Nestled along the pristine shores of Ballito on South Africa’s enchanting Dolphin Coast lies a hidden gem of luxury and relaxation: Sala Beach House. Join us as we recount our unforgettable experience at this exquisite boutique hotel during our South African road trip in March 2024. From the luxurious ocean-view room to the unparalleled dining experience, Sala Beach House offers a haven of indulgence and serenity that is sure to captivate even the most discerning travelers.
A luxurious ocean-view room
Perched on the first floor of Sala Beach House, our room offered more than just a place to rest our heads—it was a retreat of comfort and luxury. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a sense of tranquility and elegance.
The highlight of our room was undoubtedly the magnificent ocean-view balcony. Stepping out onto the balcony, we were treated to sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean, with the sound of crashing waves providing a soundtrack to our stay. With a large sliding window, we could seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors, allowing us to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the breathtaking views right from the comfort of our room.
Inside, the spaciousness and attention to detail were immediately apparent. The large bathroom boasted a double lavatory, stylish pink tiles in the walk-in shower, and a separate toilet, while a centrally placed bath beckoned for a relaxing soak after a day of exploration. The large closet space made it easy for us to unpack and feel right at home.
At night, we sank into the incredibly comfortable bed, complete with a double set of pillows to cater to our individual preferences. Next to the bed, a large desk served multiple purposes, acting as both a workspace for Jeroen for checking his emails and a makeup station for Jenn’s morning routine.
But perhaps the most captivating feature of our room was the view from the balcony. Overlooking the lush garden and swimming pool, with the Indian Ocean stretching out beyond, it was the perfect spot to start our day with a cup of coffee as we watched the sun rise over the horizon.
In our room at Sala Beach House, every detail was thoughtfully curated to ensure a truly unforgettable stay.
Culinary delights at Sala Beach House
Our dining experience at Sala Beach House’s fine dining restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled within the heart of the boutique hotel, the ambiance felt akin to sitting in a beautifully decorated living room, where every detail exuded elegance and warmth.
The interior seamlessly blended chique Ibiza and boho vibes with the rich authenticity of African culture, creating a captivating atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable meal.
Our culinary journey began with a tantalizing starter of zucchini fritters. These crispy delights, combined with creamy cream cheese and accompanied by fried sweet potato crisps, offered a perfect balance of flavors and textures, setting the tone for the exquisite dishes to follow.
For our main course, we opted for the Miso buttered hake fillet, served with tender new potatoes and crisp green beans. The hake, delicately cooked to perfection, melted in our mouths, while the miso butter added a rich umami flavor that elevated the dish to new heights. To complement the flavors of the hake, we savored a locally sourced, organically farmed rose wine, its delicate notes blending seamlessly with the delicate fish.
To conclude our dining experience on a sweet note, we indulged in a Pineapple coconut parfait. Topped with succulent amarena cherries and fresh pineapple cubes, each spoonful was a symphony of tropical flavors, leaving us completely satisfied and longing for more.
From the elegant ambiance to the meticulously crafted dishes, dining at Sala Beach House’s fine dining restaurant was a culinary journey that surpassed all expectations, leaving us with memories to cherish long after our meal had ended.
Sala sunrise
Setting our alarm for 5:30 a.m., we eagerly anticipated the sun rising from the ocean. As the first rays of light gently kissed the horizon, the garden and the hotel lobby were bathed in a warm, golden glow.
Stepping outside, we marveled at the beauty of the dawn as we strolled around the lush garden, the tranquil beach, and the elegant hotel grounds. With the other guests still sleeping, we enjoyed the peaceful moments of solitude, feeling we had the entire paradise to ourselves.
Tranquility in the morning with oceanfront yoga
At Sala Beach House, our morning began with oceanfront yoga, an experience that left us feeling refreshed and invigorated. The night before, we signed up for an early morning yoga session on the deck overlooking the ocean, and as the sun rose, we joined a local yoga teacher for an hour of gentle stretching and mindfulness.
The calm voice of the teacher combined with the sound of the waves was a truly relaxing experience. As yoga beginners, we appreciated how the teacher adapted her exercises to our newbie level, guiding us through each pose with patience and encouragement.
With each breath, we found ourselves sinking deeper into a state of inner peace, while also gently stretching our sore muscles from our domestic flight the day before. Sala Beach House provided the perfect backdrop for our practice, allowing us to wake up in balance with both ourselves and the beautiful Indian Ocean scenery that surrounded us. After the session, we were treated to delicious juices prepared by the hotel, refreshing us for the day ahead.
Sala Beach House seaside breakfast
Following our yoga session and a refreshing morning shower, we eagerly made our way to the outside patio at Sala Beach House for a breakfast with a view. Situated overlooking the ocean, the verdant garden, and the inviting infinity pool, the patio provided a picturesque setting for our morning meal.
As the sun began to rise higher above the horizon, we found refuge under the pergola, which offered some welcome shade from the increasing temperatures. With a gentle breeze drifting in from the sea, we settled in comfortably at our table, ready to indulge in yet another great experience.
Our friendly waiter greeted us with a warm smile, promptly filling our table with a variety of culinary delights. From freshly sliced tropical fruits to locally sourced cheeses and artisanal bread, every plate was a celebration of the vibrant flavors and rich diversity of South African cuisine.
At Sala Beach House, every effort is made to ensure that the ingredients are locally produced, from the fruit to the cheese, allowing us to savor the authentic taste of the region with each bite. Filled with joy and contentment, we enjoyed the last moments of our seaside breakfast.
Relaxing by the Pool
After breakfast, we quickly changed into our swimsuits, to soak up the final moments of our time in this paradise. The pool, nestled inside the lush greenery of the garden and overlooking the ocean, tempted us for one last dip.
But before diving in, we took a moment to simply sit by the poolside, soaking in the serene atmosphere and gazing out at the rolling waves of the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to our relaxation.
Adjacent to the pool, a staircase led down to the beach, offering the perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores. Just a short 5-10 minute stroll from Sala Beach House is a tide pool where both locals and visitors go for a sporty swim.
As our time at Sala Beach House drew to a close, we couldn’t resist taking one last dip in the refreshing pool before reluctantly checking out of this idyllic paradise. With memories of a gorgeous sunrise, delicious meals, and moments of pure relaxation, our stay at Sala Beach House was the perfect moment of tranquility we were searching for right in the middle of our South African road trip.
We picked Sala Beach House as our 24h of pure luxurious relaxation right in the middle of our trip. After the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, the wine tastings in Franschhoek, the hikes along the Garden Route and a domestic flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban, this little piece of heaven gave us an energy boost to be ready for 1,5 weeks of safari fun in KwaZulu-Natal and Kruger. Want to know more about Sala Beach House? Check out their website or book a room for your next stay.