Family-friendly South Coast accommodation

Posted on 23 August 2023

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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