Fairmont Zimbali Lodge

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Highlights

• Five star resort hotel by the beach only 45 mins from Durban
• Rimflow pool and deck with stunning views down to the Indian Ocean
• Tranquil mix of African and Asian architecture
• Superb 18 hole golf course

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is easily the most luxurious beach resort hotel on the Dolphin coast, an elegant and sophisticated hideaway only 40 minutes north of Durban. Set in a serene coastal forest reserve of 300 ha, it is natural sub-tropical paradise and home to forest animals and plentiful bird life. The Fairmont Zimbali hotel is perched on the hill surrounded by lush vegetation and indigenous gardens and has sweeping views over the wooded valley and lake to the Indian Ocean beyond.

The 76 air-conditioned rooms and suites have Afro-eastern inspired architecture with hand-carved mahogany furniture. Every room at Fairmont Zimbali opens onto a private, furnished balcony overlooking the lush sub-tropical vegetation. The emphasis at Fairmont Zimbali is on personal care and attention - butlers are on hand to attend to your needs.

Shaded walkways bring you to the magnificent central lodge with its grand central staircase overlooking the estate. Outside is a breath-taking rim pool and pool deck with glorious ocean views. There is a stylish glass-encased restaurant serving a mix of western and local Natal dishes inspired from the East. The cuisine is sublime and only the freshest ingredients are used. Other facilities at Fairmont Zimbali include the magnificent golf course, tennis, various walking trails, the beach club and a health Spa which offers a refreshing therapy of its own kind with its range of holistic treatments. Fairmont Zimbali also has a second swimming pool and pool bar at the beach so that you can choose between lounging on the beach or around the pool.

The superb Tom Weiskopf (former South Africa PGA and British Open Champion) course descends from the hotel down the valley to the Indian Ocean. This course is both challenging and beautiful, offering world-class conditions for top players and higher handicap players alike. The course has two distinct sides, with some holes in open former sugar cane fields and many others cutting through the indigenous forest and coastal wetlands of KwaZulu Natal. It boasts spectacular sea views from the 14th to 18th holes. The stylish Country Club and Golf Shop completes the experience.

Fairmont Zimbali welcomes children and can accommodate one extra bed in each room. There are also a small number of inter leading rooms. There are lots of excursions available from Fairmont Zimbali - to Shakaland cultural village, Crocodile Creek, the Zulu Battlefields, Shaka's Rock and Tugela River Adventures.

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