Blue Waters Beach House, Umzumbe, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

If you want to see whales in abundance from the privacy and comfort of your deck - this is definitely the place to go! We literally spotted one every few minutes during our three day stay. 

An almost private beach is just a 5 minute walk away but for those who prefer not to get their feet sandy, the fantastic outdoor area is ideal for endless relaxation with the amazing view, splash pool, large braai, dining table/bench set, super comfortable chairs and loungers. 

Outdoor furniture - comfy!

View

Braai

If the three bedrooms and two bathrooms (and separate toilet) is not enough space for your group, or you just need a bit of extra privacy, an open-plan flatlet with a double bed and two bunks, bathroom with a large shower and tea/coffee making facilities is available for your use. There is also an additional braai and bench set on the patio which has the same amazing view as the house. 

Flatlet braai and bench set

Bed in flatlet

Bunks, bathroom, fridge and tea/coffee station

If you are a keen cook you will love the huge, modern kitchen, with a separate scullery that leads off it. We were very impressed to find cappuccino sachets, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, milk and fruit juice supplied, as well as five full ice trays in the freezer and a bag of ice!

Kitchen - huge and well equipped

Scullery

Couch potatoes can enjoy full DSTV in the lounge or main bedroom while occasionally glancing out at the ocean since all rooms have sea views. The house is child friendly with a beautiful garden and swings to keep them occupied while you sip your cocktail and count the whales. 

Swings

Garden

Blue Waters Beach House is quite possibly the best we have stayed at in a very long time - definitely one to go back to again.

Traveller hints and tips:

* The window for the separate toilet in the house does not open and there is no extractor fan. We noted that the windows were being replaced so this should be sorted out soon. 

Price:

A steal for less than R500 per person

Recommended for:

Families / groups

The host/s:

Very friendly and kind, met us at the house on arrival, refunded our deposit within 2 days. 

For more information and bookings:

www.bluewatersbeachhouse.co.za 

Crab Apple Cottages, Dargle, Midlands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

We arrived in the cold and rain but were quickly warmed by the owner's friendly welcome - despite having rushed him from his hot shower. 

Our excitement grew as we were led through a little gate (which we were asked to keep latched to prevent porcupines from eating the flowers in the garden) and down the stairs into the forest to the Crowned Eagle cottage. 

Stairs leading down to the unit

This magical little unit is surrounded by natural vegetation and has an amazing view from the large wooden deck. 

View from the deck on the day we arrived

Wooden deck

The underfloor heating was already on and took the chill right out of the air, even though it was only 10 degrees outside! We lit the fire in the lounge for extra warmth and soon forgot the grey skies outside. 

Everything in the unit is unassumingly luxurious and thoughtfully planned to make your stay as comfortable as possible - right from the free cosmetics supplied to the vanilla scented potpourri holder and hair-dryer in the wardrobe, tea, coffee, sugar, sweetener and rusks in the kitchen, excellent quality bedding and a mosquito net over the bed, a heated towel rail and an additional heater in the bathroom as well as a torch, umbrella and walking sticks. 

Bathroom with bath, shower, basin

Very comfortable bed and delicious smelling wardrobe!

We awoke to a spectacular sunrise the next morning and were visited by one of the Samango monkeys while enjoying our coffee on the deck. 

Sunrise 

Visiting Samango 

Heritage Day was celebrated with a braai with a view of note with the large outdoor umbrella providing shade for the men hard at work.

Braai and 'Nambia's' finest :-)

The owner's garden is an absolute delight with a variety of flowers and canaries singing throughout the the day and has direct access to the Kilgobbin Forest Walk - a must for visitors. 

In the forest

Our guests stayed in the Starred Robin cottage - the layout is similar except there is a loft bedroom with two single beds so this unit is ideal for a small family. The deck looks onto the entrance of the forest. 

The quaintness of the cottages and the enchanting surroundings truly makes a stay at Crab Apple Cottages feel like you are stepping into a fairy-tale. 

Traveller hints and tips:

* Although we did not see many other people during our stay, both the Starred Robin and Wood Owl cottage are within view of the owner's house. Wood Owl also looks onto the communal swimming pool. Crowned Eagle is definitely the most private unit. 

* The kitchen is really not designed for much cooking or cleaning so it is best to plan easy-to-prepare meals (no oven so think pan fried) or take something that only requires re-heating. If you can afford it - rather eat out!

Price: 

Slightly more than R500 per person per night but worth it for a special occasion!

Recommended for:

Starred Robin and Wood Owl for small families, Crowned Eagle for couples.

The host/s:

Wonderful, friendly, accommodating. A hand-made, hand written card was left in our room welcoming us to Crab Apple - definitely a first for us!

For more information and bookings:

www.crabapple.co.za