Construction on the celebrated Fairmont Zimbali hotel and residential property portfolio began in late March following an official ground-breaking ceremony held on site at Zimbali Coastal Resort.

Last year, IFA Hotels & Resorts announced its US$ 253 million Fairmont Zimbali property initiative, which includes the five star Fairmont Zimbali hotel, a Gary Player signature golf course and country club, an international Willow Stream Spa, and a range of residential and investment real estate ownership opportunities.

Building will begin with the impressive 22,500-square-metre, 154 key Fairmont Zimbali hotel, custom designed to embody the Balinese architectural language typical to Zimbali Coastal Resort. In the way of facilities, the Fairmont Zimbali hotel will encompass four restaurants, a pool bar, a state-of-the-art gym and a private beach club incorporating a kid's club and two swimming pools. This, set amidst the forested dunes, undulating hills and pristine coastline that defines Zimbali Coastal Resort, will suitably compliment the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

Building on certain residential components and facilities will also begin, followed by the development of the Gary Player signature golf course, Zimbali Lakes Resort and other residential components. It is anticipated that construction will be complete on the hotel and select elements in the first quarter of 2009.

"We look forward to beginning the construction of the hotel and adjoining facilities," says Wessel Witthuhn, Vice President of Development, Africa & Indian Ocean, IFA Hotels & Resorts. "We are anticipating a smooth and professional building period, and have measures in place to ensure that the Zimbali Coastal Resort residents are not inconvenienced." Stringent environmental impact studies have also been undertaken to ensure that the sensitive coastal forest and dune life is preserved and any adverse affects are minimised during the building process," Witthuhn added.

An extensive tendering process saw the earth works and piling contract awarded to the Grinaker/LTA Civils division, while the previously assigned hotel management will be handled by Fairmont.

"The introduction of the global Fairmont brand to the prestigious Zimbali Coastal Resort has further enhanced the international quality standards for which Zimbali Coastal Resort is recognised. The development of this world-class leisure and residential facility will see the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal benefiting exponentially on both an aesthetic and fiscal level," comments Witthuhn. "We are proud to get this prestigious project under way."