Copyright tribuneonlineng
There are places that leave an imprint on your soul long after you’ve returned home — places where the sound of the waves seems to whisper peace into your spirit. Sunset Haven Beach is one of those rare gems. Nestled along a quiet stretch of Lagos coastline, far from the bustle of city life, it is the kind of destination that makes time slow down and reminds you what it means to truly unwind. I arrived at Sunset Haven on a golden Saturday morning, just as the sun was setting out. The beach, true to its name, was bathed in hues of orange, pink, and amber. The ocean breeze carried a crisp scent of salt and wet sand, mingling with the faint aroma of grilled seafood drifting from nearby huts. From that first breath, I knew I was in for a treat — a weekend of calm, connection, and carefree laughter. The Serene Charm of Nature What struck me most about Sunset Haven was its tranquil ambience. Unlike the crowded commercial beaches where loudspeakers compete with crashing waves, this place felt almost sacred. The rhythmic murmur of the ocean was accompanied only by the serene environment. The resort area itself was designed with simplicity and elegance — eco-friendly cabins lined the shore, each with a private view of the sea. At dawn, I woke to the gentle symphony of waves lapping against the rocks, and in the evenings, the golden reflection of the sunset turned the water into a mirror of light. It was serenity in its purest form. Games, Laughter, and Bonding But Sunset Haven isn’t just about quiet reflection; it’s also about joyful togetherness. After lunch on Saturday — jollof rice, tropical fruits, and small chops — the beach came alive with games. Friendly volleyball matches, Dots and Boxes, among others filled the evening air with laughter. These activities were incomplete without the painting contest that saw the reawakening of my lost found artistic prowess. I painted a portrait of myself even though I could literally see the disappointment on my face after the painting but the art work was appreciated by my beach mates. There was something magical about the way everyone — friends, couples, families, even strangers — found common ground in play. At the end of the contest, my group came top in almost all the games with attractive prizes won. Karaoke by the Waves As dusk settled, Sunset Haven revealed another of its delights — Karaoke Night. A small wooden stage stood near the beach bar, framed by fairy lights that twinkled like stars. One by one, brave souls grabbed the microphone to belt out their favorite songs. From classic love ballads to lively Afrobeat tunes, every performance drew cheers and laughter. When it was my turn, I joined in backing up a co-beach mate to sing ‘All of Me’ by John Legend, specially dedicated to my beautiful mata (wife). It wasn’t about perfect notes — it was about connection, expression, and that rare sense of freedom that only comes when you let go of self-consciousness. Movie Night Under the Stars Later that night, the beach transformed into an open-air cinema. A large screen was set up facing the sea. I sat with popcorn in hand and a blanket draped over my shoulders, I settled in for Movie Night. The film was a sci-fi, but the real magic was in the setting — the soft crash of waves, the flickering of the screen, and the night sky scattered with a million stars in their ambiance. It felt surreal, as if we were part of a scene rather than mere spectators. There was laughter, shared snacks, and that comforting sense of community that comes from watching a story unfold together. The Bonfire Glow The highlight of the weekend came at night — the bonfire. A great circle of wooden logs blazed at the centre of the beach, painting everyone’s faces in shades of gold and amber. The sound of waves drifted through the air as people gathered around, reminiscing, chatting, and sharing stories. I remember looking around — the glow of the fire reflected in smiling faces, the ocean stretching endlessly behind us, and the stars watching silently from above. It was one of those rare, perfect moments where everything feels aligned — warmth, laughter, joy, and peace. It was indeed a night of an indelible experience. A Farewell to Remember When morning came, I took one last walk along the shore. The tide had drawn gentle patterns in the sand, and the sky was a soft watercolor of dawn. I picked up a seashell as a keepsake, though I knew that the real souvenir was the feeling of calm that Sunset Haven had gifted me — a reminder that amidst the chaos of life, there are places where the heart can breathe again. Sunset Haven Beach isn’t just a destination. It’s an experience — a blend of serenity, joy, and togetherness. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or simple human connection, this haven by the sea welcomes you with open arms and waves that seem to whisper, “Stay a little longer.” This visit was courtesy of Survival Community — a mental health-focused community where people create their own happiness and live in the moment.
