4 Best Hotels in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban

Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, close to Durban, the combination of old-world charm, impeccable service, lush tropical gardens, and a breathtaking seaside setting make this five-star hotel one of South Africa’s most loved and cherished properties. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine and hospitality, venues for wining and dining include the casual Ocean Terrace and fine-dining Grill Room; The Palm Court for traditional high tea and the stylish Lighthouse and Oyster Bars for cocktails. The intricate tapestry of KwaZulu-Natal’s rich culture is celebrated with a range of masterfully created wellness experiences at the multi-award-winning spa at The Oyster Box.

Translated from Russian as "little hideaway," this delightful boutique lodge has eight huge, individually styled rooms, each offering a different sensory experience—its own specific body-product fragrance and mood CD—and a few rooms have beautiful ocean views. Tea and coffee stations (with cappuccino machines and fresh biscotti) and two honesty bars are available. Delicious breakfasts are made to order, and, although this is the only meal offered, extra muffins are left out for guests during the day. Lunch or dinner can be ordered in from area eateries. No children under 10 ensures a peaceful atmosphere for adults on a break. Staff will gladly recommend and book restaurants and tours, and the on-site spa offers international skin care and body treatments.

This property enjoys an enviable position at the northern tip of Umhlanga, surrounded by the wilds of the Hawaan Forest and overlooking the unspoiled wetlands of Umhlanga Lagoon. Of all the resorts in Umhlanga, this one suffers the least from crowds, but the disadvantage is that you'll probably need a car to get into town, and you can't swim directly in front of the resort because the surf's too dangerous. The satisfactory rooms have fully equipped kitchens and great views of the beach and lagoon. The lovely grassed pool area, where you can order breakfast, lunch, and supper from on-site Harry's Beach Club, has a beautiful view of the sea.

In a high-rise building right on the beach, this upscale hotel is popular with both vacationers and businesspeople and has a long-standing reputation for gracious hospitality. The service is excellent and facilities, such as The Sugar Club restaurant, are superb. If your plan is to loll around in your bathing suit, get yourself to one of the many loungers around the pool, the focus for this hotel. There are lots of extras thrown in—like free ice pops, sunscreen, and poolside smoothies. The public lounge, festooned with huge floral arrangements and yards of gathered drapes, serves a full silver-service tea in the afternoon, and a pianist plays in the evening. Guest rooms are fairly small, but all have terrific sea views, particularly those on the upper floors. Suites are more spacious and villas have an open beachlike feel and private plunge pool.