Just a stone’s throw away, the Wild Coast has unrepeated characteristics where you can combine relaxation, inspiration and be surrounded by nature’s finest pleasures.
If early morning beach walks, adrenaline-filled adventures, afternoon siestas and sundowners on a river cruise are what you’re after, then a weekend escape to Sun International’s breathtakingly beautiful Wild Coast Sun is the perfect medicine.
We were recently invited to enjoy a stay in a luxury sea-facing room at this four-star rated resort, with all the bells, whistles and wine thrown in. Despite the depressing weather when we arrived (it got better), the venue did not disappoint. From its buffet breakfasts and brisk strolls along the coastline, to waking up to stunning ocean views, and even a little gambling in between. Flanked by ocean, river, lagoon and 750 hectares of lush indigenous bush, the Wild Coast Sun was once a childhood stomping ground, especially when relatives arrived and would want to spend lazy Sundays (and their hard-earned savings) throwing caution to the wind.
As kids we would be having fun in our own gaming area and would listen excitedly for the clanging of change in the hopper which often meant someone made a small fortune. We would also always stop and stare and take in the wide range of slot machines and popular roulette, blackjack and other classic table, longing for the day we were old enough to play and win money. More than three decades later, thrilling adult entertainment aside, the resort has become a popular family-friendly destination, especially over the school holidays, thanks to its R80-million water park, games area for children, outdoor sports, top ranked golf course and choice of restaurants.
With the Wild Coast’s diverse natural landscapes, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to settling on an adventure. There’s deep-sea fishing, rock, surf, fly or spear fishing, scuba diving, hiking trails, horse riding on the beach and more.
If you’ve seen pictures of people riding horses on the beach set against a picturesque ocean backdrop and dreamed to experience this for yourself, this is the place to tick it off your bucket list. Ocean Trails Equestrian Centre, located within the resort, offer 20-minute, 40-minute and one-hour horse rides. This adventure can be described as pure freedom as you feel the wind against your face, breathe in the fresh salty air and gaze out over the horizon. Rides are priced from R50 to R350 and the experience is both memorable and exhilarating.
If you love a good walk, you can take a guided or solo walk on the unspoilt stretch of beach between the Wild Coast Sun and the Mzamba River where you’ll find the Petrified Forest that is home to the fossilised remains of an ancient marine environment dating back to the Cretaceous period some 85 million years ago. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a relic from an old shipwreck along the coast. Tours are weather dependent, and most are conducted during low tide so that you can make your way along the coast around to the caves.
At the Mtamvuna River visitors can try paddle-boating, canoeing or simply relaxing with a strawberry daiquiri in hand (yes, we did!) on a river cruise, which sets sail at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm daily and costs R150 an adult.
The resort’s championship 18-hole course, which opened in 1983, remains a favourite on the South African golfing scene, famed for its magnificently curated fairways and greens that cross rugged terrain of hills, ravines, rivers, dams, waterfalls and the lagoon until the final hole, with unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean.
Besides the obvious ocean and river activities, there are an abundance of land activities and exploring the great wilderness on a quad bike is a definite must. You can opt for one of three tours (priced from R285 to R630), all with their own picturesque scenery. While you ride (drivers need to be over 16), keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, such as Blue Duiker and Large Spotted genet and the occasional herd of cattle – and do try dodge their manure to avoid splatters from the bike’s tyres. For children younger than 16 who want to take the reins, there is an obstacle course at R150 for five laps.
Segway tours are something else the whole family can do together – all you need is a little co-ordination and practice, and you’ll be on your way. For those who have zero experience, tour guides are on hand to provide a lesson before you set off.
Whichever tour you pick, you will not be disappointed and there are great photo opportunities to add to your social media posts along the way. On sunny days you can splash out at Wild Waves Water Park that boasts some of the world’s best water rides. Choose from a gentle Lazy River tube experience, to fast paced, heart-pounding body slides, tube rides and flume experiences. The park is open to hotel guests (who have free access) as well as to day visitors, so we’ll definitely be returning for this, kids in tow!
Much like we did – sunburnt after a full day outdoors on the only sunny day we had – you can revive your tired muscles with a relaxing full body massage or rejuvenating facial at Mangwanani Spa, which also has a children’s menu to pamper little princesses. All this before indulging in a buffet dinner and some vino and then finally hitting the pillow and being lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean. Such bliss!
Located just 5km from Port Edward, the Wild Coast Sun straddles the border between KZN and the Eastern Cape provinces. Only a two-hour drive from Durban, with its pretty consistent sub-tropical weather, it’s the perfect all year-round holiday destination, so why not go and experience an endless summer there for yourself.
A stay at the Wild Coast Sun will cost you around R1700 per person sharing, per night, out of season and prices start from R3000 per person sharing, per night, in season.
Details: www.suninternational.com or 039 305 4501. You can also follow the Wild Coast Sun on FB: @WildCoastSun, IG: @wildcoastsunresort and Twitter: @TheWildCoastSun
