On the road again: Toad Tree Cottage, Mtunzini, North Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

When we arrived it was as if we had taken a big step back into the past! The unit is full of old fixtures - brass light switches, old-fashioned round door-knobs, lamps made from vases and a claw-foot bath.

We loved the little breakfast table and chairs in the kitchen and there were the modern necessities one needs for a self-catering stay.

The outdoor area is absolutely fantastic - an undercover verandah, table and chairs for six with an umbrella for alfresco dining, an outdoor couch, bench and table and the lovely pool with loungers.

There are 3 bedrooms (2 with double beds and one with twin beds), sleeping 6 in total and two bathrooms, both with a shower, bath, basin and toilet - enough space and privacy for the entire family.

Mtunzini is a great town - everything is very well maintained and we did not see any litter at all anywhere. The beach is part of a nature conservancy so you have to pay to access it - which we loved as it meant there were only 10 other people to share it with!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the cottage and spent most of our time around the pool, enjoying being surrounded by trees and an abundance of birds.

Great features:

* Peace and quiet, lots of privacy

* Lovely outdoor area for relaxing and socialising

* Sparkling pool

* Lots of trees and birds - great for the soul!

* The tv is hidden in a cupboard and there is no 'wifi' so you can just relax and enjoy the beauty and sounds that surround you

Not so great features:

* The downstairs bedroom is a bit dark

Price: Worth every cent! (Less than R500 per person)

Would we go back: Most definitely!

Recommended for: Couples or families looking to get away from the big city life and just relax

The host/s: Not very responsive over email or via sms but he was friendly in person and he gave us our privacy which was greatly appreciated.