Durban - Many destinations advertise being a stone’s throw from the beach but this is often not true. The Canelands Beach Club in Salt Rock is one exception. In fact, It’s not just metres from the sand but is set low so that the horizon was at eye level as I sat on my upstairs balcony surveying the view.
And the crashing of the waves was soothing rather than disruptive.
Our entire experience of the place was relaxing. On arrival we were warmly greeted by Lewis Mgobhozi who offered us drinks in the bar-cum-reception before ushering us to the deck alongside the 25m lap pool for a laid-back lunch. The Canelands menu is varied and interesting. Seafood seems a speciality (the hotel is in Shrimp Lane, after all) and the whisky and lime prawns with a touch of peri peri were scrumptious. All the while a bridal fair photo shoot was in progress at the far end of the deck.
Canelands is a four-star boutique hotel with accommodation for just 20 guests. The 10 rooms come in standard, superior and deluxe flavours. Once the photo shoot was done manager Liza Frier gave us the good news.
We were being bumped to the bridal suite, since it was now available. This large suite had acres of cupboard space, a high ceiling with full height sliding doors leading on to a large balcony with chairs, a lounger and views over the pool, sea and up and down the coastline.
The his and hers basins, huge shower, huge bath, as well as the clever mirror-cum-room divider were really impressive. All bathrooms have underfloor heating.
All the rooms have limited DStv and bar fridges and there is complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel.
Honeymoon mode seemed the way to go and Illa and I waltzed to the charming onsite spa – popular with day visitors – where Mari-Loize Du Toit and Sthembile Ngcongo administered drool inducing hot stone massages. Chilled yet invigorated, I headed to the tidal pools where folk were snorkelling.
From there I watched holidaymakers being pummelled by waves on the main beach and decided to relax instead in the tranquil Grannies Pool, a small tidal pool among the rockpools to the left of the hotel.
Illa in the meantime took tea seated on the submerged “cocktail” seat that runs the length of the pool, keeping an eye out for dolphins – or whales in season (there’s a bell to be rung to alert guests).
All that “activity” was a prelude to a nap before dinner, where engaging Pearl Zondi made a few spot-on suggestions, before we tarried a short while in the downstairs lounge before turning in, leaving the doors wide open with the breeze.
We were delighted to have discovered this gem on the beach.
l Rates are from R805 a person sharing. Call 031 525 2300 or visit www.canelandssaltrock.co.za - Sunday Tribune