Fairmont hotels has opened its second property in South Africa, with just over a week to go before the World Cup tournament kicks off June 11.

The 154-room Fairmont Zimbali Resort is a short drive away from Durban, one of the main host cities of the tournament.

Offering ocean views from verandas and luxurious soaking tubs, the guestrooms have been styled with stone and the natural materials of the African environment.

There are several restaurants and bars, including a steakhouse serving beef and seafood, a beach club, a wine and tapas bar, pool and beach cocktail bars and a tea and coffee lounge featuring strong African roasts and teas.

The resort also boasts a spa, five outdoor swimming pools (including a freshwater pool and saltwater pools overlooking the Indian Ocean) and an 18-hole golf course which is currently under construction.

The 2010 World Cup has considerably increased interest in travel to South Africa, according to statistics recently released by travel search site SkyScanner.

Interest from all of the ten countries surveyed was up, led by the United States which recorded a 440 percent increase in flight searches.

South Africa recently opened the new King Shaka International Airport to assist with the expected boom, and South African tourist authorities say that ten new hotels have been opened in the 5-star category alone.

Among them, the Taj Cape Town and the One & Only Cape Town both opened their doors in April.

Source: AFPrelaxnews, 2010