TEREMOK LODGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
Where: 49 Marine Drive, Umhlanga
The wow factor: Despite being a stone’s throw from the bustling Umhlanga village, Teremok Lodge feels like an escape, nestled as it is among towering milkwood trees, one of which was already a giant when the house was built in the 1950s. The history of Teremok harks back to the days when Umhlanga was an outpost of Durban and a Russian expat built a holiday home he called Little Hideaway, or Teremok in his native tongue. Debbie Davidson and her daughters, Kim and Tracey, now run it with the same passion for the property as its original owners. The eight suites are individually designed to acknowledge different elements of the property’s history and make for a fascinating part of your stay. The breakfasts are sublime, the spa heavenly and you can while away the hours poolside or by walking to the beach or nearby restaurants and shops.
THONGA BEACH LODGE
Where: iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The wow factor: If the thought of reconnecting with nature in a wood, thatch and glass room surrounded by indigenous coastal bush in undulating dunes a stone’s throw from a pristine beach seems like heaven, Thonga Beach Lodge should be top of your list. The luxury venue is eco-sensitive, built to create minimal environmental impact, while affording guests maximum privacy. Choose from ocean or forest views, and opt for a room with a private plunge pool. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a Unesco World Heritage Site and guests can enjoy a variety of exceptional encounters with nature, from night and guided forest walks to viewing turtles hatch, scuba diving and sundowners at the lake. Enjoy delicious meals under a canopy of trees and spend the day on the beachside deck or relaxing in the spa.
STONE COTTAGE
Where: Marina Beach, KZN South Coast
The wow factor: This renovated cottage on the beach in a popular seaside hamlet has uninterrupted sea views and direct access to a secluded beach, making it the ideal South Coast escape. With 340 days of sunshine, spending hours on the sand or poolside is a given, but on windy days there’s a protected courtyard with a pizza oven to ensure even inclement weather can’t interrupt a fabulous retreat. The house is well thought out, with a series of nooks to unwind with a book indoors and out, and all four bedrooms boast sea views. It’s the perfect spot for a family getaway that combines the best of nostalgic beach holidays and contemporary travel.
SOUTH BEACH ROAD
Where: Umdloti
The wow factor: Right across the road from Umdloti Beach, this spacious house balances style and ease with contemporary coastal décor and expansive sea views. The blue and white palette and tropical touches connect the interiors with the cleverly designed exterior spaces, including a patio overlooking the waves and a sheltered courtyard behind the house featuring a pool and dining area. Art, books and interesting objects are arranged throughout and a proliferation of plants blur the boundaries between indoors and out. A covered veranda and braziers allow for outdoor living, even on winter nights, making this a year-round seaside haven.
ZINKWAZI LAGUNA
Where: Zinkwazi, KZN North Coast
The wow factor: It is undoubtedly the location that makes guests say “wow” at Zinkwazi Laguna — it’s on the edge of the lagoon with a view of the beach and ocean beyond. The open-plan layout and spacious outside areas and garden are irresistible, as is the balance of tranquillity and action available. Guests can choose to alternate days by the pool and on the beach, with action-packed adventures such as stand-up paddling and water skiing. This is the ideal spot for families and friends who love to holiday together in style and comfort, with plenty of space for everyone. The house sleeps eight adults and eight children, in a dorm room they will adore. Zinkwazi retains a sense of peace and calm even at its busiest times, making this a true escape.
This article first appeared in Wanted Online
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