Home » Latest News » Umngazi Hotel & Spa: A Bucket-List South African Destination
Posted on: July 1, 2023, in Latest News
Uniquely situated alongside the tranquil Mngazi River and overlooking the wild Indian Ocean, Umngazi Hotel & Spa offers guests a rejuvenating space to retreat to after exploring the Wild Coast’s rolling hills, untouched beaches, and river teeming with birds and wildlife endemic to the area. It’s a resort quite unlike any other in the country — a beautiful bucket-list destination that has recently been awarded a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
This is an accolade the team is exceptionally proud of. What makes the Travellers’ Choice Award unique is that it isn’t based on a hotel star-rating system. Instead, it’s based purely on visitor ratings and reviews, with only the top 10% of the best-rated hotels honoured each year.
While Umngazi Hotel & Spa doesn’t offer 5-star luxury, guests have consistently loved their stays, and have almost all rated the hotel 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. With grateful hearts, here are five reasons behind this honour.
“We recently spent three nights at Umngazi on what was sadly a very wet weekend. Whilst we unfortunately never made it onto the beach or up the river on our sunset cruise, I have to say that the stand-out of the weekend, aside from the unbelievable gourmet feast, was the friendliness and efficiency of the staff. It truly was unbelievable to experience such a beautiful family of people. Kudos to management for creating such a wonderful atmosphere.” – Review from Tripadvisor
Without a doubt, the team at Umngazi Hotel & Spa is what makes the hotel exceptional. Each member is hard-working, courteous, and passionate about hospitality. Staff are hired from the neighbouring community, providing job opportunities to families who would otherwise have limited options nearby. As a result, the team is made up of friends and families — which is exactly what gives the hotel its homely, happy feel.
“What a wonderful place to unwind and relax! The Hotel and Spa employees provide excellent service and treat you as family. If you still want to work in such a special place, there is Wi-Fi. For those couples with children, there is a daily programme keeping them entertained. For the more adventurous, take a hike to the Mangrove forest, bike around the hills, have a personal birding guided tour, relax on the beach. The views are magnificent and unspoilt. The food is delicious with a wide variety for all.” – Review from Tripadvisor
Umngazi Hotel & Spa is renowned for its variety of activities, with something for every family member. Guests can enjoy birding, cycling (own bicycles), walking, running, hiking, river cruises, beach time, and multiple spa visits. There’s also the option to walk to the local community for a cuppa with Alice, relax by the pool, visit the bar, or join the daily kids’ activities. With so much on offer, guests can spend their entire holiday staying active and adventurous, or completely unwind in peace.
“Great place to take small kids for a real break. The nannies are available all day to help take care and entertain kids. There is lots for the kids to do. Food was good, spa was great value and the rooms were lovely and clean and comfortable. Service was great and I will definitely be coming back to stay again soon.” – Review from Tripadvisor
What sets Umngazi Hotel & Spa apart is that it caters to more than just adults looking to get away from it all — it also focuses on giving kids the best possible holiday experience. A dedicated kids’ dining room means parents can enjoy an early dinner with their children without feeling like they need to keep shushing them. Daily kids’ activities keep little ones busy, and a child-minder can be hired at an extra cost to assist with childcare during the stay.
“I’m so glad we decided on staying for a whole week, and making use of the Fly and Stay deal. From the moment we were met on the mountain top airstrip with warm croissants and chilled champagne, I knew we were in for a special time. The food is amazing, with a delicious selection of healthy salads, and decadent desserts. Every day the lunch and dinner menu is different. We had a wonderful time, enjoying the early morning bird watch cruise and on another day the sunset cruise, complete with snacks and your choice of drinks, to watch the cattle along the riverbank and the fish eagle come for a feed. The best, most relaxing holiday I’ve had in a long time. Thank you Umngazi!” – Review from Tripadvisor
One of the main highlights at Umngazi Hotel & Spa is the food. With three all-inclusive meals provided daily, plus two delectable tea breaks, families and couples need not worry about bringing a thing. The restaurant offers a beautiful space for gatherings, and for special occasions, guests can book the Green Door Wine Cellar or the Riverside Gazebo.
“Stunning venue!! Outstanding hospitality and management above and beyond!! Amazing family orientated hotels and the spa is sublime. So much for the children to do, in a very safe environment. We will be back!!” – Review from Tripadvisor
Set high on the hillside, the Umngazi Spa overlooks the Indian Ocean, offering spectacular views and absolute tranquillity. The spa offers face, body, pre- and post-natal care, as well as blissful bath and grooming treatments. Take a look at the full spa menu.
These are just a few of the many reasons behind such consistently wonderful guest reviews. The team is overwhelmed with gratitude for the thousands of positive reviews about the warm hospitality, comfortable and stylish accommodation, beautiful gardens, variety of activities, and wonderful food at Umngazi Hotel & Spa. Thanks also go to TripAdvisor, for the platform that made this recognition possible.
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To book a stay, visit the booking page. For more information, please enquire or call +27 (0) 47 564 1115/6/8/9.
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Email: requests@umngazi.co.za Tel No: 047-564 1115/6/8/9
Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa
GPS COORDINATES: S 31 36.680 E 29 25.938