A new resort today joins the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio -- Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, located in Zimbali, a mixed-use, 700-hectare coastal resort, north of Durban, South Africa.  Set within the serene confines of a coastal forest reserve on the north coast of KwaZulu Natal, the 76-room resort overlooks the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful gardens.

Situated atop a bluff, the lodge is designed in an African Colonial style with warm wood and autumn tones evoking the natural influences that surround the hotel.  Each guestroom features its own balcony overlooking the golf course and beautiful coastal forest and waterways.  Additionally, the Forest Suites offer the discerning traveler luxurious accommodations within private and intimate surroundings.  Three function rooms provide elegant high-tech surroundings for groups up to 90 persons.

Guests can also enjoy a boutique spa and two outdoor pools, including an infinity -edge pool.  The Zimbali Country Club provides an additional restaurant opportunity and the beach cafe is situated at the spectacular valley of the pools. Myriad activities are available, including the Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole championship golf course, beach and forest walks, tennis and horseback riding.

In 2009, the property will be joined by the Fairmont Zimbali, a new, 157-room resort with a signature Gary Player golf course, Willow Stream Spa and vacation ownership homes, including Fairmont Heritage Place.

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge joins the company’s Africa collection:  Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Fairmont The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club in Kenya and Fairmont Zanzibar, Tanzania.

On both Zimbali properties, Fairmont is partnering with IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR). IFA HR is in the forefront of companies engaged in the development of tourism projects, hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and is currently collaborating with Fairmont on a number of properties including properties in the company’s Africa collection and several on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai.