We curate experiences for people looking for memorable ways to spend their time in Lagos

Since 2017, Cruxstone Group, a leading real estate development company, has been redefining properties with over 200 homes to its credit today.

Beyond properties, the company is also boosting Nigeria’s hospitality landscape, and destination appeal with the Autograph Plus, an innovative hotel apartment model and investment that is democratizing ownership in hospitality business, as well as Nautica Beach Resort, an inclusive, yet exclusive beach resort offering in Eti-Osa, Lagos, that rivals its peers across the world.

In this interview, Adetoro Bank-Omotoye, managing director, Cruxstone Group, shares with Obinna Emelike, the rationale for the huge investment in the beach resort, facilities, how the resort boosts Lagos as a destination, growing beach culture, the untapped tourism potential of Lagos coastline, why the real estate company thrives despite challenges, among related issues. Excerpt:

As one of the leading real estate companies, how has business been in view of the challenging and competitive market?

The Nigerian real estate market has undoubtedly experienced significant challenges, from rising construction costs and inflation to changing consumer spending patterns. However, we have remained focused on our long-term vision and the opportunities that exist within the market. At Cruxstone, we believe that challenging periods also create room for innovation, strategic thinking, and the development of products that respond to evolving market needs. Our focus has been on delivering well-conceived developments that offer both lifestyle value and investment potential, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and customer experience.

Are Nigerians still buying homes considering today’s harsh economic realities?

Yes, Nigerians are still investing in real estate, although the decision-making process has become more deliberate. Buyers are increasingly looking beyond simply owning a home and are considering factors such as location, value appreciation, income potential, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life a property offers.

This is why developments that provide a clear value proposition continue to attract interest. Real estate remains an important long-term asset class, and for many Nigerians, the focus is now on making smarter and more strategic investments that can withstand economic uncertainties.

You are also the developer of Nautica Beach Resort in Lekki. Why the investment in tourism and is it paying off?

Our investment in Nautica Beach Resort is driven by our belief in the enormous potential of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector. Lagos, in particular, has a growing population of residents and visitors looking for quality leisure and lifestyle experiences without having to travel far.

Nautica Beach Resort was conceived to respond to that demand by creating a destination where people can escape the pace of the city, spend quality time with family and friends, and enjoy a range of experiences in one location. Beyond hospitality, the project also forms part of a broader vision to create destinations that contribute to the growth and value of their surrounding communities.

As the resort continues to grow, we are encouraged by the response and patronage we have received. We believe the long-term opportunity lies in building a destination that becomes a recognized part of Lagos’ leisure and tourism ecosystem.

Why did you relaunch the beach resort this year?

The relaunch was an opportunity to reposition Nautica Beach Resort and communicate the full breadth of the experience we have created. We wanted to move beyond the conventional perception of a beach destination and present Nautica as a complete lifestyle and leisure destination.

The relaunch also reflects our commitment to continuously improving the guest experience. We have introduced and expanded activities, experiences, and offerings designed to appeal to different audiences, from families and friends to corporate groups and tourists. Ultimately, the goal is to create a destination that people can return to repeatedly and discover something new each time.

What are the selling points of the beach resort?

Nautica Beach Resort offers more than just a beautiful beachfront. Our key selling point is the breadth of experiences available within one destination. Guests can enjoy beach activities, adventure experiences, family-friendly entertainment, food, relaxation, and social events.

We have also focused on creating an environment that caters to different demographics. Whether someone is looking for a quiet escape, a fun day with friends, quality family time, or an exciting event experience, Nautica is designed to offer something for them.

Ultimately, we see the resort as an experience-driven destination, one that combines nature, recreation, entertainment, and hospitality.

How has the exclusive in-city location of the resort impacted patronage?

The location has been a significant advantage. Being within Lagos gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy a beach resort experience without the time and cost associated with travelling to a distant destination.

For residents of Lagos, convenience is increasingly important. People want to be able to escape the city’s fast pace while still having easy access to the city when they need it. Nautica’s location allows us to serve that need, making it suitable for spontaneous day trips, weekend experiences, family outings, celebrations, and corporate activities.

Safety and accessibility are top among the concerns of beachgoers. How safe and accessible is the beach resort?

Safety and accessibility are fundamental to the guest experience we are building at Nautica Beach Resort. We understand that people are more likely to enjoy themselves when they feel secure and comfortable, which is why we place strong emphasis on maintaining a safe and well-managed environment.

We also recognize the importance of accessibility. Our goal is to make the resort easy to reach and welcoming to a broad range of guests. From families to groups and corporate visitors, we are continually looking at ways to improve the overall experience from arrival to departure.

Do you have exclusive packages, especially for families and groups?

Yes. We have designed a range of experiences and packages to cater to different visitor needs, including families, friends, and groups. Our activity-based package, for example, allows guests to enjoy multiple recreational activities within one package, making it easier for groups to plan their day and enjoy more value from their visit.

We also offer experiences that are particularly suitable for families, with activities and spaces designed to ensure that both children and adults have an enjoyable time. Our aim is to make Nautica a destination where groups can spend an entire day creating memorable experiences together.

Are the beaches patronized enough and do you think Lagos has enough beaches for its surging population?

There is certainly room for greater patronage of Nigeria’s beaches, but we believe the issue is not simply about the number of beaches available. It is also about how these destinations are developed, managed, marketed, and made accessible to the public.

As Lagos’ population continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for quality recreational spaces. We believe there is room for more well-developed leisure destinations that offer safe, clean, and engaging experiences. The opportunity is to create beach destinations that people actively want to visit, not just because they are near the water, but because of the quality of the overall experience.

How is Nautica Beach Resort positioning for this summer as some Nigerian diasporas visit during this period?

We see the summer period as an important opportunity to welcome Nigerians in the diaspora and visitors looking to reconnect with Lagos. Nautica Beach Resort is positioning itself as a destination where visitors can experience the city’s leisure and lifestyle offerings while enjoying a relaxing escape by the coast.

We are curating experiences and activities that appeal to families, groups, and visitors looking for memorable ways to spend their time in Lagos. Our goal is to ensure that both residents and visitors from the diaspora can create meaningful memories at Nautica and see it as one of the destinations to experience when they are in the city.

Do you think that the on-going coastal road development has slowed investments in beach resort projects, especially in Lagos?

Large infrastructure projects can sometimes create short-term adjustments for businesses and investors, particularly during periods of construction. However, we believe the long-term impact of improved coastal infrastructure will be positive for the tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors.

Better connectivity can improve accessibility, encourage investment, and open up new opportunities along the coastal corridor. From our perspective, the focus should remain on the long-term potential of the area. We believe Lagos’ coastline has significant untapped potential, and with the right infrastructure and responsible development, it can become an even stronger tourism and lifestyle destination.