Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel is a mere 15-minute drive from the Durban city centre.
Once you drive through the gates, you immediately slip into a state of calm.
Greeted by the therapeutic sounds of the Indian Ocean while a glorious sunset may be enjoyed from the pool deck, it is easy to feel as if you’ve arrived at some fancy resort.
After undergoing a four-month renovation, where changes were made to their rooms, restaurant and pool deck, the hotel's transformation is strikingly beautiful.
They plan on adding a cigar lounge and wine cellar later this year.
The hotel is quaint and charming, making it the perfect getaway for those who want to escape from everyday stress.
The hotel has free wi-fi, conference facilities, an in-house restaurant and a private gym.
Khuraka, their in-house restaurant, offers a historical dining experience.
There are 12 rooms, some with sea views and others facing the lush suburb of Durban North, and corporate and leisure travellers can expect the finest service.
After quenching my thirst with a refreshing iced tea, I was escorted to my sea-facing de luxe room that overlooked the hotel’s flagship infinity pool and viewing deck.
The oriental-themed room was spacious. It came alive with splashes of olive green, white and gold.
Most unusual for the 5-star establishment was the lack of basic amenities like a selection of fine teas and a Nespresso machine.
Breakfast near the pool. Picture: Clinton Moodley.
Breakfast the following morning was enjoyed outside with the Durban sun really showing off. That said, there are vervet monkeys who lurk around the property and have a tendency to surprise you at meal times.
The continental spread included fresh fruit, nuts and cheeses that are laid out in cute little clear glasses. But it was the hot breakfast menu that saw me break my healthy routine. It also caters for all types of eaters, including fussy vegetarians such as myself.
I indulged in a breakfast chapati filled with masala mushrooms, chilli and cheddar cheese and finished off with some mayo and coriander.
Other options include the breakfast strata (goat cheese, zucchini, spring onion and poached eggs), the endless (eggs, bacon, sausage and sweet potato hash brown) and seasonal fruit smoothies. Wouldn’t have minded a few pastries, though.
The staff are passionate about what they do and most helpful, especially when it comes to capturing those picture-perfect moments.
For those who want to explore the city, there’s plenty of adventure to be found. You can visit the Umhlanga Pier and Crocodile Creek.
The infinity pool is one of the highlights of the hotel. Picture: Clinton Moodley.
Further south, travellers can visit uShaka Marine World or enjoy a few museum tours. And the hotel has a shuttle service that you can use.
Overall, it was a wonderful stay with endless memories to boot.
Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel can be found at 108 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Durban North.
Call 031 564 0360 or visit endlesshorizons.co.za