Clansthal Beach House, Clansthal, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

There is nothing fancy about this house - it is simply but tastefully decorated, comfortable, close to the beach, has great sea and garden views and a fantastic outdoor area - all you need for a great beach weekend!

We visited as a family and with 5 bedrooms and numerous beds everybody was spoilt for choice.  

There are three bathrooms but everybody's favourite was the large glass-walled bathroom - for that 'outdoor' shower feeling. No need to worry about the neighbours catching a glimpse though, thick trees and bush assure you of total privacy. 

The covered verandah as well as an open wooden deck with a splash pool make it ideal for both the sun-lovers and those who prefer to stay out of the heat.

When we were not on the beach, we spent our time outdoors, enjoying the view and al-fresco meals at the family-sized table.

A quick drive from Durban and access to the famous Green Point surf spot makes this a perfect getaway for avid surfers as well as a large family. As an added bonus the unit is pet friendly with permission and your dogs will have more than enough space to keep them happy.

Great features:

* Spacious, comfortable

* Great views, close to the beach

Not so great features: 

* Only one of the other two bathrooms had a shower. 

Price:

Good value for money, especially if you go in a large group (less than R500 per person)

Recommended for:

Groups and families

The host/s:

Absolutely fantastic people!

For more information and bookings:

nikki.mccarthy@icloud.com 

PAY BACK THE MONEY - Treehouse River Lodge, Shongweni, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

On the 31st of March I made an inquiry through a website for the Treehouse River Lodge in Shongweni for the 6th of May.

They accepted my booking and I paid the deposit required of R550.00, I received a confirmation of the deposit paid and the dates etc on the 5th of April.

When my partner and I arrived there this weekend, we were told our booking was for the 7th of May and that there were other guests in our room.

We were shocked and bordering on tears but did not want to be rude to the woman, Alison, who clearly had no idea what was going on and couldn’t get hold of her daughter, Sue, who I had been dealing with all along.

Unhappily, to keep the peace, we agreed to move our booking to the next Saturday.

Within the hour of us leaving, I sent an email through saying that we would not be visiting and requesting my money back.

I did not hear from the establishment so started emailing them and eventually received a call from Sue saying that my booking was "definitely for the 7th" and that she would not be refunding my money.

I saw red and immediately emailed the website I had made the booking through, asking them to send through the original emails that had been sent to Sue showing the date of the booking, which they did, even the initial inquiry made on the 31st of March.

I then received a call from Alison saying that because I CANCELLED THE BOOKING (now referring to the Saturday AFTER the original booking) she would not be refunding my money.

My partner even tried to call this Sue woman who told him to take it up with his lawyer and hung up on him twice!! She has since smsed me to say I must let the lawyers deal with this and she won't give me ANY of my money back.

I have never in all my life and travels received this sort of treatment from any establishment and I just let them get away with my money and thinking it’s alright to treat people like this.

Further updates:

18 May 2017 - Sue advises the Tourism Department that I did not book a self catering unit. I forward them the original booking form with the transcripts of our communication where Sue advised me we would be staying in unit 3 and that we would not have to share the kitchen with other guests as well as the emails between us after that where I had asked about whether or not they supply dish washing liquid. 

25 May 2017 - Sue smss me:
"Hi Shiloh i will refund u out of my personal bank account. Would u mind if i pay u R500 now and balance next month? Please send yr bank details. Sue Treehouse river lodge. I in all honesty cannot allow this 2 happen and i am very sorry 4 this. I work here, Allys is the owner."

26 May 2017 - R500.00 received. Waiting for the other R400.00 to be paid in June as promised. 

Minerva Cottage, Pennington, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

What initially appealed about Minerva Cottage was the comfortable looking outdoor furniture. Unfortunately this is not something every establishment offers and as we like to spend most of our time sitting outside, this is a very important feature.

The cottage was immaculately clean and surprisingly spacious with two bedrooms (double and two twin beds) and a bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet. 

Second bedroom

Main bedroom

Bathroom

The kitchen was very well equipped and big enough for two people to work in without worrying about bumping into each other.

Kitchen with gas stove 

An open plan dining-room / lounge has enough chairs for an entire family and full dstv is an added bonus for those who enjoy spending time on the couch.

Lounge 

Dining area looking onto the lounge

The living area opens onto the covered patio with previously-mentioned comfortable furniture, loungers and a cute little splash pool. This is ideal for when you are not at the beach, or just need a break from the sun. 

Splash pool

Braai and loungers

Comfy furniture

As an added bonus, there is also a completely separate guest suite with two single beds and it's own bathroom with a bath and shower overhead. 

Guest suite bathroom

Guest suite bedroom 

With privacy, peace, short drive/walk to the beach and a fantastic outdoor area, this cottage really is all one needs for a lovely break away from the city. 

Great features:

* Clean, comfortable, private, secure and peaceful

* An entire enclosed yard in front of the unit if you want to take your pets along 

Secure yard for your dogs

* Close to the beach and shops

Not so great features:

* We couldn't really find any faults!

Price:

Excellent value for money (less than R500 per person)

Recommended for:

Couples or families - with two bathrooms and three bedrooms there is plenty of space for all.

The host/s: 

We did not meet the owner in person but she was very friendly over email.

For more information and bookings:

judithclarke50@gmail.com 

Mtunzini Forest Lodge, Mtunzini, North Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

This lodge had been on our bucket list for a while (can't get better than trees and the beach) but we had never visited before due the cost factor. When we were awarded a couple of travelling vouchers, we finally made our booking and what a delight it was!

The staff were super friendly and greeted us with happy smiles, despite it being a sweltering 37 degrees. After a short drive through the very secure and well maintained property we arrived at our cabin - perfectly hidden from the road and other units amongst the trees and bushes. 

The wooden cabin is exactly what you would hope to find in such a natural setting - nothing fancy but with everything you need. We were most impressed that the kitchen even had a colander! There were beautiful red flowers placed on the beds and in the kitchen - such a lovely touch.  

Well equipped kitchen

Flowers left by the staff

The lounge had comfortable couches and a tv with full dstv (if you needed it) and opened onto the wooden deck with a bench set. The main bedroom also opened onto the deck and enjoyed the same view -  just trees and bush, wonderful for the soul. 

Lounge leading on to deck

Main bedroom with doors leading on to deck

View from the deck

We loved that you could stand in the shower and feel like you were outside with the branches so close you could hang your face-cloth on them. 

View from the shower

Bathroom

The second bedroom also had a double bed and cupboards but was much darker than the main bedroom. All the windows had gauze coverings so you could leave them open the entire time without worrying about mosquitoes and bugs crawling in to come cuddle up with you.

Second bedroom

We thoroughly enjoyed swimming in the communal pool (we would highly recommend a night swim, the water is lovely and warm from the pool being in the sun all day) , taking walks in the forest and to the private beach (less than half a kilometer from the cabins), sitting on the deck listening to the birds and sea (yes you can hear it from the deck even though it is over the dunes) and watching butterflies flit past. 

Path to the beach

Kiddies pool

Adults pool 

Private braai area

Great features:

* Absolute peace and privacy

* Close to the beach

* Clean and comfortable

Not so great features:

* The deck is not covered so when it rains, you unfortunately have to sit inside

* The outdoor bench and table is not comfortable at all! It definitely needs some cushions or even better, a couple of camper chairs for those who enjoy being outdoors.

Deck furniture - not comfortable at all

Price:

The charge is per unit so if 4 (or 6) people shared it is very reasonable. It is a bit steep for just a couple though (more than R500 per person) so would be nice if they offered reduced rates for couples.

Recommended for:

Couples and families - there are 4 and 6 sleeper units and lots of activities to keep the kids busy.

The host/s:

All the staff were very friendly and helpful, right from the lady who did the booking via email to the security guard who kindly shone the way to the pool. 

For more information and bookings:

selfcat@goodersons.co.za  

Lindisfarne B&B, Hillcrest, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

After our last magical trip inland 
(http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/rooms-with-view-waterfall-durban.html) we were very disappointed with our overnight stay at Tyne Cottage. This B&B is located right opposite a school and has neighbours on either side. 

The two bedroom, one bathroom unit looks straight onto the main house and parking area and affords no privacy at all. 
(The other self catering unit also looks onto the main house's kitchen). 

The outdoor furniture was extremely uncomfortable and not conducive to relaxation at all. After waiting 40 minutes for a reply from the care-taker, we borrowed two plastic chairs from the main house and sat at the back of the unit for some privacy.

The kitchen was very small which was not a problem but it and had far too many cupboards with doors that were a 'head-banging' accident waiting to happen!

Kitchen

After our many trips being spoiled with queen and king sized beds, it was a bit of an adjustment to have to share a double. The bedding however was good quality cotton and the bed was comfortable. 

Main bedroom with bed and couches. Selected DSTV channels only 

Possibly the best feature was the nice sized shower with a massive head and good water pressure, it also heated up very quickly.

The awesome shower

We had hoped for a lovely romantic getaway to celebrate our anniversary but sadly this was the first place where we actually checked out well before the check out time. 

Great features:

* The garden was beautiful with lots of trees

* Nice shower

* Really nice feather pillows

Not so great features:

* No privacy

* Uncomfortable furniture 

* Needed a good airing before we arrived (we were told by the owner that they don't do that because of monkeys)

Price:

We felt it was over-priced for what you get (more than R500 per person), the unit is very basic and nothing to write home about. Apparently the owner does lower the price for just 2 people (the unit sleeps 4) so we would recommend you negotiate and bear in mind that breakfast is an additional cost and not included in the quoted price.

Recommended for:

* People who are going to be out most of the day and only need a place to cook and sleep.

The host/s:

Friendly enough on email, we did not get to meet in person as they were away that weekend. She was not impressed at our suggestion to plant some trees / put a hedge between the cottage and the main house. 

For more information and bookings:

www.lindisfarnebnb.co.za

Birdhaven, Umtentweni, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

We had often looked at this unit as a possible holiday option for us since Tweni Beach is one of our favourites on the South Coast but privacy was always a concern. We assumed that the unit was a garden cottage at the back of the owner's house - we were not entirely wrong. It is actually a completely separate unit underneath the owner's house BUT we were wrong about the privacy issue. This was not a problem at all as we barely saw the owners at all during our stay, except for the warm welcome on arrival and when they kindly cleaned the leaves out of the pool for us. 

The unit itself is basic but clean, sufficiently equipped for a self-catering stay and comfortable. The best feature for us was the lovely outdoor area - a covered wooden deck that looks onto the beautiful well kept garden and sparkling pool. We spent most of our time here watching the birds and monkeys feeding and taking the occasional dip to cool off. 

Monkeys eating out of one of the bird feeders

Beautiful garden

Sparkling pool - for your exclusive use

Garden

A little visitor

Featuring a lounge with comfortable couches that opens onto a large braai area, a dining area with a table and seating for 6, kitchen with all the necessities and an en-suite bedroom with a comfortable bed and cotton linen there really isn't much more you could ask for. The bathroom has a basin, toilet and spacious shower - with excellent water pressure!

Bedroom

Another visitor by the braai area

There is also a completely separate unit just outside of the main bedroom with a lovely wooden deck (un-covered), two single beds, tea and coffee making facilities and it's own private bathroom - making this the ideal place for not only couples but small families. 

Unfortunately most of our pictures from this holiday were lost (glitches in technology) so we would recommend you make a booking and see the rest of it all for yourself!

We really enjoyed our stay here and with the beach a short five minute drive away we would highly recommend Birdhaven to anyone looking for private and comfortable accommodation in Umtentweni.

Great features:

* Peaceful and private

* Lovely outdoor area with comfortable furniture, stunning views and lots of birds

Not so great features:

* We can't really think of any!

Price:

Excellent value for money! (Less than R500 per person)

Recommended for:

Couples or small families

The host/s:

Absolutely lovely, made us feel instantly welcome, gave us our space and just great people in general

For more information and bookings:

carolave@mweb.co.za 

Rooms With a View, Waterfall, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

"There's a cute little cottage for two thatta way... Skies are blue thatta way... Dreams come true thatta way..." Thank you Perry Como, I heard this song in my head for our entire stay at Rooms With a View!

What a special little place, definitely one of our favourites! A super warm and friendly greeting from the owner and a bunch of fresh roses set the tone for a great weekend and the perfect weather just added to the magic!

Lovely flowers from the owner

The unit, although attached to the owner's house, has it's own separate entrance and privacy was not a problem at all during our stay.  

Entrance to the unit

A stunning private garden, magnificent views of the dam and access to the owner's swimming pool allowed  us to spend most of our time blissed out in awe of the beauty and peace that surrounded us. 

The lovely indigenous garden

View from the pool

Sparkling pool with stunning views

The comfortable outdoor furniture under the shaded patio meant we could spend the entire day outside, listening to the various birds and butterfly spotting! 

Outside undercover area

Although small, the kitchen was well equipped. The lounge had ample seating and comfortable couches for when you felt the need to zone out. 

Kitchen

Kitchen

Lounge

Up the stairs from the lounge is another room with two single beds and then it's onto the main bedroom with a super comfortable queen sized bed and lovely percale cotton bedding - for a fantastic night's sleep!

Two single beds 

Main bedroom

The bathroom had both a bath and a shower and a toilet lid that did no fall down (much to any gentleman's delight). The lovely hand-wash and shower gel that were provided were a special touch that is often over-looked in self catering units. 

Lovely full bathroom 

We have to say that this is one of the best places we stayed at in 2016 and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a quick escape from the city for some much needed peace and quiet.

Great features:

* Everything mentioned above!

* The unit is also pet friendly with prior arrangement

Not so great features:

* The pool is right in front of the owner's home so not a place to lounge around for hours - however you are allowed to make use of it for a quick dip and then relax in your own yard

* The shower did not have great pressure and temperature control was a bit of a challenge but this did not ruin our stay at all

Price: 

Very reasonable and well worth it! (Less than R500 per person)

Recommended for:

* Couples, although the unit is equipped to sleep 4. There is a sliding door between the room with the single beds and the main room but if you are looking for a romantic weekend - leave the kids at home!

The host/s:

Absolutely lovely over email and in person

For more information and bookings:

cwch@iafrica.com