Zimbali Resort

“Our girls weekend at the Valley of Flowers..”

Nestled on an idyllic beachfront stretch of Indian Ocean along the North Coast, what struck me at first glance as we arrived for our weekend at Zimbali, Valley of Flowers, was the convenience. This resort is just a short drive from King Shaka International Airport. It was not long before we were … more

Nestled on an idyllic beachfront stretch of Indian Ocean along the North Coast, what struck me at first glance as we arrived for our weekend at Zimbali, Valley of Flowers, was the convenience. This resort is just a short drive from King Shaka International Airport. It was not long before we were safely checked into our Deluxe Seaview Suite and had a chance to take it all in with a Lavazza espresso in hand. No trouble had been spared with regards to ensuring that every comfort in our room had been made available to us, along with unrivalled views of the ocean which has its own form of therapy and relaxation to offer discerning guests. Our weekend of pampering, cocktails and relaxation was off to a luxurious start! Famished after our travels, we headed off in search of sustenance and found it in the form of a delicious sushi feast and signature cocktail with a view, at 31 Degrees. As we took in the stunning views from this fifth floor restaurant, we joked with our waitress that Fairmont was just showing off as we were teased with views of both their main pool and the exquisite Indian Ocean below us. During our lunch, I was intrigued to learn that Fairmont Zimbali has a choice of not one but five outdoor swimming pools equipped with loungers and umbrellas for us to choose from and enjoy during our stay. Spoilt for choice? I thought so! The competitive streak in me raised its head and I must admit, I found it tempting not to try to fit in visits to all five pools in the first day. We soon found that pool relaxation is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to the facilities that one could make use of during their stay here but it certainly is a fantastic way to start the holiday. The next day, we woke up early, expectant and excited, and first up on our agenda, some pampering, complete with an Aromatherapy Massage and trip to the Blow Dry bar for a wash and blow dry. It wasn’t long before we were settled in our spa gowns enjoying the ‘Great Lounge’ between treatments enjoying a chamomile tea and healthy muesli snack. Rejuvinated and refreshed after a day of relaxation, we headed back to our Suite to get ready for some pre-dinner drinks. To kick off the evening, we were seated in the Vinum Lounge where we were given a guided tour of the extensive gin range on offer, and a few cocktails later, we were ready to “delight in the flavours of India” at Fairmont Zimbali’s OSA Restaurant. For me, no trip to Kwazulu-Natal would be complete without a delicious curry (or two) during our stay, but what impressed me whilst looking over the menu, was that the menu also offers a selection of signature grills and other options to suite most tastes. Seated in a plush booth, cocktails in hand, our exquisitely plated starters arrived in the form of Zafrani Jhinga (Tiger Prawns) and Lamb Hariyali Kebabs cooked to perfection in Osa’s tandoori clay oven. Next up, it was onto an Osa signature curry for main which also did not disappoint! Full and happy, we made our way back to our comfortable suite for some balcony views and to fall asleep to the sound of the Indian Ocean. Our stay at the Valley of Flowers, flew by in the blink of an eye, and it was not long before we were homeward bound, already discussing when next, we could possibly return. What we left with.. Whether it be a morning stroll on the beach, enjoying an afternoon tea, tennis, golf, or an indulgent spa treatment at Willow Stream Spa that takes your fancy, one thing is apparent.. Fairmont Zimbali Resort really does have your interests at heart.

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