On the rocks beach house, Glen Gariff, East London, Eastern Cape

This was a very special trip for us - a birthday and an anniversary celebration and thanks to a great deal from SAFAIR we were able to explore a part of our country we have both longed to do for quite some time. 

The house is every bit as beautiful as the pictures on the website and the 180 degree sea view is just breath-taking. To boot, your own (almost completely) private beach is just a five minute walk to the left. We could not have asked for a better place to spend our weekend. 

Back of the house

View from the back of the house

It can be enjoyed from the lounge and 4 of the 5 bedrooms

Stunning Glen Eden beach

It was just the two of us but the house is equipped with 5 bedrooms and 3 three bathrooms so ideal for a large family or group of friends. 

Downstairs bedroom - sunniest room in the house

One of the upstairs bedrooms

Second upstairs bedroom 

Main en-suite bathroom 

Main en-suite bedroom

One of the upstairs bathrooms

The kitchen is spacious with strong wooden and marble counters, a gas stove and oven, a massive fridge/freezer and all the utensils you need to cook up a storm. There is a separate scullery with a dish-washer as well as a double sink.

Scullery

Kitchen

Although we spent most of our time exploring all the beautiful beaches within close proximity to the house, there is also a lovely outdoor area with couches around a braai, a table for outdoor meals and a swimming pool.

Sheltered outdoor area designed for comfort

Pool and loungers yay!

If all the raw natural beauty surrounding you and absolute luxury of this beautiful house is still not enough, you can enjoy a game of table tennis upstairs or watch dstv in the lounge or main bedroom. 

Downstairs lounge 1 with fireplace

Downstairs tv lounge 

Upstiars - table tennis and board games

The house does have an alarm but we never once felt unsafe during our stay (complete opposite to July 2017's trip https://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/08/the-beach-house-sea-park-south-coast.html ). In fact the total lack of fences in the entire area really put our minds at ease. We are so glad we booked an extra night because three days would not have been long enough in this magical part of our country. We cannot wait to go back. 

Traveller hints and tips:

* If you are going in winter, be sure to pack lots of warm clothing because the back of the house does not get any sun in the afternoon and it is quite cold inside. Definitely make a fire in the lounge, we did every night. Ample wood was supplied for free.

* If you are like us and want to enjoy the view for as long as possible, we also recommend borrowing the bean bag from upstairs because the outside wooden benches are not conducive to relaxation. 

* The pool area gets quite a bit of sun during the day, this however did not heat up the pool (we stayed in July, I'm sure it's much warmer during the summer months). 

* Take your own water if you are fussy about what you drink. The water, although filtered and completely safe to drink, is rain water and tastes slightly salty. 

Price: 

Just more than R500 per person but worth it!

Recommended for:

Couples, families or groups of friends

The host/s:

We did not meet the owner but she was very friendly over email. The hostess answered our questions via sms and we dropped the keys with her on our way out. 

For more information and bookings:

https://ontherocksbeachhouse.co.za

Summary of Reviews

SOUTH COAST

Southport: 

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/thandulula-southport-south-coast-kzn.html  

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/03/cooks-cove-southport-south-coast.html

https://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/08/the-beach-house-sea-park-south-coast.html

Umzumbe:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/10/blue-waters-beach-house-umzumbe-south.html

Umtentweni:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/riverbend-chalets-and-campsite.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/02/birdhaven-umtentweni-south-coast.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/stephans-guest-house-umtentweni-south.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/peace-cottage-umtentweni-south-coast.html

Sea Park: 

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/oxford-road-sea-park-south-coast.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/galene-sea-park-south-coast-kwazulu.html

Melville: 

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/the-sand-dollar-melville-south-coast.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/paw-paw-place-melville-south-coast.html

Illovo:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/illovo-river-lodge-illovo-beach-south.html

Bazley:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/grand-vue-bazley-south-coast-kwazulu.html

Southbroom:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/flamboyant-self-catering-southbroom.html

Pennington:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/04/minerva-cottage-pennington-south-coast.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/05/gumpost-cottage-pennington-south-coast.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/06/music-of-sea-pennington-south-coast.html

Scottburgh:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/04/four-palms-scottburgh-south-coast.html

Umkomaas:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/05/aliwal-cottages-umkomaas-south-coast.html

Clansthal:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/09/the-beach-house-and-beach-cabin.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/05/clansthal-beach-house-clansthal-south.html

NORTH COAST / ELEPHANT COAST

Tugela Mouth:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/10/agape-tugela-river-mouth-north-coast.html

Mtunzini:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/03/mtunzini-forest-lodge-mtunzini-north.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/01/toad-tree-cottage-mtunzini-north-coast.html

Mandini

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.com/2018/06/chantilly-resort-chantilly-farm-mandini.html

Hluhluwe: 

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/bushlands-game-lodge-hluhluwe-elephant.html

Eshowe

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/11/mpushini-falls-resort-eshowe-north.html

MIDLANDS / DRAKENSBERG / INLAND FROM DURBAN

Dargle:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/03/lemonwood-dargle-midlands-kwazulu-natal.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/rose-cottage-barlands-farm-dargle.html

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/everwood-cottages-dargle-kwazulu-natal.html

https://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/09/beverley-country-cottages-dargle.html

https://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/10/crab-apple-cottages-dargle-midlands.html

Waterfall

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/rooms-with-view-waterfall-durban.html

Drummond:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/mulberry-guest-house-drummond-kwazulu.html

Hillcrest:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/03/lindisfarne-b-hillcrest-kwazulu-natal.html

Everton:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2018/01/eagles-nest-everton-durban-kwazulu.html

Albert Falls:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/fish-eagles-lair-albert-falls-dam.html

Underberg:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/esigodini-underberg-kwazulu-natal-south.html

Camperdown:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/01/leopards-and-louries-camperdown-kwazulu.html

Oribi Flats / Lake Eland:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/lake-eland-game-reserve-kzn-south-africa.html

Curry's Post

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/06/gumtree-glen-currys-post-natal-midlands.html

Impendle:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2016/09/tillietudlem-game-and-trout-farm.html

Central Drakensberg:

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.com/2018/06/emafweni-cathkin-park-central.html

EASTERN CAPE

http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.com/2018/09/on-rocks-beach-house-glen-gariff-east.html

Chantilly Resort, Chantilly Farm, Mandini, North Coast, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Chantilly Resort had long been on our bucket list but it was always out of the price range we normally travel in. It was an absolute delight when they had a Valentine's Day special and were able to finally visit.

Our hostess made us feel welcome long before we arrived with friendly, informative emails and even a telephone call to confirm our booking. She put us into the best and most private unit (unit 1) for our special weekend and really went the extra mile, with rose petals, candles and chilled champagne all waiting for us on arrival.

Champagne, candles and rose petals

View of the bedroom looking in from the patio

There is an on-site restaurant where you can order all your meals from but a small kitchenette is available for those who wish to do their own catering. 

Kitchenette - equipped for basic meals

Although there is a lovely bath provided, due to the drought at the time, we used the outdoor shower which was completely private. 

Outdoor shower

Bath

View from outdoor shower

When we were not at the communal pool area or sitting by the lake, we spent most of our time outside around our private boma. Having the peacock and peahens brings their babies to visit us every day was the highlight of the trip!

Lake just next to unit 1

Boma

Wooden deck and our daily visitors

Communal pool area

Chantilly Resort is quiet and peaceful, a great place to restore your soul. 

Traveller hints and tips:

* Make sure you inform the hostess of your intention to cook your own meals so that the necessary pots can be provided for you

* Unit 1 is definitely the most private as it is further from the communal pool area and restaurant

* The only thing we were slightly disappointed with was the lack of loungers that are advertised on the website. 

Price:

More than R500 per person unless you get a good special

Recommended for:

Couples, although the resort is family friendly

The host/s:

The hostess was fantastic and made us feel very welcome.

Emafweni, Cathkin Park, Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

If you are fortunate enough to arrive on a sunny afternoon, make sure you enter the property slowly so you can take in the beautiful scene that greets you - sunlight filtering through the trees that line the driveway. We were so in awe we did not even think to look for our phones to take a picture. This was taken the day after from the other end, not quite as spectacular as the late afternoon sun when we arrived but beautiful nevertheless: 

Property driveway

 After a warm and informative welcome from Rita we made our way to the Lakeside Cottage. Colourful flowers greeted us at the door to this one bedroom, two bathroom cottage. 

Flowers outside the door

Bedroom

Bathroom 1 - shower, toilet, basin

Bathroom 1 - bath, basin, bidet, toilet

The kitchen is amazing for a two-sleeper unit - very modern and large - probably one of the best we've experienced. Everything was spotlessly clean and all you needed for self catering was on hand.

The lounge with a fireplace opens onto the covered patio that overlooks the lake. We spent most of our weekend on the comfortable chairs taking in the peace and beautiful scenery.

Lounge with fireplace

view of the lake

Covered patio

We loved our visit to Lakeside Cottage in January so much we returned with family in March to stay in the bigger unit, Ema-fweni cottage.

This two bedroom, two bathroom unit is great for a small family or two couples. Although there is only one standing shower, the second bathroom has a massive bath with a hand-held shower. 

While the view is even more spectacular view, the couches in the lounge and the stove are a little worse for wear. The kitchen is smaller than at Lakeside but there was nothing that would stop us returning for another visit. 

Rock pool at Ema-fweni Cottage

View from patio

Great outdoor area, covered patio

Kitchen

View from the bath

Bathroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bathroom off bedroom 2

Bedroom 1

Traveller hints and tips:

* The Lakeside Cottage is fantastic for a romantic getaway

* Due to the popularity of Ema-fweni, a later check out is highly unlikely, even during off peak season

Price:

Lakeside - more than R500 per person

Ema-fweni - less than R500 per person

Recommended for:

Couples, small families, groups

The host/s: 

Lovely and very interesting to talk to. 

For more information and bookings:

emafweni@mighty.co.za

Eagles Nest, Everton, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

We always try to start our reviews with all the positive aspects of the place we stay so here it goes:
1. The beds were comfortable
2. Each bedroom had an en-suite bathroom 
3. The showers were spacious

How we are welcomed on arrival usually sets the tone for the weekend and what was supposed to be a quick trip after work on a Friday afternoon turned into over two hours of frustration after the owner helpfully gave us directions from Johannesburg, despite being asked if the ones provided FROM DURBAN were correct. 

The 'Continental breakfast' provided, which according to the owner "is normally muffins, bread, yoghurt, cheese, jams, milk, cereal etc." was a loaf of white bread, a packet of biscuits, jam, tea, sugar (note no coffee in the coffee tin) and a two litre low fat milk. 

'Continental breakfast'

Although you do have access to the pool, it is right in front of the owner's house with their kitchen and lounge looking right onto it.

View of the pool from the cottage garden

Described as being in the "leafy suburb of Everton", the view from the covered patio (which could have used a good clean) 'leaves' a lot to be desired...

View from the patio

Covered patio

Dried dead ghecko and other debri on patio floor

We were advised that we would be able to cook on a two plate stove but there was not one pot or pan or cutting knife provided! Thankfully the owner's wife was at home to lend us a pan and a knife. 

The bathrooms were very modern with huge shower heads but the showers were the same level as the floor with no doors so the water ran all over the bathroom - no bath mats were provided and we had to use towels. 

The freezer part of the bar fridge provided was so badly iced up we could not even open the door and there were no ice trays or ice inside once we finally managed to defrost it. The fridge desperately needed a good wipe down. 

Hair in the fridge

The most memorable feature of all was the fact that there is no water supply in the 'kitchen' so we had to fill the kettle with water from the bathroom taps, wash our veggies etc. in the basin and best of all - wash our dishes in the bath! Although we were charged a R220.00 'cleaning fee' the unit was not serviced at all during our stay. This was the first place we actually left our breakfast dishes unwashed when we left - bending over the bath was back breaking!

The kitchen 

The kitchen 

Doing dishes in the upper class suburb of Everton

We are not fussy guests by any means but this place definitely was one of the worst we've stayed at. It is one of the very few we have checked out early (we were packed and ready to go by 7.15am) and were told by both the owner and his wife to throw the keys over the fence once we had let ourselves out! Talk about gracious hospitality! 

Traveller hints and tips:

* Don't bother! We saw the place up for sale in the property magazine so clearly the owner is not interested in taking care of guests. If you want to stay in a similar area with a wonderful, friendly owner and a stunning view rather to go Rooms with a View http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/rooms-with-view-waterfall-durban.html

Price: 

More than what it's worth

Recommended for:

Only someone who desperately needs a place to shower and sleep for the night

The host/s:

We read so many reviews about how friendly and hospitable he is yet he never came to even greet us, even though he lives on the same property. His wife was very helpful and kind. 

For more information and bookings:

Rather go to Rooms with a View (http://www.rooms-withaview.co.za/contact-us)