The wonderful thing about South Africa’s Wild Coast—aside from the sweeping, sugary-sand beaches, lush forests, and abundant birdlife—is its benevolent wintertime climate. While the Cape is lashed by storms and the parched interior plummets below freezing at night, the east coast is bathed in warm maritime air off the Agulhas current. And there are few better ways to enjoy the Wild Coasts’ mild, sunny winters than with a nature-steeped getaway at the epically luxurious Umngazi Hotel & Spa.
Luxuriously appointed hotel lodgings and private suites
Snuggled into the hillside bordering its namesake river, Umngazi’s hotel rooms offer show-stopping views of the verdant estuary upon which they are perched and, a stone’s throw to the south, the gentle coastline and Indian Ocean. Each room’s décor is harmonious with its surroundings, from the thatched ceilings reminiscent of the river’s reed beds to a colour palette evocative of the white beach sand and tropical life proliferating in the warm coastal waters nearby. Generous patios overlook embracing natural splendour, where even the most meagre of imaginations can foresee hours of reading, meditation, socializing, or just watching the river roll by.
There are various room types, depending on your view preferences (river or sea) and purposes (holiday or honeymoon). Then, separate from the main hotel, there are also nine exquisitely-decorated suites with the Emlonyeni private lounge and pool deck at their disposal: the perfect getaway for exclusive groups or wedding parties.
Irrespective of your accommodation choice, however, the price of your stay includes three meals and mid-morning and mid-afternoon tea and coffee. Speaking of which…
Sumptuous, nutritious dining (and drinks at Basil’s Bar!)
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners crafted from fresh, healthy ingredients are served in Umngazi’s reposeful dining room and deck, which offer stunning views over the swimming pool and meandering river beyond. With no room service available, guests are gently compelled to take their meals in community. But, for a more intimate and private dining experience, you can book the Riverside Gazebo or a table for 2 to 12 in the Green Door Wine Cellar, both of which are as romantic and exclusive an experience as they sound.
A kids’ room adjacent to the main dining room offers a cosy, colourful, and interactive environment where ages 12 and younger can interact and enjoy their meals. (Read: leaving the adults to enjoy their meals and wine in relative peace.)
Afterwards, or perhaps before, or both, why not repair to Basil’s Bar—named after the hotel’s original owner—for an aperitivo, digestive, signature cocktail, ice-cold beer, or glass of wine? Taken inside or out, you can be assured of a great social experience against a backdrop of pristine Wild Coast views.
Outdoor adventure, indoor indulgence
When you’re ready to do more than just look at the scenery, Umngazi Hotel & Spa offers an array of thrilling outdoor activities for people of all ages and interests. There are long walks along the beach, tennis courts, trails to walk, run, hike, or bike, and the mighty Mngazi River to explore, whether by kayak, paddle board, or leisurely river cruise. The area is also rich in treasures for birdwatchers, picnic-goers, and fishing enthusiasts. And if your curiosity takes you even further, check out the local community and enchanting mangrove ecosystem.
When you’ve had your fill of sun, sea, salt, and sand, head into the cool respite of the award-winning spa, which sprawls out in individual beach-style bungalows high on the Umngazi hillside. From this lofty vantage point, the rugged coast stretches away in each direction for miles, and here, against a soundtrack of sighing waves and gentle birdsong, you can yield yourself to the skilled and dextrous hands of their dedicated professional therapists. On the menu is a decadent range of treatments, including facials, full body massage, Africology wraps, aroma stone therapy, and spa baths, amongst many others. There are even treatments for pre-and post-natal care.
And if parents wish to enjoy a spa day free of responsibility—or enjoy any of the Wild Coast’s abundance of attractions without the kids—the hotel has on-site nannies to provide any necessary babysitting services.
Why wait for summer?
Umngazi Hotel & Spa and the Wild Coast are destinations for connecting with nature, where the white noise of the waves racing up the sand drowns out the cacophony of work-related stressors, where days can be spent steeped in nature, sunshine, and healthy food and the evenings in effervescent cocktails and long, lavish dinners. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate winter escape, just this once, eschew the fireplace for a fiery sunset and make Umngazi your winter weekend, holiday, wedding, or honeymoon destination.
Take advantage of Umngazi’s new Chasing the Sun “Stay for 4 Pay for 3” promotion from 1st May – 22nd June 2023. Rates start from R5 205 per person sharing for 4 nights, and children 4 years and younger (sharing with their parents) stay free.
Make your winter getaway exceptional this year, and book today.
Contact Umngazi’s reservations team via phone at 047 564 1115/6/8/9 or email requests@umngazi.co.za to start planning your dream holiday.