monticello’s ground level offers an intimate setting and a seasonal Bistro-inspired menu of continental and local fare paired with a carefully selected wine list. For a more relaxed experience, guests can visit The Terrace and enjoy casual menu options such as KeleWele, a popular Ghanaian snack of fried plantains seasoned with spices.
Opening rates at Villa Monticello start at $295 per night in a standard suite, based on single occupancy, and include a fully-cooked breakfast; airport pickup and drop-off in an SUV; and welcome cocktails upon arrival.
Villa Monticello, www.villamonticello.com