Dig out your bucket and spade. The much-loved KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is still a haven for holidaying families. Here are five of Kate Ferreira’s favourite family-friendly South Coast accommodation spots.
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1. Selborne Hotel
Gold Estate, Hotel and Spa
The setting
This charming old-school establishment is on the first golf estate in South Africa. It’s 1.5 km outside the sleepy seaside town of Pennington or roughly 90 minutes drive from King Shaka airport.
The vibe
Selborne Hotel is a converted residence built in 1946, with the garden rooms added later. The glamour is worn in areas – like the older lady she is – but the ambiance is genteel, with chilled facecloths and drinks on arrival.
The crowd
Golfing groups, families, and ‘swallows’ – wealthy Europeans who soak up summer in South Africa when home gets too cold.
The rooms
Forty-nine en-suite rooms, plus four family inter-leading units. Each room has a patio, balcony, or outside seating. Try to book a room with a view of the golf course.
The food
A formal dining room is open to hotel guests and ‘pop-ins.’ Linen napkins, complimentary Sherry, and fresh flowers set the tone. For a more relaxed vibe, grab a table on the terrace.
Highlights
Guests get a special rate on nine or 18 holes, and the large pool, tennis court, and kids’ room should keep children busy. The hotel has a guests-only clubhouse at the kid-friendly main beach.
Need to know
It’s best to drive to the beach or take the hotel shuttle because even though the road into Pennington is short, it is busy, and there’s often no verge to speak of.
Website: selbornehotel.co.za
Picture: Alamy
2. Oribi Gorge Hotel
Budget adventuring
The setting
Oribi Gorge Hotel is just 30 minutes inland from Port Shepstone, off the N2 to Harding. The hotel offers direct access to the magnificent 24 km gorge, which boasts a 150 m waterfall and the world’s highest gorge swing.
The vibe
Common areas take a hunting lodge approach to decor – wrought iron and heavy wood. The rooms are much softer; think neutrals, pastels, and pine.
The crowd
Local and international adrenaline junkies and active families. Day visitors flow through the cafe’ in peak season.
The rooms
Eighteen rooms can be made into king- or twin-bed setups, including four family rooms. There’s ample cupboard space and big windows with garden views of visiting birds.
The food
Breakfast is rustic and delicious. The homemade beef pie (on the pub lunch menu) is amazing and big enough to share. Hotel guests in the main restaurant can order off the pub grub or a` la carte menus for dinner.
Highlights
It’s nirvana for twitchers with 350 bird species, plus there are plenty of wilder pursuits, including gorge swinging or a day of white-water rafting.
Need to know
Access is by dirt road, but you don’t need a 4×4 to negotiate it – take it easy, especially after heavy rains.
Website: wild5adventures.co.za
3. Estuary Hotel and Spa
Glam for the fam
The setting
This hotel is a family-run, three-star hotel just outside Port Edward on a private estate with glorious views of the Sandundlu Estuary and sea.
The vibe
The 1941 Baker-style Cape Dutch hotel building would fit right in the Winelands, but here, it has the benefit of the warm Indian Ocean on its doorstep.
The crowd
South African holidaymakers laze around the pool or read in the lounge, mingling with estate residents who stop in for dinner or a quick dip.
The rooms
Most rooms have two double beds, perfect for small families. Pick your view: beach, estuary, or lagoon, or splurge on a room in the revamped sea-view block with dark wood dressers and cool fabrics.
The food
The dinner menu is a` la carte and wide-ranging. Fresh, locally caught fish is often on offer and superbly prepared. The Mississippi mud pie is a decadent end to the night’s meal.
Highlights
It has a spa and kids’ playroom, including a small nursery for the littlest guests.
Need to know
Although you can see the beach from the hotel, you must take a short walk through the estate to access it.
Website: www.estuaryhotel.co.za.
Picture: Alamy
4. La Cote D’Azur
Sunny self-catering
The setting
La Cote D’Azure is a timeshare and self-catering rental complex overlooking the northern end of Blue Flag Lucien Beach in Margate, one of SA’s most popular holiday spots.
The vibe
The apartments are bright and spacious, and guests congregate on cushioned loungers poolside. There are daily games and socials, too.
The crowd
A mixed bunch of retirees and young families, primarily from Gauteng and KZN, plus a few international timeshare owners.
The rooms
The 58 two- and three-bedroom apartments are big and comfortably furnished with holidaying families in mind.
The food
Order an affordable light meal (burgers and toasted sarmies) from the on-site coffee shop if you don’t feel like cooking, or walk down Margate’s main drag for Spur, Steers, or any number of independent restaurants.
Highlights
To maximise the holiday chill factor, cleaning staff service the units daily. Hotel–like amenities, including on-site beauty and spa treatments.
Need to know
Air-con in the units is run on a pre-paid basis. You can also hire cot beds, but the maximum sleeper numbers include kids of all ages.
Contact: www.lacotedazurresort.co.za.
Picture: Pumula Beach Hotel
5. Pumula Beach Hotel
Inclusive resort
The setting
Perched on a hill overlooking Umzumbe Beach, this Pumula Beach Hotel is a family favourite.
The vibe
White, blue, and classic beach-chic decor dominate the hotel, inviting you to sit in the reading room, lounge, or at an outdoor table for lunch.
The crowd
In season, South African families flock here for their holidays, including many return guests who book their next visit as they leave.
The rooms
Sixty-two double and twin rooms, including a few family rooms – either open plan or interleading. Upstairs rooms with balconies have fantastic sea views.
The food
There’s a set menu for dinners and a buffet lunch. The oxtail stew is rich and delicious – if it pops up on the menu, don’t skip it!
Highlights
Kids are VIPs here. There’s a playroom with air hockey and table tennis, outdoor mini-golf, and a tree house. In peak season, there are kids’ movies and supervised group activities. The children’s dining room (with earlier meal times) means your kids can eat with their new friends.
Need to know
There are no mini-bar fridges in the rooms, and room service is for drinks only, so if you’re feeling peckish before dinner, don’t miss Chef’s Eats – tea and nibbles such as cake or scones – around 4 pm.
Contact: www.pumulabeachhotel.com.
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