No ordinary beach house this, the first thing to mention is that Sala comprises a private villa for six, and a boutique hotel with seven suites. Leave the little ones at home (over twelves welcome) and take the entire place for you, your loved one, and eighteen friends, and relax fully while your every wish and whims are fulfilled. Whatever’s lead you to the magnificent shoreline of KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast, whatever’s entailed of the days prior to your arrival, and whatever’s pending on the itinerary, it’s a marvel the moment you settle beneath the palms, lapping up the ocean air like the tide laps up the sand, as you drift out with the eternal views of blue. There’s something remarkably soothing about the sudden change of pace, the light, the salty scents wafting through the warm, tropical breeze.
Arising from the immaculate sands of Thompson’s Bay, overlooking Shaka’s Rock, with its massive tidal pool below, Sala Boutique Hotel earnestly holds you in a state of seaside bliss. Where its beautiful, lush gardens and languid outdoor seating areas around sunken fire-pits and along spacious decks, its sublime swimming pools, ample dining and reclining spaces, its dreamy suites and comfy living rooms all imbibe elements of authenticity and tranquility. Comprising of a main house, a luxury spa and a separate 3-bedroomed villa, this tropical hideaway is the perfect place for multigenerational families and groups of friends to gather beside the alluring, tepid waters of the Indian Ocean. A conscious fusion of the area’s diverse cultures has been brought into the interiors of Sala Boutique Hotel. Its subtle, earthy hues and use of natural materials have been delicately stitched together marrying the layers of texture with the serene environment. Creating a synergy between both dwellings that have organically grown together. Where the milkwoods, the Leopard orchids, the powder-puffs and the water berry trees, the coastal date palms and the screw pines flank the magnificent views and loan their branches to the resident robins, giant kingfishers, woolly-neck stalks and red-backed mannikins. You’ll even hear the majestic call of the African fish eagle from time to time.
Every space at Sala Boutique Hotel – whether it be around the entertaining spaces of the Main House, in the lovely courtyard beside the bar, or in the open living spaces of the villa, on the long verandah – incites a peaceful, fluid tempo that gently escorts you through the hours of the day. You’ll be inspired to rise early with the birds, wander out into the garden and perform some yoga poses on the lawn, or do a few laps in the swimming pool that appears to trickle into the sea. You’ll slowly saunter down the pathway to the water’s edge, swim amongst the waves, the coral and tropical fish, through coves and into the tidal pool. Thompson’s Bay is declared a Blue Flag Beach and there are lifeguards on duty so it’s a beautiful, safe beach for all eager swimmers. A hearty brunch on the deck followed by a snooze on one of the loungers beside the pool. Or a long revitalising session in the spa that’ll leave you speechless for a few hours after. Some might head for a round of golf whilst others take to the surf again, with kites and boards, paddles and flippers. For those that are in tune with the tempo, it’ll be a simple dip in one of the pools again, and a long restful afternoon of reading under the umbrellas. When the night draws in and the oceanic wildlife have done their dance in the purple waves, saluting the sun setting, you’ll toast to this magnificent African coast that’s proving to be on the finest of form. After another jovial feasting around the dinner tables, as you make your way to the heavenly suites, that depiction of paradise has evolved into something entirely new. Something only the soul of Sala Boutique Hotel has the ability to do.
What we love!
- The spa treatments are sublime and an imperative part of your stay. It affirms the holistic approach to a holiday that is deeply rooted in the ethos of Sala Boutique Hotel. Everything is done without any urgency so that you are at liberty to completely decompress and take in the tranquility of the surroundings.
- Spending early evenings around the fire-pit, watching the sun going down and the pastel colours of the ocean transforming the view. It’s a magical place to be.
- Though the two dwellings are completely separate from one another, if your clan are staying in both the main house (hotel) and the villa, the social goings-on and happenings are easily integrated. If you are staying in the villa independently from the main house, then you are welcome to join other guests for sunset drinks, meals, and refreshments at the main house should you wish to.
- Having direct access to Thompson’s Bay it feels as if you are occupying your very own, secluded beach. The big black Natal mussels are great for foraging in season. The surf is fantastic and the tidal pool is a wonderful way to enjoy some ocean swimming training.
What you need to know…
- Children above the age of 12 are welcome at Sala Boutique Hotel
- If you are staying in the villa, you can opt for self-catering or enjoy the services of your own chef or dine and relax at the main house too. The entire property can be rented out exclusively, depending on the availability.
- There are plenty of excursions to get stuck into, away from the property should you wish to. Great golf courses, kite surfing, hiking and biking trails. Your concierge will assist you with all of the information you’ll need. If you would prefer to simply stay at the property all day, there are two yoga classes a week that you can partake in, the wonderful spa, the gardens, the swimming pools, the sea and your novel to keep you occupied.
- The beautiful garden with its wandering walkways and tropical coconut greenery was created by landscaper, Bernice Rumble. The dwellings were created by architect, Paul Nel.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie