Durban - When the name Zimbali pops into conversation, the first thing that any avid golfer thinks about are the lush greens and stunning backdrops on the championship course.
So when I heard I was off to the Forest Suites at Zimbali, I chucked the golf clubs – and a few extra balls – into the boot, and looked forward to another memorable outing on the exclusive Tom Weiskopf designed course.
Alas, when I arrived, the course was fully booked, and I had to find other ways to keep myself busy.
Not that it is hard to do at Forest Suites, which is tucked in a magical little haven, away from the main Fairmont Zimbali Lodge on the estate.
If you’re after a bit of peace and quiet, you will be hard pressed to find a better location, with the only background music provided by nature’s song.
And then there are the rooms. The brochure said five-star luxury, but they probably forgot to add an extra one to be safe. Just 20 minutes north of Durban, it is the ideal hideaway to kick back and forget about the worries of the world.
There are just 10 units, each with one-bedroom and two opulent sleeper couches for kids under 12, giving one the sense that you have the place all to yourself.
Even the notorious vervet monkeys that patrol the Zimbali estate for a half-open window were on their best behaviour.
Having planned to head to one of the three pools available to guests – including a rim-flow pool in the forest – I passed out on the wooden deck, and was woken by a desperate plea for the ball to “behave” from the nearby fairway.
As I went to freshen up, I found the suite’s cheekiest surprise: a magnificent Victorian bath tub and, beyond it, an outdoor shower for those who want to get even closer to mother nature.
My female companion had already beaten me to the tub, but I chickened out of using my personal waterfall. Maybe next time.
And speaking of fowl, dinner at Forest Suites is served al fresco, on a covered deck at the immaculately refurbished Milkwood restaurant. The lady opted for confit chicken, while I pushed the boat out and requested the Norwegian salmon.
Though the service was sometimes leisurely, we were both not disappointed. Dessert was the real triumph, though, as we dived into a chocolate mousse that was as decadent as our surroundings.
The room-service breakfast option came in handy the following morning, as it proved impossible to tear myself off the majestic, king-size bed. The continental spread was enough to feed a small army, but the best treat was yet to come.
Forest Suites’ guests have the added luxury of on-site spa treatment from the highly renowned Mangwanani Spa team. You can have the pampering in the comfort of your room, or next to the swimming pool.
Not quite comfortable enough to admit my metrosexual tendencies to the world, I chose the more private option.
Just a word of warning, though. If you ask for the “hard pressure” option, don’t wince like a baby when the kind lady obliges and cranks up the heat.
My partner in pampering went for the (soft) full-body massage, and was walking on a cloud for the rest of the week.
As I disappeared into my oily bliss, I completely forgot that I had wanted to swing a golf club.
Forest Suites at Zimbali has that effect on you, though.
It’s an escape, in the most indulgent sense of the word.
Call 032 538 4000. - Sunday Tribune