Fanta’s Folly Beach Resort, Ghana

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In Person Lodging Evaluation

Eco-tourism Lodging Rating

Pretty much at the end of the road past Butre lies this wonderful beach resort they are the last resort on this beach really giving them the feeling of seclusion. The owners are a French and Nigerian couple and have worked very hard to make this place beautiful doing most of the work by hand. They have also worked hard to integrate into the community and educate about conservation and the importance of protecting the sea turtles. Your first impression with be very pleasant and you will notice that very few details were overlooked in the construction and maintenance of the resort, the level of detail of the finishing is what really sets this place apart from many of the other resorts in Ghana.

There are a couple of different types of rooms. There are the stand alone houses with pleasant little porches. Then there are the stilted houses also. Each room is amazingly decorated with art from all over West Africa and some of the owners own art. The showers are the most beautiful in Ghana with intricate tile work and mosaics. There is no need for air conditioning with the nice homemade brick buildings and ocean breeze, but there are fans in every room in Mother Nature needs a little help. But remember that power from the grid does not now run this far out so be mindful of the generator.

When it is dinner time the beach side dinning cannot be beat. The owner home makes pasta and bread, he also combines Caribbean cuisine with French and African influences for a unique dining experience. At the time of our visit to Fanta’s folly they were working on starting construction for the new restaurant which will also be beach side. The restaurant will also incorporate a whale skeleton into the décor which washed up onto shore.

In person Evaluation

Positive Aspects of In person evaluation:

• When first approached I was greeted with a smile and asked how I could be helped.

• Both the proprietor and his wife were very friendly and helpful stepping away from the work they were doing to show me around.

• Impression of customer service from online reviews is very god.

• Cleanliness, comfort and visual appeal of the restaurant, lounge area was very nice, even without any guests at the time. (a new restaurant is in the works incorporating whale bones that had washed up on their beach.)

• The beach is very well maintained without any garbage or debris.

• Floors, walls and doors were well maintained. Finishing touches on this property are definitely a step above the rest.

• The linens are clean and in good condition.

• Bathrooms were clean and in good condition, 100% finished.

• Impressions of cleanliness from online reviews is very positive.

• All rooms are secured by locks.

• Impressions of sanitation standards in the restaurant and property were positive.

Aspects of in person evaluation that could use some improvement:

• There was some dust on the floors and surfaces in the room but the visit was during the dry season (dusty), and I am sure they would dust before a customer were to be checked in. There were no guests at the time.

Eco-tourism Evaluation

Aspects of Fanta’s Folly that brought up their Green Bug Ecotourism Index:

• Locally owned businesses are used for services.

• Local sources of supplies are used as much as possible; veggies have to be purchased from the market in Takoradi.

• A fair wage is paid to employees, who are also given room and board.

• Contribute to community development of the two villages in the area.

• Employees are able to answer guest’s questions about the environmental policies and practices of the establishment.

• Bio-degradable and food wastes are composted.

• Human waste goes to a septic system that has never needed to be pumped out because they are very careful about what goes into it. NO CHEMICALS.

• CFL bulbs are returned to the distributer for proper disposal.

• AC systems are not used.

• Very little electricity is used because they are not hooked up to the grid yet.

• In the evening energy friendly activities are planned, candle light dinners, bonfires, and star gazing.

• Guests and staff are encouraged to conserve water.

• Towels and sheets are not changed every day unless requested.

• Washing is done by hand.

• Native plants are used in the landscaping.

• The grounds are beautiful without garbage or other debris.

• Organic fertilizer is used, with no pesticides or herbicides.

• Try to use locally sourced materials when building. Some cement is used.

• Employees are provided training about the surrounding environment, including how the establishment is Eco-friendly.

• Guests are educated on ways to interact respectfully with locals.

Aspects of Fanta’s Folly operations that brought their Green Bug Adventures Index rating down:

• There is no established recycling plan.

• Guest going on day trips are not encouraged to return with their waste to dispose of it properly.

• There is no grey water system.

• An approved trash service is not used.

• There is no rain water collection, but they are planning for it.

• Not all of the food is local, the owner cooks more of a French Caribbean style with home made pastas, and breads. Local dishes are served though.

• Sometimes food is packaged in a one time use to go container.

Below are the tours which we provide where you have an option to stay at Fanta’s Folly.  We would also be happy to tailor make you a tour that includes Fanta’s Folly or arrange transportation for you.  If you have stayed at or have experience with Fanta’s Folly please leave a comment below to share with us and other.

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