IFA Hotels & Resorts, the Master Developers of Zimbali Lakes Resort, which will include an Ernie Els Signature golf course, has achieved an impressive R1.6 billion in sales over the past five years.
Building on this success, they recently launched the Tatali Signature Villas, an exclusive, multi-unit residential development, achieving a record-breaking R22 million for a single site, with the potential of 10 opportunities. This is the only project in KwaZulu Natal with Municipal Resort 5 zoning status. The launch marks the first time these luxury properties have been offered to the market, a strategic move designed to boost investor confidence. Additionally, the Group, which pioneered the original Zimbali Coastal Resort in 2005, has secured a R175 million infrastructure facility with ABSA bank for Zimbali Lakes Resort.
Wayne Krambeck, Snr Vice President of Operations at Zimbali, stated, “The recent launch and success of the limited Tatali Signature Villas show that the market is enthusiastic and sees great potential in the diverse and high-quality products being developed at Zimbali Lakes. We are pleased to announce that record sales values were achieved, with stands selling for between R4 million and R22 million. We sold 11 out of the 14 Multi-Unit Residential opportunities within 48 hours of the bidding opening.”
Krambeck goes on to say, “Zimbali Lakes is diverse and offers a wide range of opportunities, including land for homeowners to build their dream homes, commercial spaces like the upcoming Tatali Retail area and development opportunities for investors, life rights retirement homes, and various sporting activities at the Zimbali Sports Club. With the Ernie Els Signature golf course opening in the second quarter of 2025 and the completion of remaining services in other Phases, we are confident that all sellable land will be transferable by mid-2026.”
Ernie has chosen Zimbali Lakes as the location for his personal family home within the Tatali Views precinct, adding to the prestige of the development.
“The Zimbali brand is very well-known. It is a strong brand, both nationally and internationally. We have been fortunate with the success rate of our previous residential golf estate developments in South Africa, Mauritius, Dubai and the UAE,” said Ernie. “We are fully vested at Zimbali Lakes. Apart from the golf course, we are also adding an Ernie Els Performance Academy [EPGA] and the Big Easy Restaurant in the exclusive Zimbali Lakes Sports Club. Students participating in the EPGA will have the opportunity to stay in the Ernie Els Academy Suites”, he concluded.
Werner Burger, CEO of Zimbali, explained, “With the assistance of ABSA, we aim to complete services for Phase 3 by December 2025, which will unlock the retail centre to be built in the Tatali Precinct. Since 2019, we have achieved R1.6 billion in sales across all three phases. IFA Hotels & Resorts has secured a R175M facility with ABSA. Combined with our own equity, this ensures full funding for the completion of all infrastructure at Zimbali Lakes. The Ernie Els Signature Golf Course and the Big Easy Club situated between the 9th & 10th golf holes.
The completion of Phase 3 infrastructure will unlock the remainder of real estate in the Tatali precinct, bringing R2 billion of serviced stands to market at Zimbali Lakes”, he said
Mike Mortimer, Head of CPF Coverage for ABSA Bank said that “Absa is proud to have played a significant role in the financing of various developments on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, regarded as one of the fastest growing and sought-after nodes in the country. Our funding partnership with IFA Hotels & Resorts is one that we value very highly and demonstrates our continued commitment to the transformation of the North Coast. There are numerous factors that make this node an extremely attractive destination from a financier, investor and end-user perspective.
These include proximity to King Shaka International Airport, availability of quality amenities such as schools, healthcare, water and sanitation, and the unparalleled lifestyle that the area offers”.
Wayne Krambeck agrees that Ballito and Zimbali in KwaZulu Natal offer promising foreign investment opportunities. “The Zimbali Lakes project alone has over 2600 approved opportunities, further boosted by numerous developments nearby. The region’s growth and development, together with buoyant international interest, are driving and encouraging this rapid economic growth”.
Burger expressed his pleasure at how well the Tatali Signature Villa sites were received and snapped up by the buyers present at the recent launch. He highlighted the project as a “rare investment opportunity situated within a bespoke crescent-shaped pocket of excellence and conveniently located near the future Zimbali Lakes retail precinct”.
“The villas, once built, will cater specifically to astute buyers offering a high level of luxury and exclusivity. They feature sea, lake and golf course views as well as unique amenities, and a variety of design options that align with the latest architectural trends. Safety and privacy, key considerations for high net worth buyers, are integral to the TATALI Signature Villas”, he said. “In essence, the vision is to offer world-class amenities to the global elite, including office space, tourism, retail and branded apartments situated alongside a state-of-the-art promenade.”
Zimbali Lakes will be the only estate on the KZN North Coast with pristine beaches, tranquil lakes, world-class golf facilities, retail and commercial opportunities.
“The TATALI Signature Villas represent the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, designed to meet contemporary international expectations and this project is a testament to IFA Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value to its investors,” Burger concluded.
For more information on Zimbali Lakes, please visit the website: https://zimbalilakes.co.za/event-landing-page/
