VICTORIA FALLS HAS A NEW LUXURY HOTEL

Covid-19 pandemic, which has only further demonstrated our confidence, and the confidence of our investment partners, to achieve this iconic architectural triumph.” vision for the Palm River Hotel was a unique hotel offering luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort; unimpeded views which maintained shelter and privacy; the convenience of a central location preserved within a tranquil bubble.

The Palm River Hotel opened to the public in December 2021, offering 31 rooms including 28 Deluxe Rooms, a Presidential Suite, an Executive Suite and an exclusive Villa. Phase two of the project will bring the number of rooms to 73 rooms and suites.

Brown acknowledged the hard work and resilience of the design and construction teams for their efforts to source materials, skills and labour from within the Zimbabwean borders. “During construction we have employed over 150 building labour and countless skilled senior staff from across the country. Furthermore, the opening of the hotel allows a further 200 employment opportunities for hospitality staff and personnel from within the local Victoria Falls region,” Brown added.

The hotel is a joint investment by Old Mutual Zimbabwe and the Spencer’s Creek Group. Among the guests who attended the opening ceremony of Victoria Falls’ first 73-room hotel on the Zambezi River were the Mayor of the Municipality of Victoria Falls, Cllr Dhlamini, investment partner Old Mutual Zimbabwe, and members of the National Parks and Wildlife Authority.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jim Brown, CEO of Spencer’s Creek Group said, “Today we are surrounded by many establishments who have supported our vision of this impressive $24-million project.

The Spencer’s Creek Group has been in the tourism industry in Victoria Falls for 50 years and is renowned for its existing property, Ilala Lodge Hotel, located in the heart of Victoria Falls. We continue to participate, contribute and collaborate with all sectors of local government and the local business community.”

Brown noted the project’s duration: “The Palm River Hotel has been a substantial project, running over the course of two-anda-half years. We have endured dire circumstances through the

Brown credited the return of tourism confidence in Zimbabwe to the ongoing efforts of the government for their vaccine roll-out programme, the relaxation of the Covid-19 protocols and reopening of the land borders for tourism.

Design Ambitions

The vision for the Palm River Hotel was simultaneously simple and complex: a unique hotel offering luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort; unimpeded views which maintained shelter and privacy; the convenience of a central location preserved within a tranquil bubble.

The Palm River Hotel has been inspired by the architectural style of the Queenslander, distinct in its savvy use of timber and corrugated iron and its consideration of climatic conditions. Highly-skilled and professional teams of Zimbabwean architects and interior designers have taken these principles and modified them to create a hotel that is at once aesthetic and functional, modern and timeless, cosmopolitan and perfectly suited to the local environment. The innovative blend of traditional East-Coast Australian design and the unique landscape of the upper Zambezi River has resulted in a brand new and distinctive landmark for Victoria Falls.

www.palmriverhotel.com

ABOUT SPENCER’S CREEK GROUP

Spencer’s Creek (Pvt) Ltd was founded in 1970, and completed its first establishment, Ilala Lodge Hotel, in 1991. The Palm River Hotel marks the group’s second hotel, both of which are located within minutes of Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls. The Palm River Hotel has been developed together with investment partner Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited.