Experience African glamour at the refreshed Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom

The interiors of Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom offer a cool respite from the KwaZulu-Natal heat this summer after a R44 million décor refurbishment has added a sense of African glamour to the North Coast playground.

The architecture of the property, with its casino, two hotels and entertainment area, pays contemporary homage to the proud heritage of the Zulu kingdom and its brave warriors.

 
Sibaya’s world-class accommodation for business and holiday travel has been updated at both the three-star 118-room Sibaya Lodge and the five-star, 36-room boutique Royal Sibaya ahead of the property’s 19th birthday in December.

All rooms have either sea, pool or garden-facing views, set in subtropical vegetation.

“Cool tones are a key design feature across the entire hotel and casino complex. The climate is humid, so we have created an environment of refreshing spaces,” said interior designer, David Muirhead, of David Muirhead and Associates.
 
Every room at the Royal Sibaya is fit for royalty, with clean, bold accents of colour creating a mood which is modern, upbeat, and proudly African.

Art plays a key role in adding to an energetic and frivolous colour palette, with playful animal-themed artwork by Durban-based artist, Khumkanikazi Dlamini, framed in gold to complement the uncompromising luxury of the hotel.
 
The hotel’s common areas will enjoy a soft upgrade in the coming months, with the circular bar lounge reinvented but remaining true to the property’s African architectural style.

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The Sibaya Lodge may be for the more budget-conscious traveller, but its beautiful bedrooms punch above their weight with a quiet sense of luxury which envelopes guests, making them feel truly special.

The carpets convey a subtle tone of Africa, and photographic works by Charles Johnson add to the tranquillity of the space. Ample charging points for mobile phones and tablets are provided along with a desk which doubles as a dressing room table.

“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.
 
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, noted Muirhead.

“The bar is designed around the concept of love and light within a deeply-rooted African foundation. The onyx marble bar, backlit for the ultimate effect of a mood-altering setting, is a circular space that allows for intimate conversations. Arte and Versace wallpapers creates high impact while artworks by Sue Smith adorn the walls, adding pops of colour in a subtle yet emphatic way,” he continued.

The soft furnishings are luxe and echo a sense of quiet African accent in the fabric selections. “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,” Gobrie added.

For the business guests, 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 ‘must visit’ factor is 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, near to the Durban CBD and 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.