Where the Smoke Thunders
The Sun International Resort (comprising of the five-star Royal Livingstone Hotel and the three-star Zambezi Sun Hotel) boasts one of Livingstone’s best locations, perched on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and within short walking distance of the magnificent Victoria Falls.
The hotels, each with their own distinctive offerings, are set in 46 hectares of land within Zambia’s smallest national park, the Mosi-oa-Tunya. As a result, visitors to the Falls Resort are often welcomed by families of giraffes and small herds of zebra and impala, as well as a multitude of birdlife. The park itself forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area that surrounds the Victoria Falls, which itself is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Colonial Luxury
Visitors to the magnificent Royal Livingstone Hotel are often struck not only by the warm welcome they receive from the beautifully dressed staff, but also by the view of the Zambezi River which can be seen across the lawns and the hotel’s swimming pool as they check in. Thereafter guests are lead into the Traveller’s Lounge and Bar for a complimentary hand massage to start their holiday off on a truly relaxing note.
It is also here where high tea is served every afternoon. Guests can indulge in a vast array of delectable cakes and treats served on Royal Albert china, or they can sip on exotic cocktails on the lounge’s veranda as evening falls. Both occasions are accompanied by the relaxing sounds of jazz and other mellow standards played on the lounge’s resident grand piano.
Another ritual not to be missed is toasting the setting sun while ensconced on a comfortable chair on the hotel’s river edge deck. The deck is equipped with its own bar to serve sundowners, and features acoustic musicians every evening. This is also a good spot from which to view hippos, crocodiles and an abundant collection of birds in their natural habitats. For an even more up-close-and-personal game viewing experience, guests can sign up for an early evening sunset cruise along the river. This is highly recommended and includes drinks.
Meals are served in the 120-seater dining room where guests can elect to sit inside, or outside on the terrace with its view of the lawns, the pool area and the river.
More Ways to Relax
The resort’s luxurious décor extends to its spacious rooms and suites, where guests can unwind after an invigorating walk to see the nearby Victoria Falls and its curio market, or an organised trip into the reserve or Livingstone itself. And should guests need anything, there is always a butler on duty waiting at a discreet distance outside each room.
The 169 rooms and four suites are soon to undergo a soft refurbishment. Textures and tones will be layered to create an even more luxurious look and feel. The rooms on the end of each of the rows of units will soon boast enclosed verandas, which will enable guests to enjoy the natural surroundings without being disturbed by curious monkeys.
For even more opportunities to relax, guests can make their way to the Royal Spa in the hotel. It offers a range of massage packages and treatments, which can be enjoyed either in the spa or in the tented gazebos next to the river.
Gifts can be purchased at the upmarket curio shop, and guests can connect to the internet in the business centre.
It is not surprising, then, that the Royal Livingstone has been named one of the “Leading Hotels of the World”.
African Hospitality
Guests staying at either the Royal Livingstone or the Zambezi Sun are welcome to make use of all of the facilities at the Zambezi Sun. The hotel combines colourful African hospitality and energy to provide families with a fun experience.
The hotel’s décor is African inspired, complete with extensive mosaic artwork. The hotel offers 208 rooms and four suites arranged around an enormous pool. The Theatre of Food Restaurant, as well as the bar area at the pool side provides the ideal place to take in the nightly entertainment which features local and occasionally international musicians. The restaurant specialises in authentic African dishes, such as crocodile and impala, to name a few.
But There’s More
The hotel also offers a retail section with curio and gift shops, a day activity centre, the Squires Loft Restaurant and the Kamp Kwena play area for children.
In addition, its conference facilities widen its scope to include business travellers. The conference centre seats up to 450 delegates, and there are smaller rooms which can accommodate between 10 and 40 people for business meetings.
To book your unforgettable holiday or conference at this world class resort, contact +27 11 217 5555, email dreams@za.suninternational.com or visit http://www.suninternationaldreams.com/.
Story & Pix © Sun International
