These boutique hotels in Durban and the surrounding areas offer luxury accommodation as well as an unforgettable dining experience.
Centrally situated in Durban’s bustling Morningside area, Avondale Hotel offers you a tranquil escape from the business of everyday life. Enjoy a top-class spa treatment, indulge in their afternoon high tea or treat yourself to Durban’s only halaal fine-dining experience at Arabistro. The restaurant offers a full English breakfast buffet daily as well as an á la carte lunch and dinner. You can pop in for a light meal at lunch and even bring the kids along – there’s a dedicated kids’ menu. For mains, you can choose from a selection of meats, poultry or seafood. These come paired with sauces and sides of your choice, including rustic-cut chips, Greek salad, roasted veg and creamed spinach. The chicken strips and mac ‘n cheese are firm favourites for the kiddies.
This unique Afro-Bali styled hotel is situated in the heart of Ballito, within walking distance from the Dolphin Coast’s gorgeous beaches, points of interest, convenience stores and shopping malls. Set in a natural eco forest, Coco de Mer will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world as soon as you walk through the doors. Along with beautifully designed rooms where you can enjoy your dream beach vacation, the hotel is also home to the well-known Fiamma Grill restaurant. The restaurant comprises a lounge as well as dining and bar areas. You can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes such as a buttermilk flapjacks stack, crispy bacon, fried eggs and maple syrup for breakfast; a light and refreshing Caprese salad for lunch; and their famous risotto di mare for dinner.
This award-winning five-star luxury boutique hotel and spa is set in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and has a history dating back to the 1800s. The hotel comprises 22 individually styled rooms and a new addition – a self-catering farm village that has nine fully equipped cottages, a chapel and a conference centre. The hotel boasts panoramic views of the Drakensberg and is home to Skye Bistro, which offers luxurious country cuisine with a modern infusion. Using fresh, mostly local produce, you can enjoy a comforting farm-style breakfast, a light café-style lunch or indulge in a delicious dinner. The restaurant even has a private wine collection of over 63 local estate wines, sparkling wines and French champagnes all personally selected by owner Jon Bates.
This award-winning hotel and restaurant is situated at Summerhill Stud on the breathtaking KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander. The hotel holds various accolades and awards and is one of the best five-star establishments KZN has to offer. If you’re in the mood to experience what Hartford has to offer but don’t want to stay the night, you can enjoy a titillating high tea at Tijnhuis, which offers a more relaxed and laid-back setting, or you can experience a sensation for the taste buds with the six-course tasting menu served in the dining room or under the African skies on the verandah. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast or spend your Sunday indulging in their two- or three-course lunch. Whether you decide to treat yourself to a weekend getaway or just a delicious meal, rest assured you will leave with memories for years to come.
This hidden gem in the heart of Umhlanga is the perfect example of modern South African living. The spaces have been maximised to create a sense of oneness with the ocean, which is right on the hotel’s doorstep and has its own private gate leading directly onto the beach. As well as bespoke accommodation, the hotel also has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as set two-course and three-course dinner experiences. The restaurant is open to the public but be sure to book in advance! The classic butter chicken curry served with garlic naan and a side of sambals is a Durban favourite.
This five-star hotel has won numerous awards and is one of South Africa’s most cherished hotels. Just 15 minutes from the airport and directly on the Umhlanga beachfront overlooking the lighthouse, this hotel provides the ultimate luxury experience. Boasting individually designed rooms, the hotel is also famous for its decadent high tea experience in the Palm Court as well as its curry feast, which can be enjoyed on the Ocean Terrace. You can even order oysters and champagne for breakfast! If you aren’t in the mood for curry, explore one of the hotel’s many other dining areas such as The Grill Room, which offers a memorable fine-dining experience led by executive chef Kevin Joseph. Classic Grill Room touches include authentic Gueridon service and the 1920s hors d’oeuvres trolley with an extensive range of old-world appetisers.