Located along South Africa‘s beautiful south-east coast, nestled between forest and the Indian Ocean, Zimbali Golf Resort combines world-class golf with five-star luxury for a relaxing, luxurious vacation.
The resort is only a half hour drive from Durban and 20 minutes from The King Shaka International Airport.
Golf Course
The resort is home to one of South Africa’s best golf courses, Zimbali Country Club. Tom Wieskopf’s 1998 eco-friendly design has imaginatively placed tee boxes, rolling fairways, elevation changes and winds through wetlands and the Zimbali indigenous forest. It’s a golf-cart compulsory course and is highly scenic and enjoyable. The Weiskopf philosophy of “presenting a fair challenge to any level of play’ is definitely true here.
Clubhouse & Amenities
The clubhouse has been designed and decorated in an African Classical theme, using hand crafted decor, fittings and furnishings. It has raised decks providing superb ocean views, first-class service, superb catering and a well appointed and stocked Golf Shop. There’s a driving range, putting greens and golf lessons for juniors.
Accommodation
The 5-star Fairmont Zimbali Resort is situated inside the elite Zimbali Coastal Estate and is a tranquil retreat offering the utmost in stylish comfort and service. It’s a beachfront hotel which features 154 tastefully decorated guest rooms and suites with scintillating views of the Indian Ocean, with a Penthouse and Presidential Suite, and 18 Fairmont Heritage Place villas for an even more private experience.
Spa & Leisure
The Willow Stream Spa creates a balanced state of well-being where guests can treat themselves with a whole range of therapies such as full body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures and massages. There are nine treatment rooms, three outdoor cabanas and steam rooms.
The resort boasts the magnificent Valley of the Pools, a seamless collection of pools that overlook the Indian Ocean with amazing panoramic views. The pools are equipped with loungers and umbrellas for the enjoyment of guests. A poolside refreshment service is also offered. The nearby secluded beach is equipped with umbrellas and loungers and refreshments are provided.
The Bushbuck Club is the resort’s entertainment centre for adults and kids alike. The facility offers jungle gyms and trampolines for the kids, as well as tennis courts and squash courts. It also has a superb gym with a wide range of Technogym cardio and weight-bearing equipment as well as a separate aerobics studio.
Restaurant & Bars
The resort has five bars, including a lounge bar, wine bar and cocktail bar where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink either indoor, outdoor or poolside, or enjoy light bites, pastries, teas, coffees and breakfast. There’s a poolside deli and seven other restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for choice, serving Mexican, Indian, and local specialities. The elegant bars and restaurants together offer a huge variety of drinks and cuisines, with everything from casual drinks to fine dining.
Local Attractions
The area surrounding Zimbali offers a wide range of exciting activities and experiences. There are numerous golf courses close by, including Umhlali Golf Course and Prince’s Grant Golf Estate, and there’s beautiful swimming beaches and pretty coastal towns dotted along the coast. For the adventurous, nearby attractions include Crocodile Creek, Big-5 game reserves, nature trails, shark, dolphin and whale watching.
2,5 years ago I stayed there, played there, dined there, in sum had an exquisite time at a first rate resort. Highly recommended.