Nocturnal Wenchy

Dear friends and other interesting creatures,

We have but washed the sea sand off our toes and schools are closing again on the 15th of next month!

I can well understand if you feel you need a break already. Happens to the most content of us. So, helpful hint…

During a recent trip to Umhlanga, just North of Durban (look at me using directions like a boss) we stayed at the affordable Garden Court uMhlanga which is part of the Tsogo Group offering.

The Hotel is centrally located to Umhlanga Main Beach, but not located on the beachfront. The higher floors have a distant ocean view, so if available remember to put in a request for a view.

While the Hotel has over 200 rooms, it does not have the feel of such. The entrance is modest in size and we comfortably booked ourselves in and out during a busy weekend. We found the staff exceptionally helpful and accommodating.

We had a standard room, suitable for a business trip, so while ample, not exceptionally romantic. We were welcomed with snacks, JC Le Roux and a card which I thought was a thoughtful touch as it was unexpected.

By the way, I did have a peek at one of the family rooms and it is spacious. One could comfortably have an enjoyable extended stay. The breakfast buffet was probably my favourite part of our stay. The hustle of people getting ready, mixed with the smell of fresh croissants and bacon cooking. All the usual suspects were lined up from fruit to pastries, a large variety of warm side dishes and cheery staff. Eggs are prepared as requested. A spot of warm toast. Nice.

There is a coffee/tea station on the side of the dining room with which I thought a great idea.

Dinner was also buffet style in the same space and if you arrived a little later, families tend to have eaten, so the dining room was less noisy. The Hotel offers a selection of salads, hot and cold starters, carvery meats and vegetables as well as pasta and of course dessert.

I think it is difficult to get away from the “cooking in bulk” feeling when doing a dinner buffet and for that reason, I am not a huge fan. The dinner service was quite long which I thought was great, but it also means some of the dishes had been standing for some time.

I admit that I would totally have overlooked the above if we were travelling as a family as it is perfect for children. A large variety of dishes to choose from and endless ice cream!

There is a beautifully landscaped pool area which looked inviting, especially at night with all the lights, but we had a tight itinerary and unfortunately did not have time for a dip at the Hotel.

The staff is a huge asset to the establishment, rooms are comfortable and well equipped, breakfast is a treat and the location is fabulous as a base from which to visit all the wonderful destinations. Families will especially enjoy their stay.

Tsogo Sun has always got specials available so I would suggest you follow them on social media to be kept in the loop – totally worth it!

I wish you enough,

Wenchy