Sala Beach House
Shaka's Rock, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

Although it's only recently opened, it’s easy to imagine that Sala Beach House has been around for years – to marry this level of service and effortless design with a Malibu surfer vibe takes a lot of skill.
There are only eight accommodations – three suites and four guestrooms in the main house, and a self-contained three-bedroom bungalow – and they all nestle around a terrace and pool area with uninterrupted views over the spectacular spray of the Indian ocean. It’s a perfect place to take an al fresco breakfast where, if you’re lucky, you might spot a migrating humpback. Or enjoy a romantic dinner, before huddling down with a nightcap around the firepit.
Water babies will love the choice of swims – an infinity pool off to the side, a secluded tidal pool a short walk along the beach and, naturally, the sprawling sands lapped by the foaming sea. There’s also a restaurant and bar, a spa and a Zen garden. And if you can bear to tear yourself away, nearby Ballito has a host of bars, eateries, shops and nightlife; bustling Durban is an hour’s drive, while a safari in northern Zululand is just slightly further afield.
There are only eight accommodations – three suites and four guestrooms in the main house, and a self-contained three-bedroom bungalow – and they all nestle around a terrace and pool area with uninterrupted views over the spectacular spray of the Indian ocean. It’s a perfect place to take an al fresco breakfast where, if you’re lucky, you might spot a migrating humpback. Or enjoy a romantic dinner, before huddling down with a nightcap around the firepit.
Water babies will love the choice of swims – an infinity pool off to the side, a secluded tidal pool a short walk along the beach and, naturally, the sprawling sands lapped by the foaming sea. There’s also a restaurant and bar, a spa and a Zen garden. And if you can bear to tear yourself away, nearby Ballito has a host of bars, eateries, shops and nightlife; bustling Durban is an hour’s drive, while a safari in northern Zululand is just slightly further afield.
Highs
- That view certainly has the wow factor and the floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the rooms make the most of it
- The professional but unfussy service has been earning rave reviews on travel sites
- There’s a great deal of privacy – private access to the tidal pool and a secluded beach
- Great spa offering a range of facilities from saunas and massages to beauty treatments. There’s also a yoga deck
Lows
- With an age limit of 12+ it’s not suitable for young families, this is very much a retreat – although the separate bungalow can house up to six
- No twin beds (double beds can be made up with separate bedding though) or extra beds
- Towards the pricier end of the scale
Best time to go
Ballito is situated on South Africa’s Dolphin Coast, so the best weather is to be had during the European winter months – normally November to March/April. However, January to March is also the rainy season. Other times of the year, the weather is mild and pleasant, although evenings will get cold so pack accordingly. Sala Beach House is open year-round.
Our top tips
The skies over Ballito are filled with Microlight planes and it’s the best way to see the coastline. There are plenty of tours available that focus on the wealth of marine life – whales, dolphins, manta rays and schools of tuna. But beware, it gets chilly up there!