tawandamusarurwa
Andrew Mangwarara
RIGHT in the heart of the capital is a hotel whose name speaks of plenty.
Cresta Oasis Hotel, a three-star establishment, looks the part and has been in existence for more than 47 years.
In 2019, the hotel got a facelift and it is now a marvel.
As you arrive at the hotel gate, you are greeted by the ti plant (cordyline terminalis), with its red green foliage.
It is grouped with the Australian umbrella tree (schefflera actinophylla) and the corn plant (dracaena fragrans), a taste of things to come.
The main entrance, which at one time was a road, is now a hall into a place of rest.
A tropical garden adds cheer to the place, with its lush green vegetation, where the tree philodendron (philodendron selloum) and the variegated pandanus (pandanus baptistii variegata) invite you to take a stroll along a peaceful pathway that can be used by someone who needs some fresh air.
Around that corner is a fountain that signifies an oasis of life, as its name implies.
Once you enter the hotel, there is a garden area, where patrons can sit and enjoy drinks, swim or even braai some meat.
In that courtyard is a well-done rockery, which has a number of waterfalls that are a pleasant sight to behold.
You find the everlasting blooms of hibiscus, and the copper leaf (acalypha wilkesiana “marginata”) glowing.
The colour of the false agave (fucraea foetida), croton (codieaum variegatum pictum) and lion’s tail (agave attenuata) add to the variety.
Hotel patrons can bask in the garden, where the northern large-leaved dragon tree (dracaena steudneri) provides shade around a number of trimmed hedges.
Luxury is the essence of this green space, which you would not believe is a walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The wild date palm (phoenix reclinata) has its corner surrounded by a trimmed mixture of golden duranta (duranta repens) and the ribbon bush (hypoestes aristata) hedge.
A number of bushes were trimmed into a small hedge, keeping the garden tidy.
Groups of garden water-proof chairs and tables allow guests to relax and socialise.
A brick floor adds to the atmosphere of informality that suits this outdoor green space.
Another hedge of the weeping fig (ficus benjamina) separates the sitting guests with those who need a swim, giving them some privacy.
The Cresta hotel has effectively greened up its surroundings, which is a continuing theme even on the periphery of the property, where the flamboyant tree (delonix regia), which has stood the test of time, makes an impression to passersby with the arrowhead vine (syngonium podophyllum) ground cover at its base.
Take a minute or two to enjoy the Cresta atmosphere in the heart of Harare.
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