Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts

Erstens war das Personal brillant und super aufmerksam – 5 Sterne für sie. Der Rest war eine große Enttäuschung. Das Zimmer – es war so dunkel und muffig, die Teppiche fühlten sich schmutzig an, die Kaffeestation war nicht ausgestattet und es gibt weder Minibar noch Zimmerservice. Die Auswahl an Seife und Duschgel ist sehr begrenzt und einfach. Die Bettwäsche fiel auseinander und hatte Löcher, die Handtücher waren dünn und verfärbt. Die Tür war aufgequollen, sodass man sie zuschlagen musste, um sie zu schließen. Aus den Rohren der Dusche tropfte Wasser und der Wasserdruck war ein Problem. Die Einrichtungen – die Möbel draußen brechen und fallen auseinander, die Kissen sind veraltet und alles sieht einfach alt aus. Im Barbereich lief so laute Musik aus einer Boombox, dass wir gingen. Im Poolbereich kamen Leute und nutzten den Platz für ein Fotoshooting und ihr Zeug lag überall in den Badezimmern herum, einschließlich Unterwäsche und Make-up. Das Frühstück – das Frühstücksteam war reizend. Drei Tage hintereinander wurde das gleiche Frühstück serviert. Das Essen war in Ordnung, es sah nur nicht ansprechend aus. Die Einrichtung in diesem Raum ist einfach seltsam. Die Gegend muss letzten Endes gründlich renoviert werden. Dieser Ort braucht dringend Geld und eine Modernisierung. Er liegt an einem Ort purer Glückseligkeit und lässt sich selbst im Stich. Ich würde diesen Ort nicht empfehlen.

Die Einrichtungen und Dienstleistungen waren weit unterdurchschnittlich. Das Hotel muss dringend renoviert werden und ist nicht einmal die Hälfte des Tagespreises wert, den wir bezahlt haben. Wenn Sie in Zimbali übernachten möchten, sollten Sie im Capital in Zimbali übernachten. Das Personal war brillant und versuchte, mit dem Müll, den sie vor sich hatten, umzugehen.

I don't know why this accommodation gets such poor reviews. It's unique. Large, well equipped with everything you need. Great views from large balconies. The lodge itself is great, fab swimming pool, food good and the staff could not be more helpful, accommodating and generally just lovelly. Nothing is too much trouble. Just 2 points I would like to bring up. Firstly unless you have a car you have to rely on Uber. We didn't have to wait long but others have. Secondly, the pool area is fab but just 3 children screaming can spoil everything. I'm all for children enjoying themselves but their parents are quaffing cocktails while their kids are shattering ear drums. I guess it is what it is. The bottom line is that it's a great place and I've yet to experience unhelpful staff. On the contrary.

We were very surprised to see the condition of the Lodge. We remember when it was built and owned by Sun International. Buildings are in bad condition (i.e., rotted wood, poor paint. covered in trees, etc.). In addition, infrastructure was in bad shape as well as the vegetation and gardens. I know that Dream Resorts bought the property a couple years ago but they need to make some serious investment to bring this up to their typical standards.

The warm Agulhas Current flows southward down the eastern coast of South Africa creating sub-tropical paradises. Just back from the Indian Ocean, which can feel like bath water to some of us northern hemisphere travellers, beyond the beach, tucked into the coastal forest, you will find one such paradise. There are very few, if any resort style hotels in KwaZulu Natal, like those found in Europe where the grounds run to the beach. Well, here at Zimbali Lodge the hotel grounds do run to the beach and on the beach, you will find sun loungers, tables & chairs complete with parasols to offer shade from the heat of the sun. And if you do not want to feel the warm sand between your toes or the ocean waves splashing against you, then just stop at the bar. Yes, there is even a bar with restaurant, café, and swimming pool. And yes, here too there are plenty of sun loungers and places to sit and just take it easy. On arrival at the lodge, after checking in, we were chauffeured to our room in a golf cart. There was always a cart and driver available if you needed a lift or wanted to be dropped off at the beach ensuring complete relaxation. Our room was stylish, luxurious, well-appointed and big, like the bed it contained, with ensuite bathroom including both a bath & shower. The patio doors led to the balcony where you really feel engulfed by greenery, bird song, and the occasional call of a vervet monkey. Zimbali, in Zulu, translates to “Valley of flowers”. And dotted among the various shades of green there are flowers, flashes of colour, providing nectar to a huge variety of butterflies. The main lodge is a grand building spanning two floors with views over the greenery down to the warm Indian Ocean. The focal point is the palm tree lined infinity pool surrounded by walkways and patio. There is a main restaurant, dining area, where we ate a great buffet breakfast, and a smaller bar and restaurant where we dined in the evening. The quality of food was exceptional. The spicy chicken livers and lamb chops and seafood linguine we would highly recommend. There is also something very special about dining here outside on the patio in the warm night air complete with all the sub-tropical sounds that accompany it. I must also add that the service was exceptional and in true KwaZulu Natal style, everything came with a beaming smile from those that looked after us. For complete relaxation take advantage of the spa and book yourself some pampering on the spa deck. For those more energetic you can follow a forest trail, you might be lucky like us and spot a bushbuck (antelope) or walk the beach. There are tennis courts and an excellent golf course where clubs can be hired. The lodge is ideally located only twenty minutes from King Shaka International Airport and just over thirty minutes from the city of Durban. The town of Ballito is a few minutes’ drive from the lodge entrance gates. Ballito is a busy seaside town with great facilities and plenty going on. This i

We love Zimbali it’s so relaxing with beautiful views, friendly staff and incredible spa/ beauty room. We managed to navigate the entrance and exit security eventually! It’s an outstanding resort in a wonderful location. However……….few points to consider The wooden steps from the Spa to the pool are precarious and need upgrading before someone has a nasty fall on first two steps. The pool loungers need replacing as tatty and stained I feel ball games and kiddies pool parties should be avoided in fairness to everyone trying to enjoy the pool amenities . I think a bus drop off from hotel to the Balito lifestyle centre would be an added bonus to guests. The above points are constructive criticism and not meant to be negative. It’s a wonderful spot and cannot commend staff poolside and girls in the spa enough, very professional .