#BestofBallito: Zimbali Estate redefines luxury estate living
Zimbali won the Best Holiday Accommodation and Best Golf Course categories.
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Zimbali Estate took home presitgious honours in The North Coast Courier Best of Ballito Readers’ Choice Awards, winning not one but two categories.
The estate took home the win for Best Golf Course and Zimbali Lodge won Best Holiday Accommodation!
Since its establishment in 1996, Zimbali Estate has redefined luxury estate living in South Africa.
The original ethos of ‘Living in harmony with nature’ established a strong conservation foundation that remains integral to the estate’s identity.
Thoughtfully developed around a natural coastal forest, with its commitment to sustainability and protection of its natural ecosystems, Zimbali Estate is recognised as one of the top eco-friendly estates in the world.
Situated along the picturesque coastal shoreline of KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbali Estate epitomises luxury and authentic living. Residents can enjoy extraordinary lives within beautiful beach, forest, and golf environments, and it is a sanctuary for diverse fauna and flora.
‘Holy Hill’ is zoned as a conservation area, and a range of opulent villas, mansions, and townhouses are constructed in neutral hues that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Achieving a balance between development and conservation, Zimbali Estate has reclaimed agricultural land, planted indigenous flora, restored wetlands and watercourses and managed wildlife.
This includes protecting the endangered Pickersgill’s Reed Frog and a breeding pair of African Crowned Eagles, while eco-passages prevent habitat fragmentation and are another proactive approach to conservation.
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The award-winning estate offers an array of world-class amenities, including two hotels, rejuvenating spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, a basketball and netball court, and diverse dining establishments.
Among its standout features is direct beach access, allowing residents to explore the natural beauty of coastal ecosystems. State-of-the-art security ensures peace of mind, while an 18-hole golf course, rated the best in KwaZulu-Natal, offers stunning views and an exceptional golfing experience.
The name Zimbali Estate, meaning ‘Valley of Flowers’ in Zulu, is brought to life by over 400 indigenous flowering plant species that adorn the landscape and support a rich ecosystem.
The estate’s nursery propagates indigenous plants for rehabilitation and restoration work, and residents are encouraged to plant native flora in their gardens.
The renewal of the coastal grasslands biome provides a diverse habitat for endangered birds, butterflies, and reptiles, while collaborative efforts with research organisations and wildlife rehabilitation centres further underscore Zimbali Estate’s role as a steward of nature.
Zimbali Estate’s success story is not just about luxury living; it’s about creating a sustainable future where human development and nature thrive together.
This vision attracts multi-generational families who value a secure, family-centric environment enriched by the natural beauty and diverse amenities that Zimbali Estate offers, and a harmonious and luxurious lifestyle in one of the world’s best and most beautiful settings.
Find the full list of winners across some 223 publicly nominated categories here.
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