Tag Archive | Umhlanga

Umhlanga Lighthouse

Jun4

Umhlanga Lighthouse

The Umhlanga Lighthouse’s red and white structure shows off beautifully against the blue of the sea and sky. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

It was completed in 1954 to replace the Bluff lighthouse. It is fully automated and its light has a range of 24 sea miles. When the lighthouse’s fixed red light can be seen by sailors, it means that their ship is too close to shore. There are 95 steps up to the top of the lighthouse.

The lighthouse has never had a keeper, the official caretaker is the Oyster Box Hotel and the controls are in the hotel from where it sends regular reports to Transnet’s Lighthouse Services. The Oyster Box was built in 1869 and was the first beach cottage in the area.

 

Umhlanga Rocks

A good book is a lighthouse, a wise man is a lighthouse; conscience is a lighthouse; compassion is a ighthouse; science is a lighthouse!

They all show us the true path! Keep them in your life to remain safe ………….

Mehmet Murat Ildan

The Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse..

 

 

High Tea

Mar4
Maxwell Williams

Maxwell Williams tableware

Instead of seeing the New Year in in the traditional way, we chose to have High Tea at the Oyster Box Hotel early in January to celebrate the beginning of 2015.

The Oyster Box is a 5 star hotel bang on Umhlanga’s beachfront behind the lighthouse which gives the beautiful views a unique feel.

The colonial style of decor is lovely and so authentic that I almost expected to see Jay Gatsby arrive, with Daisy on his arm.

The concept of High Tea emanates from the English.  High Tea is different from Afternoon Tea in that it is eaten at a table.  Usually Afternoon Tea is to be had whilst seated in low, comfortable chairs.  The difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea is really the height of the table!

Me

Me

The Oyster Box uses Maxwell Williams settings and the pretty pink and white tableware complements the surroundings perfectly.  The service was excellent from the welcoming glass of sparkling wine to the farewells at the end of the afternoon.

The tea table was groaning with delicious food, from savoury to sweet.  I really enjoyed the bite sized eats which made to easier to try a whole range of foods without getting too full.

A highly skilled pianist provided the background music for a memorable afternoon in beautiful surroundings.

Colonial

High Tea table

Teatime treats

Teatime treats

Colonial style

Colonial style

This was my first High Tea experience and I’m hooked.  It’s certainly a great way to see in the New Year.

Breakers, Umhlanga

Aug11

Umhlanga is a beautiful place on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.  On our recent visit there we stayed at Breakers, a well maintained and attractive resort, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Our accommodation was excellent.  We slept in a large comfortable bed made up with crisp white linen. There was a well appointed kitchenette, a lounging and dining area and, to top it all, an overwhelmingly magnificent view of the sea.

It’s easy to relax in beautiful surroundings.

Sunrise

The view from our window. Photo BWP Pieterse