FOUND: Heaven on the East Coast

This 700-hectare resort is a beach, coastal forest and golf estate rolled into one. It includes over three kilometres of unspoiled coastline, stretching inland over forested dunes and rolling fields of sugarcane. Bali-inspired architecture ensures ceiling to floor windows, large patios, broad overhangs, rim flow pools and elevated wooden sundecks.

Based on the ethos of ‘living in harmony with nature’, the development has resulted in a protected natural environment, boasting a variety of fauna and flora found in no other golfing estate within South Africa. This coastal resort is one of three remaining coastal forests in the province. In the shadows of the forest one finds the shy blue duiker, bushbuck, wild pig, mongoose, bush babies and more than 260 species of bird life.

“The Zimbali philosophy creates quality of life developments that find an optimal balance between development and conservation by reclaiming agricultural land, planting it with indigenous flora, restoring wetlands and watercourses and inviting natural life back into a responsibly developed and managed urban habitat,” says Andreas Wassenaar, Zimbali sales and marketing manager.

On the residential side Zimbali has brought three new developments to the market – Imbali Lakes, eBuhleni and Bona Bali. The first is an oasis of harmony and luxury within the Zimbali Coastal Forest with its design focused on the inimitable appeal of the surrounding water to take advantage of the spectacular setting.

The five separate apartment blocks have only three floors each and the 14 private units each occupy an entire floor accessed by a lift. 12 of the 14 apartments have already been sold off-plan.

Wassenaar says the buildings were sited specifically to take advantage of the sea and landscape views, while preserving privacy. Views vary from ocean, to golf course, to lake and conservation area. With a philosophy of providing a tranquil quality of life in harmony with nature, homes at the resort enjoy privacy without the need for individual fencing.

A prerequisite for the high echelon homes within eBuhleni at Zimbali was the inclusion of courtyard living, ensuring that tranquillity, light, lush green gardens and a relaxed living environment can be experienced throughout the year.

Wassenaar says the mix of simplex, duplex and cluster configurations brings a blend of differently sized homes to the market. Living areas are open plan providing an easy flow, while sliding doors provide synergy between the home and the outdoors.

Bona Bali encompasses 18 signature homes of varying configurations centred on a subtropical oasis courtyard. Wassenaar says the synergy of design has meant that these spectacular homes function on many levels – a lock-up and go base for well-travelled owners; contemporary entertaining spaces; private spaces for house guests and the integration of light and space to create a harmonious flow between the indoors and outdoors.

Designed by British Open and South African PGA champion Tom Weiskopf, the golf course utilises every contour of the land to its advantage, and this cart-only course features breathtaking views of the ocean from most of the spectacular holes. Legendary South African golfer Gary Player is designing the second course, currently under development. The Zimbali Country Club supports the signature golf course with a fully stocked pro-shop, putting greens, driving range and halfway house. The Zimbali lodge and country club feature haute cuisine with a fusion of Indian, European and African culinary influences, five-star finery and world-class accommodation, including horse riding, tennis courts, a health spa and a magnificent pool facility.

Located in KwaZulu-Natal just 45 kilometres from Durban, a region renowned for its wealth of culture and natural diversity. Zimbali has access to every expected convenience, two world heritage sites and a vast array of first-class tourist destinations.

The recent multi-million dollar investment by IFA hotels, which are renowned for their paradisiacal resorts, in partnership with Moreland developments, has elevated Zimbali’s profile internationally. IFA Hotels & Resorts is the largest investor on The Palm Jumeirah, the iconic man-made island in Dubai.

Moreland Developments resorts development director Ken Forbes believes Zimbali will be fully sold by the end of the year and the prices achieved and sustained reflect the level to which the development is retaining and growing wealth for its investors. The current third, fourth and fifth phases of the development are now available.

With its subtropical climate, natural springs, sandy beaches, horse riding along the beach and buck grazing on your front lawn, Zimbali offers a piece of heaven right on your doorstep.