Teremok Marine is Umhlanga's top hotel on TripAdvisor - here's why

It’s no surprise that this boutique hotel has earned every single one of its five stars, writes Cath Jenkin

A family affair

Headed up by mom Debbie Davidson, who also owns the Barnyard Theatre in Gateway, and daughters Kim Davidson and Tracy Gielink, the management of Teremok (the name translates from the Russian word for ‘little hideaway’) is very much a family affair.

As Kim explains, they always opt for excellence: “We looked at what we wanted when we travel to guide us in establishing the ethos of Teremok. The three cornerstones that we identified to guide us, which we still apply today, are service excellence, attention to detail, and to create a home away from home.

"The decor and amenities on offer in the lodge are carefully collected and curated; each room is personalised to engage the senses, and we offer all the luxuries that one would expect in a five-star establishment, but in a comfortable environment.”

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A history in luxury

Teremok has a rich history behind it, having initially been built by Constantine Vladykin in 1968 as a two-bedroom holiday home. The Davidson family purchased the property in 2002, with the hotel opening its doors to the public in 2003.

As Kim tells us, “Besides the modern fairytale penned by the Vladykins and Davidsons with regard to this establishment, the term Teremok is also well known in Russia from the children’s folk story ‘Knock, Knock Teremok!’”

Teremok Spa

Aside from the luxurious lodgings, a visit to Teremok Spa is a must for guests. With a range of massage, beauty and rejuvenating treatments on offer, Teremok Spa creates bespoke spa experiences in a quirky boutique environment.

Accommodation with a conscience

While Teremok is a service-driven, five-star boutique establishment, it hasn't forgotten its social responsibility and environmental commitments, as Kim outlines: “We have made commitments on the social responsibility and environmental front – not for the sake of promotion, but because these are initiatives that we feel strongly about. We are strong supporters of Operation Bobbi Bear, an amazing local NGO that supports the child victims of sexual abuse. Even though we’ve implemented a wide range of environmentally friendly practices, including sinking our own well, using LED lighting and creating our own compost, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our environmental footprint.”

Call 031-561-5848.

This article was originally published in Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property & lifestyle guides. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.