Durban Manor: Your Dream South African Getaway Awaits!
Durban Manor: My Dream South African Getaway… Did it live up to the Hype? (Spoiler Alert: Mostly YES, with a Sprinkle of WTF?)
Okay, folks, listen up. I just got back from Durban Manor, and I'm still trying to untangle my brain from the sheer, glorious whirlwind of it all. "Your Dream South African Getaway Awaits!" they hollered in the ads. And, well, they weren't lying… entirely. Let's get this messy, chaotic review rolling, just like my suitcase after I’d tried to ram it shut.
First Impressions (and the Quest for the Loo):
The first thing that hits you, besides the South African sun (which, by the way, is intense), is the grandness. Durban Manor is a looker. Think colonial charm meets modern polish. The lobby? Swanky. The staff? Smiling. My check-in? Pretty smooth, thanks to the Contactless check-in/out. Thank goodness for all this modern tech! After the flight I had to go to the loo really bad. Thank God that the elevator worked, otherwise I'm not sure how i would have gotten to my room, and it saved me a lot of energy and was a life saver.
Accessibility - Did They Think of Everyone?
Alright, let's be real. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always check this stuff. And… it's mixed. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising, but I'd need more specifics on the actual implementation. I didn't spot any obvious issues (like, you know, stairs everywhere), but it's something to double-check if accessibility is a deal-breaker. Same thing for Elevator I needed that desperately after a ten-hour flight!
The Room - My Happy Place (Mostly):
My room? Pretty darn good. Air conditioning was a MUST, especially after that sun. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver (hello, sleep!). The bed was comfy, and I appreciated the thoughtful touches like the complimentary tea and free bottled water. I'm a sucker for a good mirror, and they certainly delivered. It was a Non-smoking room as well, but there was a smoking area outside, which I appreciated. The Wi-Fi [free] was decent, but I had some issues with the internet access – wireless. The in-room safe box offered me a peace of mind as well.
Anecdote Time: One morning, I woke up needing a coffee bad. I mean, zombie-movie bad. Thank the heavens for the coffee/tea maker in my room! I stumbled out of bed, made a brew, and stumbled back in. It was bliss. Until I realized I’d forgotten my damn sugar. Minor inconvenience – but still, a minor inconvenience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feed Me, Seymour!
This is where Durban Manor really shines. Let’s start with the basics. Breakfast [buffet]? Phenomenal. A proper Western breakfast with all the bells and whistles. But the real star was the Asian breakfast. That's right, I had the most exotic breakfast experience! I fell in love with the asian cuisine, it was fantastic. There were also the Desserts in restaurant available. The Poolside bar was perfect for lazy afternoons. And the Happy hour? Let's just say I made some new friends (and possibly some questionable life choices). The A la carte in restaurant was also delicious if I wasn't in a buffet mood.
The Messy Truth: Okay, I might have, on one occasion, ordered a second plate of the spring rolls. Don't judge me. They were that good. I loved the Salad in restaurant as well.
For the Kids (and Those of Us Who Are Still Kids at Heart):
I didn't bring any kids, but I did notice the Family/child-friendly vibe. There's a Babysitting service if you need it. There were also Kids facilities available.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa, Anyone?
Okay, here's where Durban Manor almost, almost stole my soul. The Spa is an oasis. I got the full works - Body scrub, Body wrap (felt like I was wrapped in a cloud!), and a massage that made me melt into the table. I went for a Sauna afterward. The Foot bath was weird, but I liked it. Okay. It was all fantastic. Utterly, completely, gloriously fantastic. Then, you have to see the Pool with view! I went swimming every day.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did They Survive the Pandemic? (Spoiler: Yes!):
This is crucial. And thankfully, Durban Manor nails it. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, rooms sanitized between stays… they take it seriously. I appreciated the Cashless payment service and the fact that I was able to Room sanitization opt-out available. I felt really safe.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference:
- Daily housekeeping - Bless them, honestly. I think I left a trail of clothes and empty coffee cups the entire time.
- Luggage storage - Super convenient, especially if you have a late flight like I did.
- Concierge - Super helpful. They even booked me a taxi when I was running late for my airport transfer!
Getting Around… and This Is Where It Gets Trickier:
Airport transfer is available, which is a huge plus. Car park [free of charge] is also awesome.
Okay, My Final Verdict (and a Plea for You to Book!):
Durban Manor is a winner. Yes, it's not perfect. Maybe the Wi-Fi could be stronger, and I'd love more specifics on accessibility. But the sheer charm, the incredible food, the superb spa, and the overall level of service more than make up for any minor hiccups.
The Imperfection That Made it Perfect:
Maybe it was the gentle chaos, the slight feeling of being lost in a good way and then getting guided, or maybe it was the amazing staff. It was just the overall atmosphere.
So, what's my verdict? Book it. Seriously. Book it NOW.
The Unforgettable Offer: Your South African Dream Awaits!
Book a stay at Durban Manor and receive:
- A Complimentary Spa Treatment: Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage or body wrap.
- Free Upgrade: Subject to availability!
Why You Should Book Now:
- Unforgettable Experiences: Indulge in delicious dining, unwind at the spa, and explore the beauty of Durban.
- Top-Notch Service: Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Durban Manor team.
- Unbeatable Value: Enjoy a luxurious getaway at a price that won't break the bank.
- Book now and claim a special bonus!
Click here to book your dream South African getaway at Durban Manor! Don't delay – your adventure awaits!
Shibuya Penthouse: 3-Minute Walk to Station & Crossing!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly formatted travel brochure. This is real travel, Durban Manor Guesthouse style. And let me tell you, after the whirlwind that was getting here (delayed flights? Check. Missed connections? Double Check. Me yelling at a baggage handler? Triple Check), I’m ready for some serious R&R. Or, at the very least, a decent cup of coffee.
Durban Manor Diary: Chaotic Edition
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread & a Seriously Good Samosa
Morning (or, more accurately, "Eventually"): Landed in Durban, completely wrecked. Okay, not literally wrecked, but my soul felt the impact of those 23 hours in transit. The airport felt like a baking oven, and the humidity? Don't even get me started. I swear, my hair tripled in volume the second I stepped outside. Found a beleaguered taxi driver (bless his heart) and finally made it to Durban Manor. The guesthouse itself? Gorgeous. Like, colonial-era-meets-chic-boutique gorgeous. Actually, my first thought wasn’t “ooh, lovely,” it was, “Dear God, I hope my luggage made it.” (Spoiler alert: it didn't. Sigh).
Afternoon - Room Reconnaissance & Instant Noodles of Despair: Checked into my room (thank you, sweet baby Jesus for the AC!). The view is to die for – lush green gardens, little birds flitting about, the whole nine yards. Though, if I'm being honest, my immediate reaction was, "Okay, now what?" The sheer loneliness of being in a new place! I’m so used to having a friend, a pet, a purpose. I unpacked my emergency stash of instant noodles and contemplated life, the universe, and all the socks I've lost over the years. This is the point where I started seriously questioning all my life choices. I was in Durban, South Africa! This should've been filled with excitement, yet I had the existential dread of a college student at 2 AM.
Late Afternoon - Finding Samosa Nirvana & a Ray of Sunshine: Forced myself out of the room, craving human contact. Found a little Indian takeaway place nearby. The smell of spices hit me like a warm, comforting hug. I ordered a handful of samosas and a chai tea. And, oh my god. The samosas! They were golden, crispy, filled with perfectly spiced potatoes and peas, and the dipping sauce was a fiery, fragrant dream. Maybe, just maybe, this trip wouldn't be a complete disaster. The takeaway chef was a very personable man, and we had a great chat. He told me all about the area, and how it all began. His warm smile gave me all the encouragement I needed. Suddenly, I felt the light. The warm embrace was all I had needed. I should go on another adventure. I wanted to explore.
Evening - Guesthouse Gossip & a Midnight Snack Heist: Back at the guesthouse, met some fellow travelers. A quirky couple from Germany who are obsessed with birdwatching (apparently, Durban is a birder's paradise), and a businessman from New York who looked like he was about to explode from sheer exhaustion. We exchanged travel woes and a few laughs. The guesthouse owner (a lovely older woman with a sharp wit and an even sharper sense of style, i.e. the owner of the Guesthouse) told us all about the ghosts that haunted the guesthouse. She described the ghosts as a sassy woman in a Victorian dress, and a melancholic gentleman who was fond of reading books in the library. That night, I was seriously debating a midnight snack. I should have gone to bed, but my stomach growled with hunger. The ghosts of my lost luggage wouldn't judge, would they? I went to the kitchen to get myself some cheese and crackers. The cheeky thief didn't get caught.
Day 2: Beach Blues & an Unexpected Wildlife Encounter
Morning - Beach Blunders & the Seagull Assault: Decided to hit the beach. The brochure promised golden sands and sparkling water. Reality? Golden sand, yep. Sparkling water? Well, it was sparkling. With, like, a million tiny particles of… stuff. And the seagulls! Those feathered fiends were relentless. They were circling, squawking, and generally giving me the stink eye. One cheeky bugger actually tried to snatch my sandwich! Never underestimate the savagery of a beach bird. It was an absolute disaster.
Afternoon - Into the Valley of 1000 Hills: A Safari Ride (ish…) Booked a tour to the "Valley of 1000 Hills". Thinking beautiful scenery, maybe some wildlife. Got scenery. Got a lot of scenery. Really quite stunning, in fact. But then there was the "wildlife". Let me set the scene. A small, slightly grumpy-looking baboon, who eyed my camera with suspicion. A couple of graceful impalas that were practically running away. And a whole bunch of… birds. I didn’t realize how many kinds of birds there were, but the birdwatching couple from yesterday, seemed a bit too hyper. Nonetheless, I came to appreciate the birds. The tour guide pointed out the different species. The chirping, the swooping, the vibrant colours of the wings. It was a bit underwhelming, but I enjoyed the scenery nonetheless.
Late Afternoon - A Unexpected Encounter: As I was returning to the taxi, I spotted the cutest, most charming dog I've ever seen, I knelt down, and the dog snuggled up with me. I scratched its ears and got to know its owner. We talked about the tour, and what we experienced.
Evening - The Curry Conundrum & a Plea to the Heavens: Back at Durban Manor, the dinner menu promised a traditional Durban curry. My stomach rumbled in anticipation. I imagined myself biting into a spicy, aromatic masterpiece. What I got? Well, let's just say it was… interpretive. It was not the curry I'd dreamed of. After that, I went to bed. I begged the heavens for a decent night's sleep (and maybe, just maybe, for my luggage to materialize).
Day 3: A Day of Exploration. Finally.
- Morning: Visited the Golden Mile and took in the beautiful scenery.
- Afternoon: Went to the Botanical gardens and felt a wonderful sense of solace.
- Evening: Had dinner and a few glasses of wine with some locals.
Day 4: (Current Day) Reflections and the Hope of a Better Tomorrow (Maybe)
- Morning: (Finally!) My luggage arrived! Oh, the joy! The relief! It was like winning the lottery, only with slightly less money and a lot more dirty laundry. I spent the morning unpacking, reorganizing, and generally basking in the glow of having all my stuff back. Feeling almost human again.
- Afternoon: Went back to the beach again. It felt good. Really good.
- Late Afternoon: Sitting on the veranda, sipping a coffee (this time, a good coffee), and watching the sunset over the lush gardens. Durban Manor, you've won me over. Even with the seagulls, the questionable curry, and the baggage handler's incompetence (still, my luggage is here!). Tomorrow, I'm off to a new adventure, so I'll keep going.
Final Thoughts: Traveling is messy. It's unpredictable. It's occasionally terrifying. But, you know what? It's also exhilarating. It's the little moments – the perfect samosa, the unexpected friendships, and the sheer beauty of the sun setting over a new horizon – that make it all worthwhile. I'm still figuring this whole travel thing out, and I'm probably making a thousand mistakes. But hey, as long as I've got my passport, a sense of humor, and a healthy supply of instant noodles (just in case), I think I'll be okay. Wish me luck, world.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Seminyak Pool Villa Awaits!
So, Durban Manor... Is it *actually* worth the hype? I see the photos, but... you know...
Okay, look. Let's be real. The photos are *gorgeous*. Sun-drenched balconies, that sparkling pool… you're thinking, "This is it! My Instagram moment!" And yeah, a lot of the time, it *is*. I mean, the first time I saw the manor, I nearly choked on my complimentary welcome drink. Seriously, it was like… a movie set. But… prepare for a little reality check.
First thing: it’s a *bit* more of a walk to the beach than they lead you to believe. Especially in the Durban heat, you're gonna feel it. I’m talking like, "sweaty t-shirt clinging to your back and questioning your life choices" kind of walk. Pack extra water. And maybe a small fan.
But the rooms? Honestly, they're pretty fantastic. I stayed in the "Sunrise Suite," and that balcony? Divine. You could practically *smell* the ocean air (once you got past the slight, and I mean *slight*, waft of the previous guest’s sunscreen). The beds are seriously cloud-like. I’m a terrible sleeper, usually tossing and turning, but I swear, I slept like a baby for three glorious nights. Pure bliss. Just, you know, be prepared to fight for the sun lounger. Or, you know, bribe one of the staff. Just kidding… maybe.
What kind of people stay at Durban Manor? Is it filled with… *those* people? You know, yacht owners and silver foxes?
Okay, good question. And the answer is… a mixed bag! You'll find the occasional silver fox, definitely! And some… shall we say… *well-heeled* individuals. But honestly? I saw everything from honeymooners (aww!), to families with slightly frazzled kids (been there!), to a gaggle of girl friends on a weekend getaway (my kind of people!) and a group of guys who clearly knew where to get the best cocktails (bless 'em!).
I met a couple, let’s call them Brenda and Barry, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Brenda wore a dress that probably cost more than my car, and Barry… well, Barry had a truly impressive tan. They were lovely, though. And told the most *hilarious* stories about getting lost in the Drakensberg mountains. Then there was the family with the three kids under five who, bless their cotton socks, were *constantly* running around the pool area, screaming. It was… energetic. But hey, that’s life, right? And the staff handled them all with the patience of saints.
So, no, it’s not just "those people". It's a decent mix. Just be prepared to share the pool with a few screaming toddlers. Embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm (sometimes).
How are the rooms? Really, *really* tell me. I'm a picky traveler.
Alright, picky traveler. You've come to the right place. The rooms are… *damn* good. Seriously. I’ve stayed in some truly average hotel rooms in my time. You know, the ones with the threadbare carpets and the questionable stains on the bedspread? This is NOT one of those places.
My Sunrise Suite? As I said, the balcony was a dream. Seriously, I spent hours just drinking coffee and watching the waves. The bathroom was HUGE, with a massive walk-in shower (perfect for those post-beach sand removal sessions). The décor is stylish, think elegant and modern with a touch of that classic South African charm. And the bed... *oh the bed*. I am not exaggerating: it was heavenly. Like sleeping on a cloud made of marshmallows and happiness.
The only thing I wasn’t completely wild about? The safe. It's that classic fiddly kind that takes about five minutes to figure out. I'm still convinced I almost locked myself out of it. Thankfully, I managed to retrieve my passport before I lost my mind. Make sure you are prepared.
What about the pool? Because that's a major selling point, isn't it?
Oh, the pool. The *legendary* pool. Yes, it’s a major selling point. And yes, it’s as beautiful in real life as it is in the photos. Think turquoise water, perfect temperature (most of the time!), and plenty of sun loungers (IF you get there early enough. Seriously, set that alarm!).
I spent hours there. Floating. Reading. Sipping cocktails. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. There’s a bar right there, making it incredibly easy to replenish your cocktail supply. The only downside? It can get a *smidge* crowded. And, as I mentioned before, you might have to share the space with the aforementioned screaming toddlers.
But honestly, even with the potential for slightly chaotic pool vibes, it's still worth it. The whole atmosphere is just… lovely. Just try to get a spot near the edge, where you can gaze at the ocean in peace. And if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the resident monkeys, which are very sneaky and good at finding snacks.
Is the food any good? And more importantly, is breakfast worth the trip?
Okay, food. This is where Durban Manor *really* shines. The breakfast buffet? OH. MY. GOD. It's a masterpiece. Forget your sad continental breakfasts of stale croissants and lukewarm coffee. This is the real deal.
We’re talking a *massive* spread. Fresh fruit, pastries that practically melt in your mouth, a made-to-order omelet station (get the mushroom and cheese!), bacon crisped to absolute perfection, and juices galore. They even had a biltong station one day (yes, please!). I’m not even a huge breakfast person, but I found myself piling my plate high every single morning. The coffee? Fantastic. The view from the breakfast room? Stunning. Honestly, I’d go back just for the breakfast.
Dinner at the manor’s restaurant is also excellent. I tried the grilled seafood platter, and it was… transcendent. Absolutely fresh, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavour. The cocktails are delicious, and the wine list is extensive. Be prepared to spend a little, but it’s definitely worth it. Be sure to try the local Durban curry-- it’s a must!
Any recommendations for activities? What is there to do around Durban Manor?
Oh, the activities! Durban is a city that truly offers everything. The beach itself is a huge draw, obviously. The Manor is located super close, but still just a short walk. You have all the water sports—Where To Stay Now
