Mzanzitravel Magazine Issue 10

great
escapes
In the grip of winter, with spring soon
to follow, you may be looking for some
great destinations to which to escape
for a midyear break. Here are some
fabulous destinations.
Indaba Lodge Richards Bay
Break away to the Indaba Lodge Richards Bay in Zululand…where it’s always
summer! Nestled in the leafy suburb of Meerensee and only a 2-hour drive north
of Durban, the Indaba Lodge Richards Bay is sure to delight both the business
and leisure traveller. Much like the harbour city of Richards Bay which seamlessly
combines industry and tourism, the 66-bedroom Indaba Lodge plus its 6 spacious
self-catering apartments are ideally located for both the corporate and leisure
traveller within easy reach of the CBD, airport, harbour and waterfront. It’s also
only a mere 5-minute walk from the Alkantstrand Blue Flag Beach.
Richards Bay is the gateway to the famous Elephant Coast, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Big
5 Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. This
vibrant lagoon city encourages visitors to combine business with pleasure as they
enjoy the lush beauty of this subtropical paradise combined with tranquil walks on
miles of pristine beaches along the TuziGazi Coast.
On arrival at Indaba Lodge Richards Bay, you will immediately appreciate the deep
shade created by the towering leopard trees which frame the modern façade of
the hotel. A warm welcome with friendly smiles and an ice cold beverage awaits
you as you enter the cool, spacious interior of the hotel before being whisked to
your en-suite room. All rooms are non-smoking and accommodation is stylish,
well-appointed and fully air-conditioned - a must to beat the muggy humidity of
the summer months.
A new addition to the hotel complex is 6 spacious self-catering 2 and 3-bedroom
Mediterranean style apartments – perfect for the longer-staying corporate traveller
or families coming for a leisurely holiday. It’s also ideal for fishing enthusiasts who
come from Durban and up-country to enjoy the rich fishing waters which Richards
Bay is renowned for. The apartments also boast boat parking and washing bays,
rod and tackle lockers, built-in deep freeze for storing bait, and an onsite anglers
shop and fish zone for all your requirements which is also great for tips on the best
reefs to fish. On that note, for those who would like to experience deep-sea fishing
but don’t own a boat or have a “friend with a boat”, we can highly recommend
booking a charter (tip: take your binoculars along as you will often spot dolphins,
turtles and whales frolicking in the water).
Other facilities at the lodge include the Retreat Spa - a wellness sanctuary with a
secret garden and bubbling water features that specialises in a variety of beauty,
wellness and massage therapies; the popular Trevally’s Restaurant offering a
seasonal dinner buffet and delicious bistro-style a la carte menu; and the more
informal light meals served on the deck together with craft beers or sundowner
cocktails. In addition there is a pool deck with braai facilities where you can braai
your own catch of the day, or a braai pack prepared by their kitchen.
• For more information: Go to their website at www.theretreat.co.za or call
Erika on +27 (0)35 753 1161 to book, or call Indaba Lodge at +27 (0) 35 753
1350, or email gm@indabarichardsbay.co.za.
82 |ISSUE 10|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZITRAVEL