At the foot of the mysterious Ghost Mountain in Zululand, this family-run inn offers a homely environment, with all of its stylish, spacious rooms featuring terrace or garden access. One of the many highlights is its proximity to Lake Jozini – one of the only lakes in South Africa where wild elephants swim – as well as Hluhluwe–iMfolozi and Mkuze game reserves for Big Five viewing and sightings of black and white rhino.
The waterfront Oyster Box is a place to see and be seen. It’s a favourite spot with locals that lunch a whole host of illustrious guests; their hall of fame showcases a who’s who of European and Zulu royalty, powerful politicians and stars of the silver screen and the sports field. There’s a real theme here when it comes to poolside décor; the candy cane colours of red and white of the sun beds and umbrellas are unmistakably inspired by the Umhlanga Lighthouse, a historic monument on this glorious stretch of coastline stretching north of Durban. Step out of the gate at the front of the hotel and head down to the waterfront promenade, a popular running and walking route for locals. Inside, the walls of the public spaces are art-gallery worthy with many striking pieces created by local artists. Days begin in style here as you overlook the pool and ocean from the Ocean Terrace and sip on bottomless sparkling wine. Breakfast is a feast of anything from fresh fruit and yoghurt and freshly made waffles to succulent oysters. And the culinary wonders don’t end at breakfast. At lunch and dinner you can try the curry buffet; served in the Ocean Terrace, this Durban institution draws people from far and wide. There’ll be at least 11 different curries from mild to sublimely spicy, all created with herbs and spices that have been delicately balanced. Your meal will be completed by all the traditional trimmings such as chutneys, raitas, freshly baked naan breads, papadums and roti. The rooms, suites and cabanas are wonderfully spacious and full of charm and calming décor. There are Classic Garden Facing Rooms, but we highly recommend upgrading to a Classic or Luxury Sea Facing Room for views of Umhlanga Beach where you can see people fishing from dawn until dusk, and families playing in the sand. On the ground floors, there are Sea Facing Cabanas which have terraces that lead straight out onto the perfectly kept gardens.
This impressive beach resort on the eastern coast is made for relaxation. Set to the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, guests can walk down to Zimbali Beach to watch the waves come in, and though the tide is too strong for swimming, the resort’s facilities are plentiful with five pools to lounge by, an 18-hole golf course at the Zimbali Country Club and the Willow Stream Spa where guests can relax in the steamroom and unwind with a massage in one of the eight treatment rooms. There are eight restaurants and bars to choose from including OSA which serves Indian cuisine and Bite Pool Bar and Grill for lunches and cocktails by the pool. The resort is just a five-minute drive away from the shops and restaurants of beach town Ballito where the waters are calmer for swimming and there are frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins. Rooms and suites are warmly decorated with contemporary African designs and have views of the pools, garden or Indian Ocean. Most rooms and suites are open-plan, featuring king-size beds and sliding doors that lead to an en suite furnished with luxurious Le Labo toiletries.
This cosy, family-run lodge sits on the edge of a thriving game reserve and in the lee of the famous hill for which it is named. Here you can spot rhino, zebra and giraffe on a thrilling game walk, go horse riding through spectacular scenery, tour Spioenkop’s Anglo-Boer War battlefield and hike in the idyllic Drakensberg Mountains. Tuck into locally-sourced cuisine and sip delicious sundowners as you take in pretty views, relaxing beneath a blanket of stars.
Ghost Mountain Inn
Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks
Fairmont Zimbali Resort
Three Tree Hill Lodge
