A new look for Nibela Lake Lodge

JOHANNESBURG, 4 August 2022 – Dream Hotels & Resorts (DHR) is celebrating the completion of an extensive R2 million refurbishment project at Nibela Lake Lodge, located on the northern banks of Lake St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We’ve been hard at work over the last year, ensuring Nibela maintains its high standards our guests have come to appreciate and expect,” says Gemma Linforth, General Manager, Nibela Lake Lodge.

In October 2021, the team embarked on a mission to reconstruct sections of the main lodge, repainting interiors and exteriors, retiling the lounge area, and opening out the restaurant and bar.

“Being the social heart of Nibela, we wanted to create additional seating and allow nature and natural light to spill in,” she adds. “We realised that doing so would speed up service and allow guests to watch our bar staff and baristas crafting colourful cocktails and coffee right in front of them.”

The restaurant’s viewing deck was extended outwards and fitted with clear roofing, allowing guests to sit comfortably during the rainy season. “With a prime view over the forest and out towards the lake, Nibela’s deck is always in high demand, especially for sundowners. Adding in extra seating space was a necessity,” Linforth explains.

Refurbishment efforts also extended to the reception and office area, which now features a functional curio corner for visitors to browse. The public washrooms were also given special attention, receiving brand new fixtures and fittings.

“We also kitted ourselves out with fresh furniture within the main area and restaurant, as well as building an interactive fire pit where guests can savour a nightcap and participate in our interactive drumming circles.”

Despite substantial flooding damage after the arrival of Cyclone Issa, which peaked along South Africa’s coast in April, Linforth and her team were able to complete the refurbishment project.

“While we did lose both swimming pools, the play area, boma, and jetty, we could’ve easily lost a lot more,” she explains. “On the bright side, we somehow managed to float in a new fibreglass shell across the lake and rebuild a new pool in just three weeks. This addition not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but pulls the whole revamp project together quite nicely.”

As a further value-add, Nibela Lake Lodge is now also operating an exclusive new ferry service to and from False Bay.

“The introduction of our ferry service provides that idyllic island experience, elevating that feeling of remoteness, and adventure," Linforth adds. “We’re looking forward to welcoming in guests to experience this, as well as our new refurbishments, which we’ve worked so hard to achieve," she concludes.

For enquiries and reservations, contact Nibela Lake Lodge directly at: +27 (0) 35 562 9005 or email: nibela@dreamresorts.co.za