FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - 23 Ambleside Retreat, Umtentweni, KZN South Coast
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
Q: How far is the walk to the beach?
A: 70 metres - about a 2-minute walk from our back gate straight onto the sand.
Q: Is there secure parking?
A: Yes. Your car is parked behind locked automated gates in an area monitored by a Ring security camera, so it stays both locked away and watched. One lock-up garage is also available if you'd prefer your car garaged.
Q: Is the property secure?
A: Yes - this is something we take seriously. The property is fully fenced with automated gates at both the front and back, Ring doorbell cameras front and back so you can always see who's at the gate, and a Ring camera watching the parking area.
Q: How do the gates work?
A: The front gate is automated and opens from your phone - just share your number with us and it works from your 14:00 check-in through to 10:00 on your check-out day. The back gate has a number-code lock. It's all keyless, so there's nothing to collect or hand back.
Q: How do I get there from Johannesburg by bus?
A: Buses from Johannesburg stop in Port Shepstone, at the Shell garage or Oribi Plaza. We're a short drive from there - message us and we'll help with the last stretch.
THE ROOMS & HOW MANY WE SLEEP
We have several separate spaces, and the whole property sleeps up to 19 when booked together.
Cottage 2 (3-sleeper): self-catering with a kitchenette, sleeps 3 (one double and one single bed), private bathroom with shower, smart TV with Netflix. Pet friendly.
Cottage 1 (2-sleeper): a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster (no stove), private patio with its own braai, private bathroom with shower and bath, smart TV with Netflix. Pet friendly.
The Flat / Apartment (sleeps 4): self-catering with its own full kitchen, a bedroom with a double bed plus a lounge with two single beds, sea view, one bathroom shared within the flat. Pet friendly.
Main house - Master bedroom: ensuite bathroom.
Main house - Purple Room & Blue Room: two private bedrooms, each with its own TV, that share a bathroom in the hallway and share the kitchen with other guests and the owner. There is also a shared lounge with a big smart TV and Netflix. These two rooms are not pet friendly.
Q: Can you fit three adults in one unit?
A: Yes - Cottage 2 sleeps three, and we can add an extra bed for a small fee.
Q: Which units have a private kitchen and bathroom?
A: Both cottages and the Flat are separate from the main house with private bathrooms. Cottage 2 has a kitchenette, the Flat has a full kitchen.
PETS
Q: Are you pet friendly?
A: Yes - we do charge extra for your dog. The two cottages and the Flat are pet friendly; the Purple and Blue rooms in the main house are not.
Q: Any size limit?
A: We take small to medium dogs - our units aren't large, so very big breeds (like a St Bernard) are too much for the space.
Q: Is there a fenced area for dogs?
A: The whole property is fenced, and we can divide the garden into sections with gates so your dog has a space to run. The individual cottages aren't separately fenced, and dogs need to be on a lead when outside your unit. Please note we have two cats and our own dog on the property, and dogs can't be left outside unattended while you go out.
FOOD & SELF-CATERING
Q: Are the units self-catering?
A: Cottage 2, the Flat and the main house are fully self-catering. Cottage 1 has a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster (no stove), plus a private braai.
Q: Do you serve breakfast?
A: Most units are self-catering, but we can serve breakfast if you order it in advance - just ask when you book. There are also great breakfast spots nearby.
Q: Is there a bar, or do you sell alcohol?
A: We don't have a bar or sell alcohol, but every cottage has a fridge for whatever you'd like to bring. Within walking distance there's a popular pub - 3rd Avenue - and Jaxx and Schooners are a 2-minute drive.
AMENITIES
Q: Is there WiFi?
A: Yes - free fibre WiFi.
Q: Is there air conditioning?
A: The main house has air conditioning (a split-system heat pump for warm winters and cool summers). The cottages and flat have fans.
Q: Is there a safe?
A: There's a safe in the main house (not in the cottages).
Q: Is the pool available to use?
A: Yes, the pool is open to all guests. To keep it pleasant for everyone, no swimming after 22:00, and there's a general noise curfew after 22:00.
Q: Is there a braai?
A: Cottage 1 has its own private braai, and there's a communal braai area by the lapa.
Q: Are there games?
A: We keep card games, Connect Four, Rummikub, Risk, darts and a beach ball.
Q: Can I have a visitor during the day?
A: Yes - up to two day visitors are welcome.
RECOVERY & WELLNESS - SOMETHING NO OTHER STAY HERE OFFERS
Q: Is there a spa?
A: There are several spas in the area. What makes us different is that your host gives massage right here on the property, so you never have to leave. Sports massage, full-body relaxation massage, or an extended session — book with your stay or arrange it on the day. See the Wind Down Here page for details.
BOOKING, PAYMENT & CHECK-OUT
Q: How do I book and pay directly?
A: Book direct through our website and you'll go straight to our secure booking system - no commission, and you deal with us directly. Book 3 or more nights direct and you'll get a free 20-minute recovery consultation with our resident physio.
Q: Can I contact you directly?
A: Yes - WhatsApp us on 079 261 7069 and we'll help with dates, quotes or any questions.
Q: Can I get a late check-out?
A: We offer a late check-out to 12:00 for a small fee - just let us know in advance.
Q: Do you host groups or functions?
A: We're happy to look at group stays and get-togethers - message us with your dates and numbers and we'll see what works.