Zambezi Sun refurbished to accommodate advances in technology
Joanne Selby, GM of both the Zambezi Sun and the five-star Royal Livingstone, said that the hotel will benefit enormously from the renovation, which will include a technology upgrade - not a major consideration when the property was built.
"The original design of the Zambezi Sun was African Adobe-style architecture to create a unique African/Moroccan atmosphere. While this has worked very well, we need a refurbishment to create a refreshed atmosphere and incorporate ways to accommodate advances in technology to ensure the ultimate comfort and convenience for all guests."
Selby explained that the team tasked with the refurbishment looked at refreshing public areas and bringing in a stronger Moroccan feeling to the new design. "This has given us licence to use bright colours, interesting patterns and wonderful textures in all design elements. Moroccan lighting also creates fascinating and beautiful patterns at night, so we have incorporated many more Moroccan lanterns in all the areas."
When it came to the guest rooms, an additional layer of comfort and luxury has been introduced to create a calm environment where guests can come and truly relax. "Here we looked to create a serene but interesting space where guests could unwind after a long day," said Selby.
Custom designed and custom made
The new guest room design features are all custom designed and custom made. The headboards, cornices and vanity facias all have Moroccan mashrabiya patterns in a dark timber finish to create some warmth and a sense of elegance.
Rooms have also been fitted with custom-made units that can function as a desk and a TV unit - a welcome addition for any business guests.
"We finished these units in a soft Moroccan blue colour to add to the peaceful environment, but have grounded the rooms' soft tones with warm timber cornices and new timber skirtings."
In-room enhancements also include Wi-Fi, flat-screen LED TVs, new air-conditioning units and boilers, and directional LEDs from the headboard to improve reading lighting. Beautiful Moroccan timber doors make the new wardrobes a delightful feature and the addition of Moroccan lighting, mirrors in the guest room corridors and lowered ceilings all combine seamlessly to create a warmer, more interesting space for guests.
The reception area is also undergoing a transformation and will feature a new seating layout that can accommodate more guests than previously and be filled with various patterns, textures and interesting pieces to create an immediate sense of arrival for guests.
New Moroccan lounge setting
"There has never been a lounge area at the Zambezi Sun, but we are now creating a wonderful new Moroccan lounge setting to the one side of the restaurant near the poolside area. This will be a very colourful, comfortable, warm and inviting area where people will be able to come and relax either during the day, for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks in the comfort of the lounge area," said Selby.
She said that they are also bringing more colour into all the public areas, including the restaurant, with drapery and pots to bring the spaces back to life.
In the pool bar area, comfortable colourful cushions, beautiful Moroccan lanterns and new comfortable barstools around the bar make the space a haven for guests to enjoy. "Given how popular the resort is with families, we are also bringing in a pizza oven, which will be a fun interactive space for guests' children where they can make up their own pizzas."
The conference facility works well already from a design perspective and will receive new soft furnishings, but with significantly improved technology to allow guests and business visitors to work efficiently in the space.
The Zambezi Sun has a strong family following and the kids' club will also undergo a radical transformation to cater for the ever-changing needs of the youngest guests. This will re-launch as Zuba's Adventure Camp and promises much excitement and fun for children who visit.
Once this property has been completely refurbished it will have another layer of luxury, comfort, colour and vibrancy, and guests will be delighted by the various patterns, textures, lighting and space. "It truly will be a wonderful space for the family or business guest to visit and we look forward to welcoming guests to the revitalised space soon," said Selby.