Most of us are familiar with the multi-award winning Umngazi River Bungalows on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast or as many of us still refer to it, in the Transkei.Whether our parents have been going there for decades, or whether we have friends who go there regularly, one thing is certain; people go back time and time again, generation after generation.
This uber family resort now has an offspring of its own that will further enhance the holiday-experience for its guests - Umngazi Spa. Set just above the resort itself, this has to be the most perfectly positioned spa I have seen in a long time. As they say in the property world - location, location, location.
High up on the hill, each freestanding, bungalow-style treatment room flows off the boardwalk, which evokes the impression of nature's own conveyor belt depositing you at your relevant spa experience. Each treatment bungalow has panoramic views that sweep over the Indian Ocean, the never-ending beach, the Umngazi River and the mountainous surrounds, drawing your eye for miles and miles into the blue yonder.
All the expertly executed treatments take place in a perfect blend of indoor seclusion with the thrill of outdoor freedom. You are constantly inundated with the sights, sounds and smells of the sea intermingling with that of nature. Whether you are sitting for a pedicure, lying down for a massage or bubbling away in a freshly picked frangipani-scented spa bath, they have planned the layout so that your visual experience is breathtaking and without equal.
Even the "outdoor" showers are ingeniously placed to be private yet with the same awe-inspiring views you come to expect where ever you are at the spa. Moreover, their attention to detail exceeds that of most places with little features such as driftwood clothing hooks in the change rooms and murals and art on the walls by local artists.
Under the caring, attentive and enthusiastic management of Terry & Tessa, Umngazi River Bungalows, and now Spa, seems to be growing from strength to strength. To them it is equally important that the local communities benefit from the success. Raffles are organised to raise money for new local schools. New projects are constantly being launched to create jobs for locals. Even some of the regular patrons become so passionate about their favourite holiday spot that they, in their personal capacities, sponsor study bursaries for local children and grown-ups alike.
This must be the only place in the world where guests take equal interest in the local communities. You literally instantly become part of the family as well as the overwhelming sense of goodwill, peace and tranquility.
A rare treat is that all meals at the resort are included in the rates. This added bonus of NO COOKING guarantees you all the free time you could possibly dream of. The chefs prepare scrumptious meals that may even include crayfish when in season. The food is wholesome and diverse, something delicious for every taste bud.
If all of this wasn't enough, they also make getting there really effortless… and inexpensive! You should enquire about the fly-in packages, I think you will be astounded at how reasonable it is. And, should you choose this route, you will have the pleasure of flying with Federal Air, who will show you the coastline as you will rarely see it.
From the air you will see waterfalls spilling into the ocean, dolphins frolicking in the waves and even get a fly-over a game reserve to spot some zebra or buck. You will also land at the most unusual airstrip where Simon has to chase the cows off first before the plane can touch ground.
One word of caution though, be prepared to wait. This is a VERY popular resort, with almost 99% occupancy throughout the year! They are currently taking bookings 9 months in advance - let that not put you off though, rather get your name on that waiting list. Another astounding fact about Umngazi River Bungalows, and to their credit, is that approximately 80% of its visitors are repeat guests - some families even book the same weeks year after year!
So, let me try and summarise the Umngazi-Wild Coast experience: this is a family holiday that you don't have to drive to, where you don't have to cook, with activities for the whole family - have I mentioned the Pondo nannies that will look after the children or the Entertainment Manager that will look after the grown-ups - with the sea and beach on your doorstep, on the banks of a river surrounded by indigenous fauna and mountains AND a spa to entice the last bit of will-power out of your work-worn body. Let's see, what's not to like?
Every nook and cranny is filled with a bit of history - even doors have their own stories. Take the time to talk to the staff and you will find a home away from home that will suck you into wanting to go back again and again and again.
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