Zimbali coastal resort, North Coast

Zimbali Coastal Resort is an excellent hideaway for prospective buyers seeking a short holiday away from the stresses of the urban jungle. The upmarket Zimbali Coastal Resort on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast boasts private beach access, lush greenery, a premier golf course and luxurious accommodation. A high-end destination, Zimbali is not your average holiday sojourn, but with fractional ownership, such luxury is not out of reach.

Zimbali Coastal Resort is a breathtaking 700-hectare Coastal Resort situated on a pristine stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast. It is a place of expansive beauty, endowed with lush vegetation and an abundance of indigenous wildlife. Appropriately, its Zulu name means ‘valley of flowers’.

Featuring inspired architecture that displays an Indonesian influence, the majestic estate offers residents and guests an exceptional quality of life within a pristine natural environment. Located 45km north of Durban and within close proximity to all modern amenities, Zimbali is perfectly positioned to experience the unmatched magnificence of the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Offering irresistible ocean and forest views, exceptional water and wetland features and an inspiring natural setting, Zimbali Country Club has developed the reputation of a memorable course with charisma and challenge.

With the brief of "conservation takes precedence" international golf course designer and former British and South African PGA champion, Tom Weiskopf, had to integrate a "cart only" course into a property with dramatic elevation changes, varying eco-systems and substantial residential sections. This was no easy task, but the end result is a prestigious course that is ecologically sound, yet it maximizes the natural landscape. Having been described as "an enthralling journey through 18 holes", the changing terrain stretches the skill yet captivates its participating golfers. With the Weiskopf philosophy of "presenting a fair challenge to any level of play" the essence of this course is that it will reward the good shot and punish the bad.

Now in its tenth year (2008), the course has matured. Gradual adjustments have been made to improve user friendliness. Landing areas are wider and there is improved definition from tee positions. However the need to retain the ecology and extensive wildlife habitats dictates the positioning, abundance and controlled maintenance of the semi and long rough areas. This ultimately necessitates some precise shot making indeed and also contributes to increased difficulty of play.

The remains of a ruined farmhouse framed around an ageing wild fig tree dominates the entrance to the clubhouse. Again construction had to take place around nature and this feature not only marks the entrance of the modern, colonial-styled clubhouse, it also bears testimony to the preservation ethos of the developers of Zimbali Country Club.

The clubhouse has been designed and decorated in an African Classical theme, with extensive use of hand crafted décor, fittings and furnishings. Raised decks provide unparalleled elevated course and sea views, trees grow through decking leading down to the 18th green and parking bays were carefully planned to minimize impact on the forest surrounds. Impeccable service, superb catering, a well appointed Pro Shop and plush cloakrooms enhance the venue even further.

The Country Club provides full amenities for golf, including golf carts (compulsory), a halfway house, putting greens, a driving range, tennis courts and a bar and lounge facility which is of the highest order.

In terms of the ultimate golfing experience, Zimbali is amongst the top 10 courses in South Africa to receive the Complete Golfer's Five-star Golf Experience Award; based on service excellence, top-class clubhouse facilities, golf course conditioning and last but not least the overall lingering experience.

Zimbali Country Club and Golf Course is rated independently by GOLF DIGEST magazine as a top 250 South African golf course, aswell as a top 5 finest golfing experiences in South Africa.

The current year (2008) will mark the final sell-out of all the remaining land within the Zimbali Coastal Resort – surrounding the golf course and within the forest estate section. Fairway fronting sites and sea facing sites are available on re-sale through the Zimbali Sales Centre.

The Zimbali Lakes development will be the next major phase of development and will boast a Gary Player design golf course, country club, driving range and golf academy. The first real estate opportunities within the Zimbali Lakes development are expected to be made available in 2008

Valley of the Pools

The Zimbali Valley of the Pools is an idyllic setting embraced by lush indigenous coastal forest and with its spectacular beachfront location is a prime day time venue for Zimbali residents and visitors. The main access to the Zimbali beach is positioned next to the pools. A day time kiosk serves light meals and drinks.

Game Walks

The joy of being surrounded by nature and watching bush buck within yards of your patio, monkeys at play in your front garden, rare butterflies flutter by, a myriad of small colourful birds actively chirping in the forest canopy overhead, is a memorable quality that draws visitors to Zimbali. The opportunity to walk freely around the various areas of the estate and to literally touch nature seems to rejuvenate the mind and soul.

Beach Activities

Zimbali is perfect for spending lazy days on a pristine beach as the soft light of a late afternoon makes the golden sand, dark green forest and azure ocean glow. For the actively inclined the Zimbali beach is perfect for surfing and kite-surfing, offers great shore fishing or sea kayaking. Playful schools of dolphin are often spotted just off the breakers.

Spa

The Camelot Salon at the Zimbali Lodge offers a welcome reprieve to weary travelers and stressed executives with a range of treatments to cleanse and rejuvenate.

Horse Riding

The opportunity to gallop along an endless beach with the wind in your hair is yours to explore through the Zimbali Horse Rides service. Catering to experienced riders as well as the youngest willing participants this is a thrill not to be missed while visiting Zimbali.

Mountain Biking

Apart from the extensive network of roads within Zimbali, the endless sugarcane farms surrounding Zimbali provide perfect undulating terrain for avid mountain bikers. Rides are only limited by your own endurance and a friendly crew of dedicated male and female riders are regularly seen within the area.

Running Trails

The opportunity to enjoy lengthy runs within a safe and pristine environment is a special treat for those typically confined to an urban environment. The many different nature trails and extensive internal road network allow for runners to create their own trails and set their own limits. The undulating terrain allows for interesting routes with testing climbs.

Golf

The existing 18 hole par 72 championship Tom Weiskopf designed golf course, rated as one of South Africa’s finest golfing experiences is supported by a well stocked Pro shop, driving range, half-way house and putting greens. Soon to be joined by the Gary Player designed 18 hole championship course, country club, golf academy and driving range within the Zimbali Lakes Resort, Zimbali is set to become one of the must see and play destinations within South Africa on any avid golfers’ itinenary.

Tennis and Squash

Two floodlit tennis courts are currently available and are located opposite the Zimbali Country Club. The new Zimbali Residents Facility, currently being developed adjacent to the Fairmont Zimbali hotel, will include two new tennis courts, two squash courts and a bowling green.

The magnificent 300ha of rolling hills, currently under sugar cane, bordered by the warm Indian Ocean and Zimbali Coastal Resort to the east and the Tongati river in the south, will soon become the latest extension of Zimbali. It is here where GARY PLAYER is currently designing what we aim to be one of South Africa’s great golf courses. The dramatic terrain dictates that this will be a memorable course with significant elevation changes throughout providing for stunning vistas between t-boxes and greens.

The real estate opportunities which will be created around this new golf course will again provide for secure investment potential and will be marketed as South Africa’s finest leisure and active lifestyle estate. If nature trails, horse trails, mountain biking and running trails, exceptional birding and wildlife, a GARY PLAYER golf academy and driving range, a tennis academy, a world class beach club and views over the new proposed 30ha lake within the natural flood plain are elements which you would look for in an estate investment, then please register your interest now by clicking on the link below.

You will be kept abreast of the development timetable and be first in line to receive information of the land releases as these become available. No land will be offered for sale prior to all development and environmental rights being obtained so as to ensure that our clients have complete comfort that what is being marketed will be delivered.