Construction World January 2015

AIRPORT

ZAMBEZI SUN UPGRADE The multi-million rand refurbishment of the iconic Zambezi Sun Hotel on the banks of the Zambezi in Zambia is gaining traction, with the upgrade of the first block, comprising 54 rooms, the pool, and bar area now complete.

“We wanted to create a vibrant communal space where friends and families can relax at the pool- side and enjoy delicious cocktails and light meals. The area is now a lively and interactive space where children are invited to help make their own pizzas,” says Caron van Rooyen, the hotel manager at the Zambezi Sun Hotel. Zambezi Sun’s conference facilities have also had an upgrade, including new carpeting, drapery, lamp- shades and wall finishes. Considerable investment has also been made in new technologies enabling guests to work more efficiently. The extensive refurbishment of the property kicked off in June 2014, with the entire project scheduled for completion by August 2015. Once complete, the Zambezi Sun Hotel will exude an enhanced warmth and air of luxury, while remaining true to its roots as one of the most dynamic and friendly leisure destination in Zambia. “We are thrilled with the progress, in particular, the completion of the new pool area in time for the festive season. We look forward to a bumper holiday period, with this area buzzing with the sound of children playing, swimming and designing their own pizzas,” concludes Van Rooyen.

The in-room enhancements include wifi, flat screen TVs, and new air conditioning units. The rooms have also received a soft refurbishment to align them with the hotel’s definitive Moroccan theme. The custom-designed headboards, cornices, vanity facias, and desks are made from a dark timber, and feature Moroccan mashrabiya patterns, exuding the warmth and elegance of the newly-refurbished public areas, including the new lounge. The Moroccan-styled lounge, the first public lounge at the hotel, flanks the hotel restaurant and offers guests an inviting, comfortable space to relax, unwind and people-watch. The enhanced Moroccan feel throughout the hotel has provided license for the use of a bold mix of colours, rich textures, and fascinating patterns to give life to all of the public areas. Even the guestroom hallways have been decked with Moroccan styled lighting and artifacts, and the ceilings have been lowered to create a warmer, more welcoming space for guests as they meander to their rooms. The revamped pool and bar area, the hotel’s hub of activity, now boasts a pizza oven. >