Go, Go, Go!

WHERE TO STAY: The Holiday Inn Express, halfway down the hill from Umhlanga ridge to the CBD is a great spot for food and fun. It’s close to but out of sight of the Gateway Mall, off main roads and far enough from the boozy, noisy restaurant strip. The sea view and breeze smell like the holidays. Modern and efficient, as an express hotel should be, decorated in chic citrous colours and jacquard prints. WHY GO THERE: Decent family accommodation at good rates, great location and service. I would recommend a deep carpet cleaning, though. AND THE FOOD: A busy breakfast area with all the necessities, divine pecan pastries. For dinners, the smart Butcher Block restaurant is attached to the hotel, and it even serves formidable local fish. WHAT TO DO: We visited the Oyster Box Hotel straight off the beach for G&Ts and a wood-fired pizza lunch on the terrace, as a treat. The kids loved the complimentary sweets trolley. Evenings on the Umhlanga strip are bustling and can be rowdy, so we chose the balcony of Olive and Oil restaurant to watch the people and car show. A must-go-back-for dish was the sweet, plump prawns in a chilli cream sauce. For the hours that the sun is unforgiving, we took a leisurely drive to Durban’s harbour and Wilson’s Wharf, where you can do a little boat trip, but locals know better. RATES: From R1 200 per room per night, including breakfast, season dependent. CONTACT: For bookings, visit hiexpress.com