You Deserve to Spoil Yourself and These Solo Date Ideas Do It Best

At some point in life as a woman, you have to stop waiting around for someone to plan the perfect date. Women juggle so much – work, family, friendships, and personal goals – that sometimes we forget the most important relationship of all: the one we have with ourselves.

Solo dates allow you to prioritise your happiness, explore new experiences, and improve your mental well-being without external validation. Here are seven solo date ideas for women that positively impact your emotional and psychological health

1. Book a Spa Day 

This is first on the list because there’s something deeply healing about spa days.  Book a massage, facial, or manicure; close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the world and all your worries melt away. 

Massages, in particular, work wonders for your mental health. They reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), ease muscle tension, and release serotonin and dopamine, which instantly lift your mood.

• Apples & Oranges Total Body Therapy

Located at 12A Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, this spa is a top-tier choice if you want to experience serious muscle and stress relief. It offers expert-led Swedish, relaxing, and deep-tissue massages. 

READ ALSO: 7 Best Places to Get Deep Tissue Massage in Lagos.

2. Enjoy a Solo Picnic

Sometimes, happiness looks like a blanket, good food, a little sunshine, a book, and a painting exercise. A solo picnic is a simple yet powerful way to disconnect and refuel.

• Paint by Numbers – Sunset Safari

Que Craft has a beautiful catalogue of paint-by-number kits that help you channel your untrained inner Picasso. They are perfect for all skill levels, even if you’ve never held a crayon.

3. Go Camping and Spend the Night Stargazing

When was the last time you looked up and really took in the stars? This is probably something for the hopeless romantic or book lover, or someone with an old, artsy soul. 

If you’re looking for the best camping spot, Lighthouse Beach, Tarkwa Bay, is where to go. It’s a small island near Lagos Harbour, which means you have to get there by boat. 

On the Beach, renting a tent costs between ₦15,000 and ₦20,000 with bedding. Cabins and lodges range from ₦25,000 to ₦150,000. Reach out to SunsetHaven on IG to book. For extra comfort, go with a blanket, insect repellent, cash, and a power bank. 

4. Dine Solo at a Restaurant

As popular as dining alone seems, it can feel intimidating. But once you try it, it feels freeing. Sitting by yourself, enjoying your meal, and soaking up the atmosphere without distractions helps you get comfortable in your own company.

When you eat by yourself, you learn to be okay with being independent and not caring what others think. Plus, you really get to focus on all the amazing flavours, textures, and feelings of the food since you’re not busy talking to someone else.

• Boutique Café Lagos 

Location: 64 Adeola Odeku St, Victoria Island, Lagos

Time: Open daily from 7 am – 10 pm

5. Take a Creative Class

6. Visit a Museum or Gallery 

7. Get Lost in a Bookstore or Library 

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