Why you want to go on vacation to Ivory Coast

Kilometers of sandy beaches, fancy restaurants, not a single tourist in sight, and cocktails that make you roll into bed purring with happiness. Sounds like a great vacation? It was. Always wanted to go on holiday to Africa? Try Ivory Coast. I'm throwing my tips your way, so you won't have to worry about that anymore.

For a night of partying in a bar: The Pharmacy

A bizarre cocktail bar you want to visit. Get ready for a wacko night out where you drink a shot from a syringe upon entering, everyone is dressed in doctor outfits, and gloves and masks are handed out. The menu features cocktails with complicated pharmaceutical names, and trust me: the head doctor behind the bar ensures his patients lack nothing. Before you know it, you're downing a penis shot with whipped cream and topping it off with gummy bears from a test tube that gets you instantly drunk. Blood ordinary? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.

For a night of fine dining at its best: restaurant West Abidjan

A restaurant where everything is freaking finger-licking perfect, the wine tastes just a bit too good, you can lean back with peace of mind, knowing everything will be fine. Start with a cocktail in the courtyard, let some high-end tapas come your way, and spin with happiness. After that? Move inside to the restaurant and order the ravioli with goat cheese and pear. Trust me: I've had a lot of fresh pasta in my life, but this was not not normal. When I think back to it, my food tail wags again.

For an evening of Italian enjoyment: Les Moutons

In the vicinity of Gran-Bassam? Then you go eat at Le Moutons. Ha. It even rhymes. The owner greets you with a big grin at his restaurant with typical red/white checkered tablecloths, proudly names his tastiest dishes from the chalkboard, and from there you just go with the flow. The fresh lasagna and pizzas from the stone oven are brilliant. The spaghetti carbonara is out of this world.

For a total chill day (and night) with an infinity pool: La Maison D’akoula

Special occasion? Then you hop in the car and drive to La Maison D’akoula in Assinie. Step into the villa and you really feel like you've stepped into a James Bond movie. Drink a glass of bubbles at the bar by the pool, dine under the fairy lights in the evening, and the next day take a boat to the beach where you end up in Insta-palm tree heaven. Take a dip in the jacuzzi in your hotel room at night and then snuggle into bed. I. Want. To. Go. Back.

For a lovely evening of lounging: L’adresse Abidjan Ibiza

A typical place that is actually ‘un-Abidjan’ hip. Great to join for lunch in the afternoon (the fried shrimp, the goat cheese pastries!), but also to lounge by the pool in the evening. After that, you can head straight to your bed in the boutique hotel. You only have to wonder whether you want the Ibiza or the Moroccan room.

Lunching the African way: Bushman Café

A fan of meat? This is your spot. Aside from the fact that your inner Hakuna Matata pops up immediately due to the fun interior, they also know how to handle the barbecue here. It's basic local African food, but oh so good. Oh, and your food is served on a green leaf. Super fun.

Okay, staying longer in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and still want to take a trip to the most beautiful beaches you've ever seen? Then take a domestic flight (forty minutes) to San-Pédro. Have fun!