Neil Cocker, Vice President Operations Zimbali Lakes.
Vilasita, the latest residential offering at Zimbali Lakes on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, will launch online on Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 9am. This collection of 146 premium residences in the exclusive Tatali Precinct is priced from R2.95 million to R55 million. It is developed by Kuwait-listed international developer IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR), which plans to bring around R1 billion a year in real estate to the market over the next five years.
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Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2027, with completion planned for the end of 2028. Neil Cocker, VP of Operations at Zimbali Lakes, says the pipeline will reshape the region.
“Together with what we have already done in Zimbali Lakes, the development of Vilasita will make Zimbali Lakes the catalyst for the North Coast and set the benchmark for high-end real estate, not only in KwaZulu-Natal but across South Africa.”
Vilasita ranges from one-bedroom residences to expansive penthouses, including a flagship four-bedroom residence priced at R55 million. Its ramped design allows residents to drive right up to their own front door, with garages that are electric vehicle charging ready, combining the convenience of apartment ownership with the privacy of villa living. Residences have lake, garden or ocean views, and penthouses are planned with private pools and rooftop gardens.
The Tatali Precinct property faces a 10-hectare lake, currently under construction, which will be used for non-motorised water sports once completed next year.
The lock-up-and-go format suits owners who spend only part of the year on the North Coast. Important for savvy investors to know, residences are serviced by Zimbali Escapes and short-term rentals are permitted.
A promenade links residents to Zimbali Square and the Beach Club, while the Zimbali Lakes Clubhouse is a short golf cart ride away.
A view across the lake at Vilasita on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.
Two decades of delivery in Zimbali
IFAHR has been invested in Zimbali for more than two decades and has a track record of bringing international brands to KwaZulu-Natal. More recently, it brought Ernie Els home with the province’s first Ernie Els Signature Course, and Tonino Lamborghini chose Zimbali Lakes for its first residential project in Africa. Both these commitments by internationally renowned brands are testament to the confidence in IFAHR’s ability to deliver quality offerings in an exquisite setting.
The groundwork for the next phase is already in place.
Approximately R250 million has been invested in the Ernie Els Signature Course and Zimbali Lakes Clubhouse, alongside an infrastructure programme of just under R1.3 billion. Earthworks and retaining for the Ernie Els Suites, Avanti Residences and the retail centre are complete with construction starting in January 2027 and completion planned for mid-2028.
Vilasita has already attracted interest from KwaZulu-Natal, other South African provinces and international buyers. “We aren’t surprised by the level of demand we are already seeing ahead of Vilasita’s launch in November. It offers a rare combination of lake and sea views in the fastest-growing corridor in the country, in an environment supported by sustained investment in infrastructure, leisure and everyday convenience,” states Cocker.
Launch details
Vilasita officially launches online on Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 9am. Ahead of the launch, buyers can join a free pre-launch webinar on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 18:00. To discover the residential offering, register for the webinar and register interest ahead of the launch, visit vilasita.co.za
