Teremok Boutique Hotel & Spa

Teremok is an intimate boutique hotel and spa on Marine Drive, about a kilometre from Umhlanga Rocks village. The house was built in 1968 as a family holiday home, and for more than four decades it was home to three generations of the Vladykin family, whose story began in pre-revolutionary Russia. It was converted into a lodge in 2003, keeping much of its original character, and it is now run by a mother and her two daughters. South African Tourism describes it as a luxurious five-star boutique lodge.

There are just eight suites, each with its own name, design and layout, from Milkwood and Palm to Zodiac, Beethoven and one named after the Vladykin family. Suites have extra-length king or twin beds, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, private balconies and generous bathrooms with rain showers, freestanding baths and double basins. The gardens, planted with palms and milkwood trees, surround a pool, and the spa has therapists available every day of the week. There is also a gym, tea and coffee stations, an honesty bar, Wi-Fi throughout and secure off-road parking, with on-site security.

Teremok suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who prefer the privacy and personal attention of a small lodge to a large hotel. With only eight suites, it is never crowded, and it works well for a quiet stay at the start or end of a South African trip. It has won several service awards and has been a finalist in the World Travel Awards. The lodge also has green alternative power and water systems.

Rates are at the luxury end of the market. Book well ahead for December, January and Easter, and ask about spa treatments when you reserve so you can secure the times you want. Families with young children may find one of Umhlanga's larger beachfront hotels more practical.

The beach and the Umhlanga promenade are a short walk or drive away, and the village, with its restaurants, bars and shops, is around a kilometre from the lodge. The Oyster Box and the lighthouse are close by for a drink or afternoon tea, and King Shaka International Airport is to the north. Central Durban is a drive south along the coast.