Where to Stay: Best Areas in Umhlanga

Umhlanga is an attractive South African resort town known for its gorgeous beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, is a convenient 20-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport, and is just another 20 minutes away from Durban which is the third-most populous city in South Africa.

Let’s take a look at the main areas of Umhlanga and highlight some of the town’s best hotels and accommodation options. By bookmarking this post you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect home-from-home in this pretty beach town.

Umhlanga Rocks for Easy Beach Access

Highlights: Umhlanga Rocks Beach, Umhlanga Lighthouse, Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, Oceans Mall, Whalebone Pier, Umhlanga Promenade

Umhlanga Rocks is the main beachfront area of the town and originally formed part of Sir Marshall Campbell’s sugar estate. From its humble beginnings as a small village, it has since developed into a well-established town with a warm and friendly seaside vibe. The main beaches here are well-maintained and very safe, with shark nets and lifeguards in place to protect swimmers and surfers.

There are plenty of eateries, cafes, and ice cream shops in Umhlanga Rocks, and there are lots of good amenities near the beaches including toilets, parking lots, and picnic areas. Its main attractions include the striking Whalebone Pier which offers fabulous sunset views, and Umhlanga Lighthouse which helps to safely guide ships into nearby Durban Harbour. The atmosphere in Umhlanga Rocks is generally laid back but at night it comes alive in the hub of bars and restaurants known as The Village.

There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Umhlanga Rocks and along the beachfront. Some of them suit tight budgets while others offer a more luxurious experience. If you’re looking for sea views from your room and want the beach to be within walking distance, this is the area to stay in.

Where to Stay in Umhlanga Rocks

Here are some of the best hotels in Umhlanga Rocks:

• Breakers Resort is a luxury property situated on the oceanfront for incredible sea views. It offers quality self-catering accommodation that’s ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers. There’s an on-site restaurant, a games room, and multiple swimming pools to choose from. Plus, the resort provides a range of activities on its grounds, including volleyball, netball, action cricket, and putt-putt golf.
• The Oyster Box Hotel is one of Umhlanga’s best-known and most celebrated hotels thanks to its understated opulence and exceptional hospitality. Its rooms offer impressive coastal views and some of them feature private lounge areas, patios, and plunge pools. Dining at the Oyster Box is a must. The Ocean Terrace restaurant is renowned for seafood, The Grill Room dishes up fantastic steaks, and the Palm Court is famed for its refined high tea. The hotel also has a gym and a spa, and it offers free parking for all guests.
• The Capital Pearls Hotel offers contemporary apartments that strike the perfect balance between luxurious resort living and the coziness of home. It’s a popular choice for business travelers thanks to its professional facilities which include private boardrooms and conference spaces. There are lots of great on-site amenities to enjoy, including a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a sun deck, a children’s play area, a bar, and multiple restaurants.
• Beverly Hills Hotel has been one of the town’s leading luxury hotels since 1964. Every room in this award-winning property provides uninterrupted ocean views from private balconies. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi, coffee machines, flatscreen TVs, and a choice of pillows in their rooms. The hotel has multiple on-site eateries, including a bar that serves fresh oysters and Champagne, and a restaurant renowned for afternoon tea and refined evening dining. There’s also a gym, a spa, an outdoor pool, and private direct access to the beach.
• Chartwell Guest House is a warm and welcoming property that will make you feel like you’re at home. It lies within easy reach of Gateway Theatre of Shopping, La Lucia Mall, and the airport. It prides itself on its eco-friendliness and does as much as possible to minimize its energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• La Lucia Sands Lodging is a popular resort that offers spacious three-bedroom apartments, making it a great choice for families. If you want the comfort of home with the luxury of a hotel, this is a great option. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, a sauna, braai facilities for barbecuing, and a multifunctional sports court.

Umhlanga Ridge for Epic Views

Highlights: Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga Arch, Umhlanga KZN Sharks Board

Umhlanga Ridge lies just north of Umhlanga Rocks and looks out and down over the Indian Ocean. Its impressive views make it the perfect spot for luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, making it the sophisticated heart of the town where locals and tourists flock to shop and dine.

The Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the biggest attraction in Umhlanga Ridge. This huge shopping mall is home to more than 380 stores with both well-known brands and independent boutiques represented. There are also 70 eateries to choose from, a cinema, and a water park. Events and competitions take place regularly at Gateway so keep an eye out for unique goings-on when you visit.

If you’re looking for indulgent accommodation and very good service, you’re bound to find it in Umhlanga Ridge. Some of the hotels here are extremely luxurious, and many offer incredible views from their rooms. You’ll also find good mid-range options if you’re on a tighter budget.

Where to Stay in Umhlanga Ridge

Check in to one of these top hotels in Umhlanga Ridge:

• Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is a trendy, 60s-inspired surf hotel with an idyllic atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing. It has a pristine swimming pool and sun deck, and there’s a gym to burn off excess energy. Free WiFi keeps you connected and guests can book meeting rooms and conference rooms for business events. Rooms are modern, bright, and comfortable, and there’s a stylish restaurant in which to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or cocktails.
• Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch is a four-star hotel that offers sleek, modern rooms with air-conditioning, cable TV, and desks. Buffet and full English breakfasts are available each morning, and there’s free WiFi throughout the hotel for guests. Other amenities include a fitness center, a terrace, a restaurant, and private parking.
• Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre is a modern, comfortable, and welcoming resort. All rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities and a minibar. There’s a restaurant and a coffee shop on-site, and room service is available for those who want to dine in private. Laundry facilities are available and guests can make use of a 24-hour concierge service.
• Royal Palm Hotel provides luxury apartments and suites that include balconies and free WiFi. The resort has a retail piazza with attractive gardens and water features, and a restaurant that serves food throughout the day. Outdoor dining is available in an elegant cafe bar.
• City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge is a great option for business and leisure travelers who want a reliable, comfortable place to stay. A cafe-restaurant serves continental and full English breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner each day. There’s a fitness room, a swimming pool, a 12-seat boardroom, and a bar, and guests can enjoy unlimited WiFi.
• Road Lodge Umhlanga Ridge has affordable, comfortable rooms that can accommodate up to three people. Each room has a work desk, a TV, and free WiFi. Light breakfasts are available and guests can order lunch and dinner to their rooms if they choose. Outside is a lovely pool to relax in. The Road Lodge offers free cancellation so this is a great option if your travel plans are uncertain.
• Holiday Inn Express is a contemporary hotel with great amenities on offer. There’s an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar with a veranda. A free breakfast buffet is provided each morning, and there’s a secure underground parking lot for guests and business visitors.
• Aha Gateway Hotel is attached to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and is a popular choice for both business travelers and tourists. It offers exceptional service and has a relaxing rooftop pool to lounge by.
• Garden Court Umhlanga has a mix of standard rooms, family rooms, and suites, with the latter including private lounges and balconies. On-site facilities include heated pools, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. Breakfast is included in room rates and kids stay free when sharing rooms with adults.

La Lucia for Watersports

Highlights: Coral reefs, La Lucia Mall

La Lucia is a quaint suburb of Umhlanga known for its pretty and peaceful beach. Compared to the main beaches of Umhlanga, La Lucia’s beach feels more rural and unspoiled. The waters here are home to coral reefs which is why snorkeling and scuba diving are popular pastimes. The warm temperature of the waters also makes swimming and surfing a pleasure.

There are few attractions except for the beach and La Lucia Mall, but it’s a quick drive into the heart of Umhlanga from here. This neighborhood is fairly small and home to just a handful of guesthouses. It is primarily a residential area so you might have luck finding private vacation rentals.

Sunningdale for Luxury Self-Catering

Highlights: Sugar Farm Trail Park

Sunningdale is a small residential neighborhood that lies north of La Lucia. It’s a sought-after area for locals thanks to its peaceful atmosphere. There are no sights here to speak of except for a small public park which attracts locals on sunny weekends. However, it’s a short drive to Umhlanga Ridge or down to Durban North which has some attractive green spaces such as Virginia Bush Nature Reserve.

You shouldn’t expect any hotels or guesthouses in Sunningdale, but self-catering vacation rentals here could suit families looking for quiet accommodation. If you want to stay in an entire property rather than a room, Sunningdale could be the place for you.

Ballito for Watching Dolphins

Highlights: Willard Beach, Crocodile Creek, Thompson Bay Rock Pool

Ballito is another popular beach town that lies 20 miles north of Umhlanga. It’s set within a stretch known as the Dolphin Coast because bottlenose dolphins can be spotted in the Indian Ocean here all year round.

The beaches in Ballito boast soft, golden sands and warm, turquoise waters. Willard Beach is a particular highlight — it has great amenities and is kept safe by lifeguards and shark nets. Ballito is also known to have fantastic fishing spots so if you’re a keen angler, buy a fishing license from one of the local post offices and see what you can catch.

There are lots of great bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in Ballito, but you’ll also find some luxury four and five-star hotels and resorts on the beachfront. Stay here if you’re looking for a pure beach break, but keep in mind that there are few other sights here except for the beaches.

Mount Edgecombe for Golfing Getaways

Highlights: Mount Edgecombe Country Club

Mount Edgecomb lies on the northern outskirts of Umhlanga beyond Umhlanga Ridge, and it’s best known for its Country Club where there are two championship golf courses. If you plan to spend plenty of time golfing, it makes sense to stay in this area but accommodation options are limited to luxury guesthouses set within the country club grounds.

Book Your Stay in Umhlanga

Umhlanga may be a small town but it has plenty of choices when it comes to hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Now you’re caught up with the best neighborhoods in Umhlanga, you can get started booking the perfect accommodation for your stay in this picturesque beach town.