There are endless dreamy elements that make Salt Rock in KwaZulu-Natal one of the most idyllic, desired destinations to spend long, lazy holidays beside the sea. The tepid waters of the Indian Ocean and its brilliant surf, its superb diving conditions – foraging for mussels and crayfish around the rocks during spring tide – its beautiful beaches, its comradely communities with their neighbourhood coffee spots on the sand and yummy, chummy restaurants. It’s a pocket of paradise for those that simply seek the seaside, where the whole clan can gather together and spend hours of the day either diving through waves, reclining on loungers, active on a paddle board or mountain bike, and feasting away in the glorious sunshine, as the palm trees do their iconic dance in the warm ocean breeze.

Perched at the top of a hill, resting amongst the milkwoods, an indigenous forest and rolling, lush green lawn that cascades down onto the beach, One Sheffield Villa hovers above the garden and opens out to magnificent views of the ocean. Being the very first farm on the coastline – many, many years ago – this beach hideaway positions itself perfectly on what you could almost call your very own, secluded stretch of sand. Four luxury ensuite bedrooms occupy the main house, with a lovely, capacious kitchen that travels through to the living, dining and entertaining areas where classically chic beach house furnishings and lifelong collectables adorn the open spaces and all take a comfy back seat to the spectacular views engulfing the villa. A separate cottage sits at the top of the property with its two ensuite bedrooms, little kitchenette and lovely, long deck. Ideal for those multigenerational family holidays when the grandparents, the cousins or the extra help need that little spot, a little farther from the madding crowd.

For the hub of the home will be rampant with raucous frivolity throughout the hours of the day, as the beach holiday vibes ensue. From the first morning coffee in the sun lounge, overlooking the ocean and listening to the waves, the birds, the cackles of laughter coming from the kids as they roley-poley down the lawn towards the star deck where others are either also sipping their first brew or practicing a few sun salutations in sync with the surf. Onto the pathway to the beach for a morning dip, followed by a gentle 800m amble to your second coffee at the neighbourhood coffee trailer, The Bench. Back to the villa where the divers deliver their crayfish and muscle collections for the idle lunch later in the day, served with a bucket of iced Chenin and some garlic buttered fingers. Afternoons will include whatever tickles your fancy – it’s your holiday you can snooze if you choose, or play some games on the enclosed verandah, exert some energy in the abounding nature, or prepare for the evenings feasting. Perhaps just a moment on the mammoth 3-metre sofa in front of the TV with the kids, to catch the game. As early evening beckons, and the star deck awaits the entire crew’s arrival, you’ll follow the walkway that’s lit up by fairy lights, leading the way to the pizza oven, the comfy recliners and the sea views that seem eternal. Those heavenly king beds call for your occupation with the thought that you have all of it to look forward to again, tomorrow – when the sun rises and the delicious first brew is sipped. Onwards to your very own beach.

What we love!

• Watching the ocean wildlife perform their spectacular displays from the master bedroom with the doors open or from the decks as schools of sardines attract the dolphin, the whales – there have even been stingrays spotted, gliding through the waves.
• Picnicking on what feels like your very own beach – the nearest public carpark is a kilometre away. Only the odd neighbour will amble by with their morning or evening walks as you set-up the gazebo, the cooler boxes and the skittle for a lovely fish feasting on the sand.
• Spending evenings on the fabulous star deck, snacking on pizzas – hot out of the pizza oven – as you get to take in the warm ocean breeze and watch the activities on the beach as you recline in what feels like your private beach bar.
• Due to its positioning and elevation, the property has spectacular views without being exposed to other neighbouring properties. One Sheffield Villa is completely private and tucked away.

What you need to know…

• Salt Rock is about a 40-minute drive from Durban, North of Ballito. The property is situated between Sheffield and Salt Rock – no more than a 10-minute drive to either town.
• The lovely Ellie is there to tend to all of the housekeeping during your stay and the amazing Simon resides on the property as a groundsman, and will be tending to the garden, and assist with preparing the braai or any beach picnics.
• There is a little plunge pool on the property for a refreshing dip in and out to cool down or rinse the salt from the surf.
• For those times when no one feels like cooking, Ray’s Kitchen is a lovely bistro only 2km away serving up some delightful north coast cuisine specials of seafood, pizza, steaks and peri-peri chicken. There’s also the famous Mozambik in Ballito for its Mozambique Baracca vine Portuguese menu. Or Pangeli Poké Bar for its yummy poké bowls and delicious sushi. Salt Café for its brilliant breakfasts, coffees, pizzas and pastries. 
• Holla Trails is a wonderful way to get in on the action with the community and participate in some incredible mountain biking, hiking and running trails.
• Ballito Lifestyle Centre has a fabulous food market with open-aired restaurants along Eat Street, as well as a fantastic pub with live music.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie