Durban - Let’s be honest, when we think of going on holiday and finding a place to stay, we start by checking hotels in the area and what they cost – it’s not often that we would consider a bed ’n’ breakfast, which a lot of the time offers similar, if not greater, value.
A recent trip to the coast got me thinking about this, and in turn sampling an upmarket B&B – with some interesting results.
The Boathouse, situated virtually on the beach in Ballito, is far from the modern domestic-type dwelling you’re possibly picturing. It’s a four-star guest house with prime positioning and idyllic views of the Indian ocean.
As the name suggests, the Boathouse theme runs strongly through the place – with each of the 18 rooms named after a famous ship, decor finished in navy and gold, and varnished wood the preferred materials. It’s a well-established property, having been on Ballito’s landscape for 16 years, and strictly-speaking sits on the Salmon Bay beachfront.
It’s a vast property, offering a beauty spa, fully equipped conference centre (with break-away rooms, wireless internet and office facilities) and a branch of the well-known Thava Indian Restaurant (there are two branches in Gauteng). The introduction of the franchised restaurant, and the recent upgrade to the facility, are the result of new owners and significant investment.
Having checked in after dark, we were warmly welcomed and given a sea-facing room at the end of the hotel – and this is where the B&B philosophy started making sense. Where hotel rooms tend to be rather impersonal and cold places, with catalogue furniture and photocopied artwork, the rooms at a B&B feel like real bedrooms – like someone has taken the time and effort to decorate them themselves.
We had comfortable and solid furniture, a crisp bed, and all the general amenities you’d expect from a four-star hotel. Most of the rooms enjoy sea views, and if you had to insist on something I reckon the view would be it. If you can spend a little more, the few rooms with actual balconies overlooking the beach are also worth the effort. We tried these too, with the real benefit here being able to chill in private – versus the ground-floor guest area.
Besides having a reasonably sized swimming pool – that was more than adequately heated by the Durban sunshine – there’s enough deckchair space for Boathouse guests to have their privacy, and waiters on call for that chilled pina-colada. But the real bonus is the access to the beach, with guests simply passing through the Boathouse’s private gate and on to the sand. The beach area in front of the hotel is not bather-friendly, but a short walk up or down the coast sorts this out.
We then ventured further down the coast to the Salt Rock area, and tried another establishment called the Fairways Boutique Hotel.
Not quite as lucky in terms of location as the Boathouse, the Fairways is a street off the Salt Rock beachfront (but in terms of walking distance it is literally a few hundred metres from the waves). The Salt Rock beach – with its tidal pool – is famous with bathers and fisherman, and seemed quite popular when we were there.
The Fairways has been around since 2007 and boasts 12 suites, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a restaurant which offers all the daily meals. In terms of feel it’s certainly not commercial, with rooms well-finished in mahogany and an en-suite to rival most five-star hotels. The en-suite, with it’s rock shower floor and huge bathtub, overshadows the room, and was certainly the highlight in terms of lodgings.
The word boutique may be in the name of this venue, but the owner lives on the property, and the manager, Samantha Kubek, takes a hands-on approach in making sure you’re comfortable. We were presented with dinner choices daily, and meals were specially-prepared to our timing and preferences. The restaurant is more an expansive dining room than a formal area, and here again you get that homely and relaxed coastal feel coming through.
Should the beach become a bit much, there’s the swimming pool in the garden or the jacuzzi for sundowners. Fairways will also happily accommodate up to 18 delegates for any conference needs.
* For rates or more information on either resort, visit www.fairwayshotel.co.za or www.boathouse.co.za
Sunday Independent