Sandals Guest House - Umhlanga, South Africa

The highlight of a brief trip back to SA in January was a visit to my parents new guest house in Umhlanga, called SANDALS. My parents completely rennovated and redesigned the house, and after a great deal of hard work it was open to its first guests at the end of December.

The house is positioned perfectly, in the quiet residential part of lower Umhlanga, and only a 5 minute walk from the beach and all the wonderful restaurants and shops of the village. The huge flamboyant tree in the garden, and the Georgian design of the house, immediately transports one into a feeling of peace and tranquility. The interior has been immaculately decorated and has the perfect balance of simplicity and style.

Jackie and I stayed in a fantastic double room, which had doors leading out onto the pool area. All the rooms have air-conditioning, and satellite TV, and ours had a huge bathroom with both bath and shower. At the moment there are 4 double rooms, but my parents are planning to add another 3, built on top of the existing structure.

We enjoyed a beer or 2 in the bar, which looks out over the pool and Indian ocean, a perfect (and dangerous?) setting. I lived with my moms cooking for quite a few years, but I must admit that I was amazed at the culinary delights on offer in the morning. A rainbow of fruits, cereals, muesli and yoghurt, a choice of cooked breakfast, and a selection of pastries to end off.

I am obviously slightly biased, but I would give Sandals 10/10 in every category. My parents have done an amazing job in such a short space of time, and they look like seasoned professionals. I feel sorry for all other similar establishements in the surrounding area. Well done mom and dad!!!!

See the link to Sandals on the sidebar.