Zohra Mohamed

Where: KZN North Coast

Mood: Cool and wealthy

It is literally a millionaire’s retreat. Zimbali (“valley of flowers” in Zulu) is a secluded resort along KwaZulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast, set within an indigenous forest.

King Goodwill Zwelithini is a regular, and American talk-show host Oprah Winfrey stays there when she’s in the country. Leading politicos and wealthy business types own villas there.

A villa on the exclusive golf estate starts at a cool R7m, and goes up to R40m for a four-bedroom, 500m² property, while the lodge rates per night start at R3200 for bed and breakfast. Zimbali has notched up several international property awards.

But before making a beeline there to rub shoulders with some of SA’s super rich, be warned — entrance is by arrangement, which involves submitting your profile. If you are accepted, a reference number is issued allowing you into the lodge, provided it is not fully occupied.

So what makes Zimbali special, apart from its signature golf course, spacious surroundings and lush vegetation, and the unconventional golf cart that is used to ferry guests from its main amenities to the suites?

Nothing all that spectacular, really. What guests pay for is simply privacy with top-notch security. The rooms are standard five-star suites. All suites overlook the lake, the golf course or the forest, whichever you prefer. Zimbali is part of IFA Hotels & Resorts, which is listed on the Kuwait and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

It is managed by the Fairmont group, which took over from Sun International last June.

It is not a place for meeting friends for a cocktail or even suitable for a corporate function, since its corporate venue caters for only 70 people. Instead, Zimbali is for serious Castro cigar puffing, where tycoons meet, presumably to discuss mergers and takeovers, and where political strategy and tactics might be planned. Diplomats and political movers are often there, sipping their drinks beside the pool, or relaxing in the lodge’s cigar bar. It’s the place to be seen for those who prefer not to be seen.

Source: Financial Mail