The Premier Hotels development in Umhlanga shows a level of faith in the South African economy and in the recovery of both corporate and leisure travel to KZN.
The three-star Premier Splendid Inn, first in the complex to reach completion, is set for opening on December 11, in time for the KZN high season.
Samuel Nassimov, Founder and MD of Premier Group, had this to say of the group’s R380m (€20.8m) investment in Umhlanga: “Our decision to invest in Umhlanga, even during this difficult time due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, is testament to the confidence we have in South Africa’s ability to recover economically. The Umhlanga project will position the Premier Group as a firm favourite amongst holidaymakers as well as corporate, government and international clientele – as we strive to secure a hotel presence in every major South African city.”
The Splendid Inn property features 64 bedrooms and has its own 50-seat restaurant. Its urban style, in a modern and contemporary setting, offers a fresh young appeal, with light bleached oak, sand-coloured marble tiling, and lighter finishes in the bedrooms and throughout the hotel, echoing its proximity to the ocean. Guests can access the third-floor rooftop pool, and the conference centre.
Set for an opening in February 2021, is the four-star Premier Hotel Umhlanga. This will offer 130 bedrooms, a 126-seat restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and gym. The hotel has been designed to maximise the use of its location, with all bedrooms having balcony access and spectacular sea views. The design characteristics incorporate a modern yet classical palette, the use of darker stained ash wood, cut-glass lighting and the liberal use of marble tiling. The ninth floor is an all-suites floor.
The conference centre is fully subdivisible into three noise-dampening, acoustically designed spaces, and offers meeting capacity for up to 300 attendees. A particular and unusual feature of the conference centre is a magnificent open-air timber viewing deck with glass balustrade, allowing conference delegates to enjoy views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding Umhlanga precinct from the 10th floor.
The Premier Hotels precinct is high up on Umhlanga Ridge, adjacent to the Sharks Board and Busamed Private Hospital, five minutes from the Gateway Shopping Centre, close to swimming beaches, and in the heart of the local business district. Access to the Premier development from the N2 is via the new Cornubia off-ramp on the N2 from King Shaka International Airport (a 15-minute drive), and from Durban, via the Gateway/Umhlanga off-ramp.
