We are over the moon to share that the refurbishment of our award-winning Cassia Restaurant is officially complete – on schedule, no less – and that we’ve been welcoming guests into this stunning new space since the beginning of the month.
The idea was to refresh our dining area while still retaining that authentic feel that guests have come to love over the years, and we believe we’ve succeeded in doing exactly that.
We’ve transformed both the inside and the outside of the restaurant into environments that blend elegance with functionality, providing an atmosphere of understated luxury we know you’ll love.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the beautiful end result!
A Refined Dining Experience
As guests enter the newly refurbished Cassia Restaurant, they are greeted by rich wooden accents and warm tones that create a welcoming atmosphere.
These elements are thoughtfully complemented by botanical wallpaper and a striking green herringbone tile backsplash, which adds a touch of modern elegance to our hotel’s timeless charm.
The colour of the chairs picks up on this natural palette and their plush appearance marries well with the space’s overall cosy feel.
In brief: The perfect place to start your day in Victoria Falls!
Luxury, The African Way
One of the standout features of the newly designed main dining room is its iconic thatched ceiling, which remains a symbol of African architectural heritage.
We love the warmth created by this uniquely African roofing style, and have sought to enhance it by adding large, decorative chandeliers to draw the eye upwards. The result is both grand – due to the scope and height of the ceiling – and cosy.
Below foot, the stonework keeps guests grounded, while lending to the overall natural feel of the space.
Redesigned Buffet Area
Our buffet area has been reimagined to offer functionality, flow and elevated presentation.
Custom wooden serving stations display a range of freshly prepared dishes – like cut fruit in the mornings – that highlight the vibrancy of our local cuisine. We hope this set-up offers a feast for your eyes, preparing your palate for a wonderful meal!
Off to the side, you’ll find a state-of-the-art coffee station, complete with sparkling service sets and rich copper accents on the wall.
Behind The Scenes
To further enhance our guests’ experience – as well as that of our dedicated culinary team – we’ve upgraded our kitchen facilities as well.
With new tiling, state-of-the-art extraction systems and modern cooking equipment, our talented kitchen staff are now empowered to craft even more exceptional dining experiences for you.
These upgrades ensure the highest standards of food preparation, allowing for the seamless delivery of dishes that delight the senses and showcase the expertise of our chefs.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
And finally, what about the terrace?
We know our guests have long-loved Cassia Restaurant’s outside area for its unforgettable view over the hotel’s lush, rolling lawns and the sight of smoke rising up from the falls only a few kilometres away.
For our al fresco diners, new chairs and décor have been added to the terrace, adding a touch of modern comfort, while maintaining the charm of the space. The interplay between the interior and exterior dining areas is now more seamless than ever, providing guests with elegance and comfort no matter where they choose to sit. Even seated indoors, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the lush gardens through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, which bathe the space in natural light and invite the outdoors in.
Thank You & Welcome Back
We don’t need to tell you that renovations come with their own set of challenges, but we’ve been incredibly fortunate in the professionalism, quality and timeliness in which all parties came together to make this refurbishment a success.
Thank you to our guests for your patience! We are so happy to be able to unveil the end result of our efforts and hope you love this space as much as we do – now and for years to come.
All that’s left to say is: Join us!
Words and pictures simply cannot do this space justice and we’d love the opportunity to share it with you in person.
RESTAURANT BOOKING DETAILS
guestrelations@ilalalodge.co.zw
+263 83 2844737/8/9
Stay With Us
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a luxury, 5-star property in the heart of Victoria Falls town and within walking distance of Victoria Falls National Park.
For a stay that combines authentic luxury, world-class amenities, plush accommodations, fantastic cuisine and seamless access to the thrilling activities of Africa’s “Adventure Capital,” get in touch with our team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com.
Alternatively, secure your own dates on our online booking platform.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Ilala Lodge Hotel!
