Elegance, luxury and five-star service … what more could you ask for from a romantic getaway spoil? Whether you’re booking your honeymoon, or just sneaking away for a little ‘staycation’ for two, Umhlanga’s Beverly Hills Hotel is perfect for a romantic, memorable getaway. Here are 3 reasons we love this ‘grand old dame’.
STYLE & SERVICE
There is something incredibly nostalgic about visiting a five-star hotel. The concierge greeting you at the door and taking your luggage. A hot towel and welcome drink while you check in. A bottle of wine and welcome note in your room. It’s the little things that make a big difference and, having honed their skills in the art of hospitality and service since they opened in 1964, The Beverly Hills hotel leaves no stone unturned in this department. Situated on the Umhlanga beachfront between the iconic lighthouse and Umhlanga’s famous pier, the hotel boasts remarkable Indian Ocean views, with private balconies in every room. The interior of the hotel is classic and comforting and even the ‘standard’ rooms have everything you need, from Nespresso machines to flat screen TVs. There are also deluxe and presidential suites on offer, should you wish to book something a little more special for your honeymoon or romantic getaway.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
There are very few restaurants still around that offer classic, luxurious comfort, top-class service and absolutely fantastic cuisine. The Sugar Club at The Beverly Hills however, does. A dinner for two at this elegant restaurant is about as romantic as you can get, with rose petals scattered on the table, a selection of fine wines and a carefully thought-out menu. The array of delectable starters includes a wonderful Westcoast Lobster bisque, Salmon Gravalax and the Beverly Hills Oysters, while the magnificent selection of main courses includes roasted duck, slow roasted pork belly, a duo of lamb or the chef’s famous flambé prawns, to name a few. Dessert is a treat with tempting spoils like chocolate caramel and mint entremets, honey almond baked Camembert and, of course, the signature crepe Suzette, which is prepared at your table and topped with vanilla pod ice cream. After a wonderful night’s sleep, The Sugar Club is also the place you will go to enjoy the hotel’s illustrious breakfast buffet, which has everything you could want and more. Other dining options at The Beverly Hills include the trendy Elements Café, which is open from Wednesdays to Sunday and offers gourmet café dining, cocktails and uninterrupted ocean views, or the Lounge and Vista Terrace where you can enjoy tea and coffee or order from the all-day dining menu.
ALL THE EXTRAS
From poolside or in-room massages from the on-site Mangwanani Spa team, to the all-day fitness centre and the iconic swimming pool with one of the most stunning views in the country, you’re going to want to spend a lot of time at the hotel when you stay at The Beverly Hills. Honeymooning couples receive wonderful complimentary add-ons (like a celebration cake, balloons and house bubbly in the room and in-room breakfasts) and further charged add-ons can be arranged (such as flower bouquets, in-room or sea-facing massages). If you do want to get out and about and explore a bit of Umhlanga and Durban, the hotel is perfectly positioned and offers easy access to a wide selection of eateries, bars and shops as well as all the wonderful local attractions.
Special package:
Book the Beverly Hills’ romantic package (R6500 per room per night), which includes: bubbly, fresh strawberries and cream in your room on arrival, accommodation in a standard, sea-facing room, a 60-minute massage person, romantic dinner for two to the value of R800, rose petal turn-down and a lavish breakfast including bubbly.
Details: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 1 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, www.tsogosun.com/beverly-hills, 031 561 2211, [email protected]
