> > by Vanessa Murray
Designed and built by artist and designer Dr Guido Schoeldgen, Days at Sea opened in Trafalgar, in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal, in November 2008.
It was voted one of the world’s 100 most beautiful small hotels by Klocke’s Hideaway Hotels soon after, and the adage is spot on. An exercise in minimalistic style, laidback luxury and sensory stimulation, the walls of Days at Sea’s communal lounge are open to the elements, so not only can you see and hear the breeze as it rolls in off the Indian Ocean below, you can smell and sometimes feel it.Beach walks, pool time, an impressive art collection and wine cellar, smiling staff and gourmet wining and dining
are all on the menu. Days at Sea takes the notion of relaxation to a whole new level: below the suites a 14 metre chlorine-free infinity pool ringed with loungers shimmers invitingly, while around the corner, a spa and massage treatment room awaits.
THE ROOMS
Days at Sea offers four individually themed private suites in the main complex. Ours decorated in crisp aqua
and white tones, and adorned with Guido’s own sensuous portraiture. Nestled 150 metres down the road is a private Balinese style artists’ retreat, a modern and spacious indoor-outdoor home furnished with collectibles from all over the world, and complemented by a fully stocked bar and a Rolls Royce golf cart, for moving between the two sites. But why leave? The staff will come to you – just ask. Sundowner anyone?
TASTE TEMPTATIONS
A la carte dining is out the window at Days at Sea, with Guido and his team preferring to craft a menu for each meal. However, suggestions are welcome, and you should let your hosts know about any dietary requirements in advance of your stay. On our first night, we are treated to one of Guido’s famous amuse-bouches: an espresso cup filled with what appears to be coffee topped with a light froth, but turns out to be a tasty mushroom soup. This delightful trick is followed by a selection of the finest South African wines from Guido’s extensive cellar, and a tri-part taste extravaganza: an entree of lightly spiced lentil salad with buffalo mozzarella imported direct from Italy; a main of tender rib eye steak with grilled asparagus spears wrapped in bacon and potato gratin; and a cocktail glass layered with ambrosia-like cream, meringue, strawberries and grappa as dessert.
VENTURING OUT
We were reluctant to leave Days at Sea during our three days in Trafalgar for anything more than a stroll along the stunning white sand beach a short walk through the garden below the hotel. But if you can be tempted
off the premises, an adrenalin inducing array of adventure activities up and down KwaZulu-Natal’s North and South coast awaits: golfing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, a bungee swing and cliff top walk at the nearby Oribi Gorge. Or take it easy with a day trip into Durban, where you can visit the Victoria Markets, the world-class aquarium, or shop at one of its expansive malls.
COUPLES WILL LOVE
Well, everything. While children over the age of 14 are welcome, Days at Sea is essentially adults only. We arrive at dusk to discover our candlelit suite is a privately positioned love nest designed to make the most of the Indian Ocean rolling and crashing below. The bed is sumptuous and strewn with fragrant frangipani petals – we particularly enjoyed the European style arrangement of two doonas side by side on the bed, subtly catering for differences in body temperature, and eliminating any fighting over the blankets.
GETTING THERE
Trafalgar is 140km from Durban, in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. If travelling direct from Durban International Airport, a hire car and GPS or driver is the best way to transfer to Days at Sea.