If you want the certainty of future holidays without breaking the bank, consider investing in previously owned weeks.
Dream Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Zimbali Lodge, located within the iconic Zimbali Coastal Resort along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Dream Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Zimbali Lodge, located within the iconic Zimbali Coastal Resort along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
The acquisition also includes the management of Zimbali Vacation Club, strengthening the company’s footprint within the province and bringing the total number of properties within their portfolio to 21.
Says Brent Dickson, Director, Dream Hotels and Resorts: “We are extremely proud to be taking over the management of this prestigious lodge from 1 December 2020. It is the latest addition to our range of mixed-use properties, cementing our dynamic product offering as one of our unique selling propositions.
“With light at the end of the COVID tunnel, we are grateful for new growth opportunities and are really looking forward to this new endeavor.”
Zimbali Lodge consists of 18 hotel suites as well as 35 self-catering vacation ownership units making up Zimbali Vacation Club. The lodge also caters for small conferences and remains a desirable venue to tie the knot. Before South Africa’s lockdown, the property saw an average of 47 weddings a year, with newlyweds snapping up availability for their honeymoon and many returning to celebrate anniversaries.
“Zimbali Lodge is renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, and we can’t wait to further enhance the experience for our guests at this world-class lodge,” Dickson explains.
Situated 50 km north of Durban, the property is also conveniently located. It is a five-minute drive from the thriving hub of Ballito and just 20 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport.
“Quietly nestled within an indigenous forest and overlooking a pristine, secluded beach (accessible by foot), a holiday at Zimbali Lodge promises luxury, relaxation, and peace of mind,” he adds. “It’s just the place to catch up on some birding, tee off on the championship 18-hole golf course, and end each day with the most idyllic sunset views from the Valley of the Pools.”
Guests at Zimbali Lodge will have easy access to the on-site Trophy Bar (also open for breakfast and lunch), the squash and tennis courts. Along with these, guests will also benefit from full access to a range of wine and dine options and a stellar selection of world-class amenities within the resort.
“Whether you’re a nature-lover, an incurable romantic or an exhausted businessman in desperate need of a break, Zimbali Lodge is your ticket to explore a little slice of heaven in a very special country,” says Dickson. “A stay at Zimbali Lodge will also put you in close proximity to a range of attractions including the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a number of historical isiZulu battlefield sites.”
Over the years, Dream Hotels & Resorts has made a significant investment in less-explored regions within the province. Some of these include Nibela Lake Lodge situated along the banks of Lake St Lucia, the Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh along the South Coast, and Little Switzerland Resort overlooking the Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg.
“KwaZulu-Natal holds a special place in our hearts and I am delighted that, with the acquisition of Zimbali Lodge, Dream Hotels & Resorts will not only contribute to the growth and future of this landmark, but also to the province as a whole,” adds Dickson.
“As from today, systems are up and running to manage all new bookings at Zimbali Lodge. With regards to Zimbali Vacation Club, all contractual terms in respect of ownership sold remain in place.”
"We have established a great relationship with the current vacation owners and appreciate their invaluable input and support. They are passing the baton – and we are definitely not going to let them down. It’s a fantastic new chapter for Dream Hotels and Resorts and Zimbali Lodge,” he concludes.
Further communication on how Dream Vacation Club members can book Zimbali Lodge utilising their points will follow early in 2021 so keep an eye out for further information.
If you are one of our members of our managed or developed properties Dream Exchanges is a simple platform which allows you to explore new and exciting places.
The Mjejane Bridge, providing the only private access into the Kruger National Park through Mjejane Game Reserve, has finally re-opened in time for the December peak travel period with a reduced fee.
The Mjejane Bridge, providing the only private access into the Kruger National Park through Mjejane Game Reserve, has finally re-opened in time for the December peak travel period with a reduced fee.
It was a historic occasion for the reserve as well as for tourism when the access bridge was finally opened on 7 November 2020,” says Sharmila Ragunanan, Marketing Manager of Dream Hotels & Resorts.
With 19 properties under their portfolio, the mixed-use accommodation group currently owns and manages Mjejane Bush Camp which offers a range of shared ownership accommodation options.
“We are extremely pleased that this long-awaited re-opening has finally happened, and just in time for the recent announcement that South Africa’s borders are open for international travellers. This event is vital for attracting much-needed capital back into the area.”
Mjejane Game Reserve forms part of a recently settled land-claim from the Lugedlane community who benefit from the sale of properties, the building of lodges and the overall tourism economy, including skills transfer, training as game rangers and providing key services in support of the maintenance and operations of the reserve.
On 14 of July 2020, the Mjejane Game Reserve Home Owners Association (HOA) and SANParks entered into an agreement for preferential access via the bridge into the KNP for an initial six-month period due to low use. During this period, SANParks allocated 10 permits per day, with Mjejane Bush Camp guaranteed two per day along with access to any unused permits.
“As mentioned, this limit was implemented due to the initial low use of the bridge when the fee structure made it quite expensive,” Ragunanan explains.
“We believe the reduced rate will encourage greater use and ultimately generate a greater community benefit due to a higher volume of fees. We are also hoping that, with an increased demand, SANparks will consider an increase in the amount of permits issued per day.”
The cost for use of the Mjejane Bridge has now been reduced from R50 per person and R100 per vehicle, to R25 per person and R25 per vehicle.
“We are excited to welcome our owners and their families back to Mjejane Bush Camp and wish them utmost enjoyment of this unique feature – the first and only private access into Kruger National Park,” she concludes.
As a valued Dream Vacation Club Member, we are offering you the chance to save on your 2021 subscription fees.
As a valued Dream Vacation Club Member, we are offering you the chance to save on your 2021 subscription fees. You will receive a 10% discount if payment is made by EFT, or a 5% discount if payment is made by credit card. Full settlement of your subscription fees must be received by the 31 December 2020. Below you will find your subscription fee for 2021 along with your discount options.
OUR BANKING DETAILS:
FNB Account holder: Dream Vacation Club
Branch code: 255005
Account number: 62052585505
Please use your membership number as your reference.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on
011 267 8396 or email subscriptions2021@dreamvacs.com
What a year 2020 has been not just for us here at Dream Vacation Club but for the entire hospitality industry and throughout the world as our ‘normality’ has been changed forever.
Dear Member,
What a year 2020 has been not just for us here at Dream Vacation Club but for the entire hospitality industry and throughout the world as our ‘normality’ has been changed forever. Despite it being a tough year for most, the silver-lining is that it has forced us all to take a step back and realise what’s important in life. It has made us here at Dream Vacation Club stronger and more appreciative of what we have and how fantastic our staff and members are.
It was encouraging to see members utilising their points by booking vacations as soon as allowed. Once again, I would like to extend my heart-felt appreciation to all members, staff and my fellow trustees for their patience and understanding during this year.
To ensure that members with bookings with check in dates during lockdown did not forfeit the points charged for these bookings in terms of the club’s cancellation policy, it was resolved by the trustees that the relevant policy be waived and that such bookings be cancelled and all points refunded. In addition, it was decided that should members not be able to utilise their points due to expire on 31st December 2020 as a result of the lockdown, that such points will be reinstated for use until 30 June 2021.
Consequent to the current difficult economic times, some members have regrettably had their Club memberships cancelled because of non-payment of their annual subscriptions. The loss of members does inevitably place financial pressure on the Club as fewer members are contributing to the running costs.
Our credit department continues to endeavour to assist all members to avoid the cancellation of their memberships. These endeavours include loan repayment periods being extended, and the temporary suspension of the points allocated for a year.
At this time of the year, we are always left with the difficult task of setting the following years’ budget. Given the expected challenging economic climate, finding the right balance between affordability for Members, maintaining standards of our properties and ensuring the Club’s long-term financial sustainability has been tricky.
After an in-depth analysis of the club’s finances, I am pleased to advise that we were able to limit the increase of the subscription fees to 2.9% for 2021.
A 10% discount will apply for the full settlement of your 2021 subscriptions if payment is made by EFT or alternatively, a 5% discount for full settlement if payment is made by credit card by 31 December 2020.
Other accepted payment methods are a once-off debit order payments during January 2021 or a monthly debit order option. However, no discounts will apply to the above methods. Please note, that from 1 January 2021, any debit orders that return uncollected will be charged at a R100 administrative fee for re-collection.
Senior Members who have opted for the Senior Package are also entitled to a 10% discount on their subscriptions if full settlement of the 2021 subscription fee is received by no later than 18 December 2020.
We would like to remind our members of our Dream Rewards Programme entitling members to discounts at resorts managed by Dream Hotels & Resorts. These discounts will vary from property to property and range from 2.5% to 7.5% on food and beverage, up to 12.5% on spa treatments and up to 20% on specified activities. Please follow the link below for more information with regards to the Rewards Programme https://www.dreamresorts.co.za/dream-memberships/dream-rewards/. Your Dream Vacation Club Membership number is also your Dream Rewards number. This number can be quoted at our Dream Hotels and Resorts properties to qualify for discounts on offer.
In conclusion I would like to say that it has always been, and continues to be, our vision to give our Members and their families a lifetime of holidays and special memories.
Wishing you all a blessed festive season and safe travels.
Kind Regards,
Weston Dickson
Chairman – Dream Vacation Club
