Hotel Izulu, the five star, eco-boutique hotel located just a short distance from King Shaka International Airport, in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, is the perfect base for the discerning traveller looking to enjoy the warmth, wildlife, spectacular scenery and culture of the Zulu Kingdom. It’s also ideal for weddings, honeymoons and even conferences and is well known for its fine cuisine at Gigi’s Brasserie.
The property boasts 19 luxurious suites within a contemporary blend of Tuscan architecture, African features and Balinese influences. The different styles of architecture form a convivial mix, and are most often described as ‘an African heart with an eastern spirit’. Five luxurious freestanding villas are spread out in manicured grounds and each villa offers two Executive Suites, two Deluxe Suites, a private courtyard and an 8-seater Jacuzzi.
The Hotel recently refurbished one of its existing Deluxe Suites in order to create a new, luxury experience – ‘The President’s Suite’, paying tribute to the iconic legend and former President, Nelson Mandela. Overlooking the beautifully manicured organic herb and vegetable garden with views of the Indian Ocean, the President’s Suite comprises of tasteful and historical memorabilia from different eras of Mandela’s life with items such as an authentic ‘Madiba shirt’, various photos taken over the years, informative books, press articles, DVD’s and collector’s portraits.
Over the past few years, the Hotel has made a conscious commitment to operate in a greener, more eco-friendly environment and therefore embarked on a programme of green initiatives that marry luxury and eco-awareness. The Hotel’s eco-friendly initiatives include enhancing the quality of the cuisine at Gigi’s Brassiere, which consists of organic herbs and vegetable produce, the meat used is from free-range farms and certified hormone free, all chocolate used is sourced from organic producers and bread is made daily on the property using only organic flour.
The Hotel has furthered its eco process by creating a significant wormery, replacing light bulbs throughout the Hotel, has installed eco-friendly showerheads in the bathrooms and has eliminated a majority of harmful cleaning products. Solar power has been installed in the laundry department which reduces the use of electricity tremendously. Even in the award wining Impilo Spa guests see signs of caring for the body with healthier, natural products rather than chemical based creams, oils etc. In 2009 the spa introduced a new range of products and treatments called TheraVine from Stellenbosch.
An organic Orangery thrives in this climate and with a range of citrus trees each planted in individual terracotta pots. Topiary is a prominent element of the garden, which has become a place for relaxation and reflection for our guests. Designed to be wheel chair friendly the paths encourage exploration of the whole garden where extensive signage explains exactly what is being cultivated.