Spencers Creek Pvt Ltd in partnership with
Old Mutual Zimbabwe invested approximately US$24,6 million in land and
construction of the 71-room four-star hotel.
The new business venture targets travellers
from across the globe looking to experience Africa's natural world wonder, the
Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi River, abundant wildlife and the rich
history of the resort town environs. President Mnangagwa toured the site in
August last year when he launched the US$5 billion National Tourism Recovery
and Growth Strategy here, and construction of the hotel was still underway. The
idyllic location of The Palm River Hotel under a canopy of indigenous trees is
expected to offer an unmatched panoramic view of Zambezi and Game Park, 4km
away from town.
The construction of the facility is a
significant expansion of Ilala Hotel Group, which is expected to boost tourism
not only in Victoria Falls but in the country.
Responding to emailed questions, Ilala
Lodge Hotel general manager, Miss Heather Kay, said The Palm River Hotel will
welcome guests on 1 July.
She said construction of Block A (Acacia)
and Block B(Baobab) made up of predominantly Deluxe rooms and presidential
suite along with a refreshing 20 metre infinity pool are now complete and await
the arrival of the first guests.
Block C (Combretum) and the main area
including the reception, dining hall, bar and fresco restaurant are currently
receiving the last of their final touches in preparation for the opening.
The construction of Block D (Duikerberry),
Block E (Ebony) Block F (Fig) is also underway with completion scheduled for
November 2021.
The hotel will have a total of 71 rooms
comprising 60 deluxe rooms including two wheelchair accessible rooms, two
deluxe suites, two honeymoon suites, two family suites, three executive suites,
one presidential suite and one Palm River Villa inclusive of three bedrooms.
Management says the hotel seeks to offer unmatched elegance.
"Elegantly appointed with comfort and
space in mind, the interior design of the rooms is focused on bringing the
outside in, with the stylish use of natural tones, locally sourced materials
and artwork reflective of the area," said Miss Kay.
"The tastefully modern style of the
Queenslander is reflected in the inside as well as the outside, and introduces
a new dimension of luxury, providing guests with every modern convenience to
make their stay as comfortable as possible while maintaining the old-world
charm that is the essence of Victoria Falls."
The well-placed rooms offer expansive and
tranquil riverside garden from the bedroom balcony experience with unsolicited
view of wildlife allowing guests to feel up-close and personal with the Mighty
Zambezi River.
There is also river deck on the edge of
Zambezi River and a large alfresco dining area under a canopy of trees to offer
an à la carte restaurant, an outdoor bar, conferencing and events facilities, a
pool that transforms into a star lit wonder-lit with the use of cleverly
illuminated rocks and lighting.
Miss Kay said once the business is
operational there will be a complimentary shuttle bus from the city centre
connecting key landmarks well sought by tourists.
Since the Covid-19 lockdowns restrictions
in March last year, the destination suffered loss of business due to travel
restrictions and subsequent closure of tourism facilities.