Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House: Dramatic stay in Durban’s Umhlanga coastline – where every room has ocean views.
What's Covered in This Article
The Place
There can be few hotels more deserving of the “Exceptional” guest rating on Booking.com than the Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House.
From the moment I stepped into the Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House reception, I felt thoroughly spoiled.
It deserves the rating not only because its excellent location and ocean view setting but it exceeded my expectations in every regard.
From the stunning rooftop deck, to all the small touches, to the beautiful and comfortable rooms, you are ensconced in sophisticated, upscale luxe.
Soft spoken Snezana, and the rest of the staff went above and beyond, were super attentive and such a delight to interact with.
The only possible reservation, as it were, about the guest house is that I had to leave … but let’s not spoil the fun, or for that matter, a great Durban hotel review.
The Location
The Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House’s location could hardly be more ideal, positioned as it is in La Lucia neighborhood of Durban; a short 10 minutes’ uber ride to Umhlanga Rocks beach, from Umhlanga Ridge, and from Gateway Shoppertainment World.
The Space
The stately white boutique guest house hosts a breakfast area, a breathtaking rooftop terrace, and luxurious suites.
Opened about a year ago, this stunning property boasts lovely views of the Indian Ocean.
Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House’s accommodation includes 7 sea-facing suites, a mix of standards, doubles, singles, and queens.
The walls channels art decor glamour and is adorned with eye-drawing African tribal artworks from around the world and its amazing to hear Snezana nostalgically share stories behind each of them.
The rooftop deck is set on the top most floor and its ocean-facing walls are all glass.
It boast fantastic views and has great sitting and breakfast area, and an honesty bar.
At the rooftop deck, deep sofas and stripped blue and white canvas sun beds are the ideal spot for a drink while watching the sun travel across the sky.
Oh, and Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House had the fastest WiFi on my Durban experience.
The Rooms
Breathtaking.
All rooms at The Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House are all sea-facing and offer sumptuous views.
My plush 22-square-meter Standard Suite on the lower ground floor was luxuriously-appointed and featured a private deck with great ocean views.
Full-length windows look out onto the Indian ocean beyond.
The bright airy room was decorated in neutral tones offset by a turquoise-colored wardrobe with plenty of space to pack your stuff away.
The two queen beds face a big-screen TV, there’s a complimentary tropical fruit platter, tea and coffee making facilities, mini- chocolates, and biscuits, and a mini-fridge with complimentary drinking water and fresh milk.
The other highlight of my spotlessly clean suite was an attractive and spacious bathroom with ocean views, generous amounts of natural light.
The bathroom has a range of Milton and Brown body care products, as well as a bath tub.
The Food
A sumptuous breakfast is included in the rate at Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House which is served from 6:30 am until 11 a.m. at the rooftop deck.
There’s a good breakfast spread with staples such as bread, pancakes, croissants, tropical fruits, etc.
You also get to order a pot of either coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Getting Out
Mornings and evening are the most special here: take an about 2 KM stroll or 5-minute Uber ride down and catch the sun rise or set at the nearby to Umhlanga Rocks beach. For the shopaholics, La Lucia Mall is 1 KM away, and Gateway Mall, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Granada Square Shopping Centre 2.5 KM away. Africa Art Gallery is a must for its on-the-spot local artists and crafters.
If you happen to have 3 extra days in South Africa, don’t miss an experience on the world’s most luxurious train – Rovos Rail.
Click here to read all about my experience on the train from Pretoria to Durban.
The Verdict
Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House is the perfect Durban stay, for its great ocean views, sumptuous rooms, terrific breakfasts and warm, unpretentious service of the staff.
The Essentials
28 Ridge Road, La Lucia, 4051 Durban, South Africa. From KES 13,700 ($137) a night. Book your stay at Ocean Vista Boutique Hotel here.
Highlight
Sitting on the rooftop deck with a glass of freshly pressed orange juice watching the world pass by.
Lowlight
It was a bit of a mission having to lug my suitcases down several flights of stairs to my room on arrival, and back up on departure.
