indwe magazine – Nov 2005

Luxury
in a place called Izulu

In a secluded tropical setting half an hour north of Durban, on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is a place where heaven has a different name. The name Izulu. Hotel Izulu is most certainly no ordinary hotel. It is a place where effortless exclusivity is its all-essential ingredient and where only the best will do. Here the discerning traveller may experience a heaven-sent destination.

Text: Deidre Theron-Loots
Images: © Hotel Izulu.
Set on a hillside with panoramic views of the lush subtropical dunes and shimmering Indian Ocean, Hotel Izulu is centrally located in the sprawling coastal town of Ballito. Situated within the environs of some of the most incredible coastline, Hotel Izulu is only two hours drive from two world renowned heritage sites, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, and a short drive from one of Africa’s most sought after retail and entertainment complexes.
Hotel Izulu is a five star property with luxury all suite accommodation, year round sunshine, fine dining, immaculate yet personalised service that includes the offering of German, French and Russian language options, unashamed relaxation, a fully fledged spa and facilities for conferences and weddings. Reflecting a beautiful contemporary Tuscan architecture, the property comprises five freestanding Bali-style villas flanking the main hotel – all set in subtropical lush landscaped surrounds.
Apart from its Proudly South African status, the hotel has received several awards, including a FEDASHA AWARD for Best Hotel, and a Clarins Gold Status Certification for its Impilo Beauty Spa, based on “outstanding levels of professional advice and administration of treatments.” The Impilo Beauty Spa now also offers treatments exclusive to spas with gold status ranking only. Recently the Hotel Izulu was also awarded member status of the Paris-based Relais & Chateau chain, a globally revered organisation that demands the highest standards from its members, judged by the five C’s that make up the Relais & Chateau Quality Character – courtesy, charm, character, calm and cuisine. The uniqueness of this concern has been recognised, making it the only Relais & Chateau establishment in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
With the latest in audio visual, telecommunication and video-conferencing technology, the Izulu Conference Centre is the ideal setting for today’s business forum. The wireless internet connection of the hotel is available in your suite, or anywhere else in and around the hotel buildings, as opposed to a designated area for online work. This makes Hotel Izulu the ideal location for business travellers who can work and connect via laptop at any time of the day in the comfort of their own luxurious suites.
With a celebrated international executive chef who personally selects the finest local ingredients for the well pampered guest, the cuisine encompasses the big five of gastronomy – taste, aroma, texture, succulence and presentation. Dine à la carte at the elegant contemporary Gigi’s Restaurant, or at a table in the charming wine cellar where many rare and sought after South African wines can be enjoyed by the bottle or by the glass. Light lunches are served in the pool courtyard or the outdoor terrace areas.
Hotel Izulu has become a renowned venue for weddings, where romantic settings, sumptuous banqueting, radiant sunshine and a day of special moments creates a lifetime of precious, cherished memories. With a sublime honey-moon suite and a special honeymoon package deal which includes a free night in the Royal Suite for the couple’s first anniversary, five star luxuries for guests, celebrations can linger for days., Hotel Izulu offers 18 exceptionally luxurious and spacious suites, all impeccably furnished with separate lounges and gorgeous bathrooms that offer an oasis of pampering with a full range of Charlotte Rhys accessories. Each villa is also equipped with its own private jacuzzi, while the Royal Suite, which occupies an entire top floor of one of the villas is equipped with a superb lounge, dining room and open-plan bar, and its own jacuzzi and deck area. All suites offer a choice of entertainment facilities that flow through the entire suite.
If you are in need of rejuvenation and comfort, allow yourself a few days before the onslaught of the new year to be nurtured and pampered and to rediscover the beauty and calm within you. There is always time to appreciate the special moments. Hotel Izulu and paradise are waiting.
Top >