Tuesday 4 November 2014

Zambia, Livingstone: Zambezi Sun Refurbishment

The icon of the Zambian hospitality industry, the Zambezi Sun, is undergoing a wonderful refurbishment that will re-establish the much-loved property as the family destination of choice in Zambia.

The hotel is and has always been a dynamic 3 Star family hotel but also offers conference facilities and the original design therefore needed adaptation to suit both family holiday-makers and business visitors. The original design of the Zambezi Sun was centred around African-Adobe style architecture to create a unique African-Moroccan atmosphere.

Joanne Selby, General Manager, says that over the years, this design required upgrades in terms of technology which was not a major consideration when the property was built. "Therefore, creating a refreshed atmosphere and accommodating the advances in technology were a focus for the refurbishment," says Joanne.

"We looked at bringing the public areas back to life, and bringing in a stronger Moroccan feel with 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 to bring in more interest."

However Joanne says when it came to the guest rooms, it was necessary to bring in an additional layer of comfort and luxury and 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," she says.

The new guestroom 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 warmth and a sense of elegance.

Rooms have also been fitted with custom-made units that can function as a desk and a television 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," Joanne says.

In-room enhancements also include wifi, 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 guestroom corridors and lowered ceilings all combine seamlessly to create a warmer, more interesting space for guests to meander down on their way to their rooms.

The reception area is also undergoing a transformation and will feature a new seating layout which 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.

"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, or pre dinner or to have after dinner drinks in the comfort of the lounge area," says Joanne.

Joanne says 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. "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, featuring a beautiful carpet design which was inspired by the earth and adobe colours of the African bush and the architecture of the property and has movement which reflects that of the Zambezi River. However, the drapery, wall finishes and lampshades will all be refurbished to tie in to the new carpet. The technology in the space has been significantly improved to allow guests and business people to work efficiently in the space.

The Zambezi Sun has a strong family focus 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," says Joanne.

The full program of refurbishment will end in July 2015. All guest facilities will be available throughout.

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