Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts

Pathetic security systems, people are treated terribly. When entering and leaving the gate after checking in, we were given a photocopy of our id docs in colour, when showing this at security we were asked for our original id documents upon every entry and exit and the security personnel were unfriendly and threat us like thieves, they were totally unprofessional. On the second day and our first exit to Ballito Lifestyle Centre we had a problem getting in as on of us left our original id doc in our room and the photocopy with the barcodes were not good enough. We were delayed about 20 minutes just getting back in and we had a 3 year old child asleep in the car. Never again will we visit or stay in this place as you are not treated as a guest but rather as an unwelcome visitor, although we paid a premium for our stay. Terrible experience.

Firstly the staff were brilliant and super attentive - 5 stars for them. The rest was a major disappointment. The room - it was so dark and musty, the carpets felt dirty, the coffee station lacked and there is no mini bar nor room service. The soap and body wash selection is very limited and basic. The linen was falling apart and had holes in it, the towels were thin and discolored. The door had swollen so you had to slam it to close. The shower was leaking out the pipes and water pressure was an issue. The facilities - the furniture outside is breaking and falling apart, the cushions are outdated and all of it just looks old. The bar area was playing music so loud from a boom box we left. The pool area had people come and use the space as a photo shoot and there stuff was lying all over the bathrooms including underwear and make up. The breakfast - the team at breakfast was lovely. The same breakfast was served three days in a row. The food was alright it just didn’t look appealing. The decor in this space is just strange. The area needs a serious overhaul at the end of the day. This place needs a serious cash injection and upgrade. It’s situated along pure bliss and lets itself down. I wouldn’t recommend this place.

The lodge is beautiful with nice facilities. Slept in a 2 bed. The bedrooms looked nice but there is this awful musty smell in the rooms including the kitchen. The bed linen is old and tired. I did not enjoy spending time in the room which is a pity coz it had a nice view. The rooms need serious renovations & management should find ways to get rid of that musty smell in the rooms.

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 .