The coastline between the Wild Coast and Durban is known simply as the South Coast.
Itโs a collection of laid-back seaside towns, golden beaches, lagoons, river mouths, rocky coves and inlets, sub-tropical forests and vegetation thatโs prone to abundance.
And all this is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. In fact some of our best places to stay on the South Coast lie within a stoneโs throw of the beach.
Appealingly, a few of the best places to stay South Coast retain that undemanding, retro family-holiday-home vibe that makes for low-pressure holidays filled with sand between your toes, burgers on the braai and late morning sleep-ins…
But not all is cane furniture, nautical theme duvet covers, and face brick maisonettes. Weโve guest houses, self-catering cottages and a series of beach holiday homes with a charm youโll find difficult to refuse.
The best places to stay on the South Coast …
The View Boutique Hotel & Spa
The View Boutique Hotel & Spa is a hidden gem, setting itself apart from other boutique hotels by way of their offering, the focus on superior service is what the hotel was built upon.
With sweeping vistas of Durban’s South Coast beaches, hand-carved four poster beds with 100% crisp white linen and luxurious amenities, including an award-winning restaurant, and Spa, with six swimming pools, the perfect retreat you need.
Villa Ti Amo
Villa Ti Amo is on the border of Southbroom, along the Imbezane River, overlooking Southbroom’s main beach.
Surrounded by coastal forest, this Ramsgate self catering accommodation allows for privacy and a peaceful stay. Sleeps 18 guests in 6 bedsroom with 4 bathrooms.
Villa Aurora
Villa Aurora transports you to a Mediterranean getaway, it has the look and feel of the Med but is nestled on the picturesque South Coast in Ramsgate. It can accommodate up to eighteen guests (in 6 bedrooms).
The kitchen is fully equipped for self catering, the lounge has a TV with satellite channels and outside is a patio with outdoor furniture and braai facilities.
Estuary Country Hotel, Port Edward
Right on the river estuary on the edge of the Wild Coast this country hotel in Port Edward does elegance with style, including its own restaurant and spa.
Palm Tree House
Palm Tree House consists of three luxury self catering apartments booked exclusively for one group, Located in the Eden RockForest Estate, the Selborne Park Golf Estate is just next door making this an ideal spot for golf enthusiasts.
High Rocks Beach House
After an easy drive up the coast from Durban, you arrive at Highrocks Beach House in Umkomaas. Rated as one of the top beach houses in South Africa, Highrocks Beach House really is something special.
Highrocks is an upmarket self-catering beach house that sleeps a maximum of eight adults and four children.
Bill’s Place in Umzumbe
Perfectly positioned in Umzumbe, 90 km south of Durban, on one of South Africa’s most pristine Blue Flag Beaches, Bill’s Place is the ideal holiday hideaway for family of six.
With ample space for living and entertaining, this generous home can effortlessly accommodate 6 people in 3 bedrooms.
Pumula Beach Hotel
Pumula is unique in its location, situated right on a Blue Flag status beach. Between all the on-site facilities and those right on Pumulaโs doorstep, guests are spoilt for choice.
Never-ending golden beaches, protected bathing, rock pools, surfing, excellent fishing opportunities, the annual sardine run, and dolphin or whale watching to name a few.
La Casa Compartida
Enjoy a wonderful holiday at one of the finest family holiday resorts in this four bedroomed, four bathroom holiday home in San Lameer. The fully serviced villa is situated on the prestigious, tropical golf estate of San Lameer.
It has beautiful golf course views, and is a short drive from Marina Beach, which is accessed via a private, secure gate from the estate itself.
The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa
The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa is nestled in the pristine area of Kwazulu-Natal’s South Coast, a mere 35km inland from Port Shepstone.
Referred to as the โphotographer’s and nature lover’s paradiseโ, it has been carefully positioned to afford guests access to 5000ha of Oribi Flats prime land in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of our diverse country.
Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh
Situated up on a hill in the lovely town of Scottburgh, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, The Blue Marlin Hotel has become a favourite family holiday destination for both local, national and international travellers.
A mere 40 minutes from Durban, Blue Marlin exudes a warm, family oriented ambiance.
Ocean Grove Guest House in Munster
If you are looking for peace and quiet, then Ocean Grove Guesthouse is the place to be. The only sounds that can normally be heard are those of the sea, and the birds.
The Guest House is elevated 75 meters above sea-level, only 350 meters from the shore, affording breathtaking, 180 degree sea-views.
Lombok Lodge
Lombok Lodge is a purpose-built guest house, designed with the discerning business traveller or tourist in mind – providing luxury, comfort and spacious accommodation in Port Shepstone in a stylish Indonesian setting.
Lombok Lodge is situated 200m from the sea and a short walk from the beach, with splendid breaker views of the Umtentweni swimming beach and the Port Shepstone Lighthouse.
Ocean View Cottage in Umzumbe
Nestled on the highest beach front point is Ocean view. Built for perfect privacy, the cottage has the most amazing ocean views.
The 245 sqm cottage is built right on the front of the property, that maximises views across Umzumbe beach and the ocean.
Caribbean Estate 1136
Located in the Caribbean Estate near the Wild Coast Sun, Caribbean Estate 1136 offers accommodation in a lush tropical setting offers various facilities and is the ideal place for a beach holiday.
Caribbean Estate 1136 is a air-conditioned self catering house sleeping up to six guests. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Seas The Day in Scottburgh
Seas the Day is a stylish holiday home offering self-catering accommodation in Scottburgh. The charming seaside town of Scottburgh is just a 45-minute drive from Durban, along the South Coast.
Seas the Day Holiday Home sleeps 12 guests and consists of a main house, apartment and studio that are booked exclusively for one group.