The Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom has undergone a R44-million décor refurbishment to add a sense of African glamour to the North Coast playground, ahead of the property’s 19th birthday in December.
The property encompasses the casino, entertainment area, and two hotels – the three-star 118-room Sibaya Lodge and the five-star, 36-room boutique Royal Sibaya. The architecture throughout the property pays contemporary homage to the proud heritage of the Zulu kingdom and its brave warriors, which interior designer David Muirhead, of David Muirhead & Associates, used to inspire a “modern, upbeat, and proudly African” interior aesthetic.
He adds that cool tones were used across the property; “The climate is humid, so we have created an environment of refreshing spaces.”
Chic comfort for every price range
At the Royal Sibaya, art adds an energetic and playful feel, featuring artwork by Durban-based artist Khumkanikazi Dlamini, framed in gold to complement the uncompromising luxury of the hotel.
The hotel’s common areas will also enjoy a soft upgrade in the coming months, with plans to reinvent the circular bar lounge while remaining true to the property’s African architectural style.
An executive king suite at the Royal Sibaya
Colourful artwork by Durban-based artist Khumkanikazi Dlamini, framed in gold, adorns the walls of the Royal Sibaya
The luxurious and spacious newly refurbished five-star Executive Suite at the Royal Sibaya hotel
The executive suite at the Royal Sibaya hotel
The executive suite at the Royal Sibaya hotel
The Sibaya Lodge, a more budget-conscious choice for business and holiday travellers, has a quiet sense of luxury, while photographic works by Charles Johnson hang on the walls, and ample charging points for mobile phones and tablets are provided for guest convenience.
“These spacious and practical rooms offer true value for money.”
“These spacious and practical rooms offer true value for money for our many repeat guests as well as tourists, and we are thrilled at how magnificently they have turned out,” said Sibaya Casino’s General Manager, Virath Gobrie.
Cool tones of the newly refurbished three-star of the Sibaya Lodge
Ample charging points for mobile phones and tablets are provided along with a desk which doubles as a dressing room table
The Sibaya Lodge may be for the more budget-conscious traveller, but its beautiful bedrooms punch above their weight
An upgraded casino and conference experience
David adds, “Loyal casino punters will enjoy the upgrades to the Salon Privé bar and lounge area, which has a twinkling gold African tree – named the ‘Tree of Life” – as its main focal point that exudes a sense of African glamour.
“The gold dome above the illuminated African tree glows above this area in sheer celebration and honours an evolution of the original interior space. It’s a cool, chic space that is both refreshing, relaxing and uber comfortable for Sun International’s loyal Most Valued Guests.”
Arte and Versace wallpaper adorns the walls, punctuated by pops of colour from artworks by Sue Smith. The soft furnishings are luxe and echo a sense of quiet African accent in the fabric selections.
The twinkling gold African tree – named the ‘Tree of Life’ – is main focal point of the Salon Privé bar and lounge area
Arte and Versace wallpaper creates high impact while artworks by Sue Smith adorn the walls, adding pops of colour in a subtle yet emphatic way
For the business guest, Sibaya’s Imbizo Conference Centre has been newly refurbished, with padded neutral walls in the main hall and a Versace wall clad entrance creating a comfortable and hospitable space.
Adding to Sibaya’s allure are a number of new restaurants, including Beira Alta which offers traditional Portuguese fare, Steers, Fishaways, Debonairs, and Spur.
Sibaya is conveniently located between Umdloti and Umhlanga, nearby to the Durban CBD and 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.
