Karla Pelser: Hospitality Industry Globally Shifting Toward Sustainable Tourism

In just over a year of managing one of Lagos’s most exclusive lifestyle and leisure destinations, the General Manager of Lakowe Lakes, Karla Pelser, has seen the estate transform into a hub of hospitality, sports, and sustainable living. She tells Sunday Ehigiator,  about her journey from Namibia to Nigeria, the rapid evolution of Lakowe and the vision behind its signature event Escape to the Greens recently held in Lagos

Who is Karla Pelser?

My name is Karla, and I come from Namibia. My family is based here at Lakowe. We’ve been here for just over a year now, and we love it. We’ve been very lucky. Our family has lived in a lot of different places in the world, and out of all those places, the people here are just incredible; next-level friendly, with a different kind of energy about them. So, we absolutely love it. What’s really exciting about Lakowe is that we have this massive expanse of land; it’s 306 hectares. Within that land, there are constant developments, and I’m not just talking about the real estate side of things. In hospitality, in the last year alone, we’ve expanded our offerings. We’ve built more cottages, really beautiful superior cottages, and we also have more projects ongoing.

There’s Golf X, which is like a gaming version of golf, similar to Top Golf in Dubai. That centre is under construction at the moment and will feature a new restaurant and café with seating for up to 100 people. It’s going to be fantastic, especially for team bonding. We also have paddle courts coming by December, which is exciting because paddle is becoming a huge global trend. We’re proud to be at the forefront of that development. Then we have our new gym, which is just launching. We even hosted a real estate event there today, as it has just been completed.

And there’s more; a new event centre, a spa, and additional accommodation options are in the works. So, it’s constantly evolving, and we’re always finding new ways to keep up with the trends. It’s really exciting.

Lakowe has so many attractions. What would be your top three picks?

First is golf. Everyone will tell you I am a terrible golfer; I’ve tried! But the golf here is incredible. Even if you’re not a golfer, just walking the course with someone who is playing is really great. The amazing thing about Lakowe is that you don’t actually realise you’re in the middle of Lagos. Lagos is usually busy, noisy, and full of energy, but as soon as you come here, it’s quiet, tranquil, and relaxed. Being on the course and immersed in nature is incredible. Second, on the sports side, we have so much going on. We’ve got an amazing swimming pool, tennis courts, and excellent coaches. They offer lessons, so if you don’t know how to swim, we’ll teach you. If you do, we’ll help improve your stroke. And we’re still expanding our sports offerings. Thirdly, the restaurants; we currently have four outlets. There’s the Wine Bar, which is a fine-dining establishment that will soon get a facelift. Then there’s the Clubhouse, which isn’t just for golfers; it’s open to anyone and offers relaxed, all-day dining. We have the restaurant here, and the one at the pool at Revivo, which is launching a new menu next week; lots of smoothies and healthy options to complement the gym, but also some indulgent treats. And then in December, we’ll launch the new café at the Golf X facility. So, truly, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s talk about Escape to the Greens. What’s the idea behind it? This is the fourth year, right?

It’s the fourth year. Escape to the Greens actually started in conjunction with the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, which is the golf tournament happening this weekend. The tournament itself is in its 10th year now. About five years ago, it was decided to add a hospitality element for people who want to watch the golf but also have other things to do in between. So, it’s not just a golf event anymore.

That’s how it began, and because it also coincides with Independence Day, it became even more significant. This year, Independence Day falls on a Wednesday, so we couldn’t celebrate in the middle of the week; we shifted it to the weekend.

The great thing about this event is that it brings our community together. We have fantastic sponsors every year: Providus Bank, ARM, OandO, GAC, Mixsta Africa, and more. It’s a chance for us to showcase the Lakowe lifestyle and legacy, and also just to celebrate together. This year, we created a mix of experiences: the poolside family event, an evening with a different vibe, and a relaxing Sunday morning with music. It’s all about community, togetherness, and showing people what Lakowe has to offer.

Sustainability seems central to Lakowe. What does that mean for your brand identity?

That’s a very important question. Globally, the hospitality industry is shifting toward sustainable tourism, and we are 100 per cent on board with that. On the hospitality side, we’ve introduced electric golf carts for transport within the estate, reducing vehicle use as much as possible. That’s not only efficient but also reduces noise and emissions. We’ve added electric delivery scooters for food orders, and we also have electric bikes and paddle scooters for guests. The Mixta team is working on expanding solar energy use; we already use it in some of our houses, but we want to scale up. The whole idea is to keep elevating sustainability to the next level. We also have our own power substations. The idea is to guarantee 24-hour power, so you’re never stuck in the middle of a meeting without electricity. That said, we have an excellent maintenance team that works closely with power companies to make sure everything runs seamlessly. And yes, we’re also moving towards more sustainable energy. With all the sunshine we get here, solar is definitely the future for us.

From this year’s Escape to the Greens, what do you want visitors to take away?

A few things: first, the feeling; hospitality is all about how people feel. We want you to leave feeling at peace, nurtured, free, like you’ve been embraced by family. Secondly, we want visitors to explore Lakowe beyond the event: come back for a corporate retreat, a weekend with family, or even consider real estate opportunities. We’re working on projects for different needs, like a retirement community designed for Nigerians in the diaspora who want their parents in a safe, calm, beautiful environment. We also have starter homes, villas, and mansions. There’s truly something for everyone.

Speaking of real estate, how does Lakowe operate in that space?

We currently have just under 100 serviced apartments, which we offer on a self-catering or fully catered basis, depending on what guests prefer. Homeowners also list their properties with us, so our portfolio is quite broad. We have one-bedroom lofts perfect for remote workers, four-bedroom villas ideal for families, and everything in between. Whether you want a month-long stay or a weekend getaway, we can provide the right option.

December in Lagos is always big for hospitality. How does Lakowe fit into that picture, and how significant is it to Lagos and Nigeria’s economy?

We’re very fortunate because Lakowe is not just a December destination; it’s busy year-round. Of course, December is huge, and we’re already 40 per cent booked for Christmas, even before advertising. Once we start, those slots will sell out quickly.

But our business thrives throughout the year, thanks to corporate retreats, weddings, and events. That consistency contributes greatly to Lagos’s economy and, by extension, Nigeria’s.

Running Lakowe must be demanding. What keeps you going?

My team! Honestly, they are the reason I can do what I do. We have a large, dedicated group of Head of Departments, HODs and their teams, and they’re all superstars.

This year’s Escape to the Greens, for example, was stress-free for me because everyone did their part brilliantly. Our business runs on people; if your team is happy and motivated, they’ll make guests feel happy and special. That’s what drives me.

And how do you personally relax?

I’m a reader. I love murder mysteries and crime investigation novels; it’s my way of escaping into another universe.

And of course, I have two small children. My husband, who is also a GM here, and I spend a lot of time with them, riding bikes, swimming, and going to the playground. They keep me busy, but it’s a joy.