Flashback: Sala Beach House Bliss on South Africa's Dolphin Coast

I had the absolute privilege of staying at Sala Beach House in Thompson’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, along with my family, in the summer holidays - just before its official August 2022 opening.

Sala Beach House views

We stayed in the Ocean Suite upstairs which just has THE most breathtaking views imagineable. I very nearly burst into tears when I saw our room (colin had something in his eye too I believe) - it was THAT beautiful. During our 2-night stay we watched a whale swim down the coast and a pod of dolphins playing in the surf - from our bed and private balcony. Our 3 children (ages 12, 12 and 16) were in the 2 pool view rooms which can be interconnecting.

The whole hotel is like a little tropical oasis, perched on the edge of the seafront. The private beach access is amazing and we enjoyed a lovely walk on the beach at sunset. Charlie's pool is great for snorkelling and the beach is probably now my favourite along the whole KZN coast.

The staff were amazing. Shaun, Natalie and Sven made us feel so welcome and truly made us feel so special ... like part of the family. Breakfast was an absolute feast (the eggs benedict is amazing) - with the sounds of waves crashing on the rocks below and perfect sea views.

We enjoyed drinks around the fire pit - a great place to just soak up the sense of place and enjoy a bit of star gazing. Cannot wait to see the spa and family villa on our next visit.

Sala is an absolute triumph. Every thoughtful touch has either Craig and/or Gert’s personal mark all over it - and it shows. The Rutherfoord family has been in the hospitality business for many decades, with sister property Ghost Mountain in Zululand - another personal favourite of mine for nearly 25 years!

The Moon reflecting off the sea at Sala Beach House

Eggs Benedict at Sala Beach House

It’s the little things that set this hotel apart. The motion sensing night light for late night comfort breaks, beach towels with sunscreen and after-sun, exercise mats (for those that yoga), kikoyos or gowns to lounge around in, UK and USB plug points by the bed ... Netflix, every detail has been carefully thought of.

Sala Beach House ticks every box for those looking for somewhere truly special right on the beach. An absolute slice of paradise.

Claire Roadley

Umlingo is a Travel PR company specialising in Africa.

Claire Roadley has over 25 years of experience promoting safaris and hotels in Africa including iconic brands such as The Blue Train, MalaMala, Sabi Sabi, Serena Hotels and Machaba Safaris to name but a few.  She has also worked with hotels in Europe and beyond. Current clients include Bushtops In Kenya and Tanzania, Onguma in Namibia, Mashatu in Botswana and Mosetlha and The Cavern in South Africa.

“Umlingo” means magic in Zulu - as well as wisdom or knowledge in English.  “Lingo” also means language or words.  So we are all about building reputation through the magic of words…

http://www.umlingo.co.uk
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