North of Durban, close to Tiffany’s Beach in Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal, is the prime location of Canelands Beach Club & Spa. With a name like that, you know staying here equals easy access to the sea. And it’s just a 100 metre stroll directly from the hotel to the coast where, offshore in the brilliant blue Indian Ocean, whales and dolphins play.

All sounding good so far? It gets better.

The club and spa has its own private section of beach and is just a 25 minute drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. So you won’t have to wait long after collecting your luggage from the arrivals carousel to be cooling down in the 25m long pool at Canelands, savouring the sea views, soaking up the sun and sitting on a cocktail seat, exotic drink in hand.

Seaside fun

You’ll be staying right near the beach, and you won’t need us telling you how much fun you can have by the sea. There are rock pools aplenty along the coast in which you can bathe close to the ocean, and maybe you can find a deserted cove that could be just yours for your stay. All kinds of activities can be arranged, from canoeing to hiking, biking and more. Just ask at reception.

Outstanding facilities

Pick up the menu in the restaurant, and the combination of Asian and Western influences will soon jump off the page. Tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners are all served here, along with the option to dip into a barbecue out on the terrace, where the 180º views of the ocean are as sparkling as the fizz that fills guests’ glasses (yes, there’s a bar as well).

The on-site spa and wellness centre offers pampering treatments that range from the very relaxing to the extremely relaxing. There’s more relaxation to be had in the downstairs lounge area which has a large TV, so if you’re worried about missing out on a big sporting event during your stay, you needn’t be.

A lush location

The beach location is popular with holidaymakers, and the fact that the town of Ballito is just a few kilometres inland (it’ll take about 10 minutes by car) makes the club popular with business guests as well.

About the rooms

There are 10 ensuite rooms in total, each accommodating two guests and decorated and furnished in a contemporary style. All have balconies, with the Superior rooms offering the best ocean views, the others overlooking the hotel’s wonderful gardens. Wherever you stay, you’ll get the comfort and brightness you’d expect from a modern beachside hotel.