I have been a rare visitor to the KwaZulu Natal South Coast over the years. A prime holiday destination for tourists, the majority of whom are South Africans. My in-laws and their extended family have holidayed here for many years. So, when given the opportunity to visit I jumped at the chance to head to the town of Scottburgh and the Blue Marlin Hotel
The province of KwaZulu Natal is associated with a host of words that begin with “B”. The main four being bush, berg, beach & battlefields. But now here in the seaside town of Scottburgh, on the south coast with views of the sand, shoreline and sea it seemed all things “S” were more appropriate. From my vantage point in the hotel’s sub-tropical gardens, I could see swimmers, both in the sea and the saltwater tidal swimming pool on the seafront. There were bodyboarders riding waves in the surf. Having previously being shark caging diving on the south coast I also knew that there were a variety of sharks out there. Scuba diving is a big draw down here to with the world renowned Aliwal Shoal just offshore. Let’s not forget that there are also seasonal whales migrating along the coast between July and November. And my last “S” which I hope to encounter some day is the “greatest shoal on earth.” The sardine run, which peaks on the south coast in the KwaZulu Natal winter months.
The Blue Marlin Hotel makes for an ideal holiday destination and base for exploring the many coastal towns that line the beaches here. Plus, all the above-mentioned activities along with so many more from golf to games reserves. You could take a romantic break, a friend’s together getaway or a family holiday spanning the generations. The large hotel grounds and gardens have plenty of green space with well kept lawns, palm trees and a variety of colourful indigenous plants. The grass areas have sun loungers & umbrellas as does the patio areas that surround the hotel swimming pools. For those seeking shade there are also pagodas and awnings to relax under. For the younger family members, away form the pools, there are outdoor and indoor play areas, a giant outdoor chess board, games room and if required a baby-sitting service.
As I am a big breakfast fan, hotel days start off in the best fashion with a great buffet selection. There are options, delicacies, here for everyone. Along with the regular juices, fruits and cereals there are so many hot options for a full ‘South African’. If you like your eggs in the morning, with a smile, there are two dedicated manned hot plates offering everything from overflowing omelettes to fried over easy cooked in front of you. I mixed in mutton sausages, cheese grillers and lamb kidneys to kick start my day.
Continuing the hospitality theme. Pre evening dinner you can take a drink at the pool side Blu bar or inside at the Ibis bar. We took advantage of both before taking our seats in the busy Lighthouse restaurant. The evening menus so much. I may be labelling myself as a buffet man, but I particularly enjoyed the carvery style roast pork with vegetables and apple sauce. It was a tough choice as the curry, my go to option, looked and smelt divine. My friend with me, Paul, spotted the in-house pizza oven and opted for a chef’s special pizza. Our room was ideal, simple, spacious, clean with ensuite bathroom and shower. It came complete with views of the hotel grounds and ocean beyond. On arriving in our room, I could hear singing and opening the window the source was directly below us in the hotel garden. Wow could it be a prearranged welcoming serenade to us? Was it a flash mob or maybe a gospel choir? Looking at the singing, dancing, crowd I could see birthday balloons, cards and presents. It may not have been for us but what a start to our stay.
