The Golden Mile on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Durban, South Africa, features some of the most spectacular views and beautiful beaches in the world. A prominent hotel located on Durban's Golden Mile is the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, which is a renowned beachfront stretch along the Indian Ocean in Durban, South Africa.
Durban Golden Mile
History and Evolution
Southern Sun Hotels was formed in 1969 through a partnership between hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and South African Breweries Limited. At the time, Southern Sun Hotels was the largest hotel group in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1983 the group split, with the casino operations becoming Sun International, and the hotels remaining as Southern Sun.
In 1985 the group acquired the Holiday Inn South Africa hotel group. Between 1985 and 1990 the group became one of the largest franchisees of Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Garden Court, and Express by Holiday Inn brands. During the 1990s the group expanded beyond South Africa. In 1991 Southern Sun delisted from the JSE to become a wholly owned subsidiary of South African Breweries.
In 1995 Tsogo Sun Holdings was constituted as a bidding consortium between Southern Sun and numerous black empowerment partners to form Tsogo Sun Gaming. In the same year the group entered into an agreement with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to operate three hotels in South Africa. In 2000 the group opened the Sandton Convention Centre, one of the largest privately opened convention centres of its kind.
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In 2002 the group restructured resulting in Tsogo Sun having 51% black ownership from various empowerment consortiums with the balance of the shares owned by SABMiller. Subsequent to this, Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) became the largest shareholder of the group. In 2005 the group rebranded several hotels to Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court and StayEasy. Between 2009 and 2011 the group acquired Blackrock Casino and the Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa. A merger with Gold Reef Resorts Limited incorporated an additional seven casinos in the groups portfolio.
In 2013 the group acquired Accor SA's holding in Formula 1 hotels and rebranded them to SUN1. In 2014, after 45 years, SABMiller disposed of its stake in the group and the investment was placed in the local and international market. In 2015 construction began on the 500 room SunSquare and StayEasy hotel complex in the Cape Town City Bowl. In 2016 the group began managing Crowne Plaza Rosebank and Holiday Inn Sandton.
In June 2019 the business unbundled into separate hotel and gaming interests. Southern Sun Hotels are a full service group of properties. Southern Sun Resorts are a collection of holiday resorts in locations near the Kruger National Park, uMhlanga Rocks, the central Drakensberg and Plettenberg Bay.
In 2011, as part of Tsogo Sun’s commitment to maintaining Durban’s destination status they invested approximately $20 million dollars to consolidate and upgrade the Southern Sun Elangeni and Southern Sun North Beach hotels into one complex, creating Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. Catering to its large amount of travelers, the hotel needed to evolve to suit the ever-changing needs of the modern guest. The team’s design aimed to provide as much comfort, convenience and care as possible while keeping the materials practical and long-lasting.
Design Innovation
One of the challenges designers faced was how to reflect the feel of the ocean inside the hotel’s restaurants. At first, designers considered covering columns in the restaurants with stucco, reflecting the look of sand. Stucco, however, did not suit their needs because with every batch mixed, it can appear different and have a different consistency; it also attracts dirt and dust which cannot be easily cleaned.
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So, Blacksmith Interior Design met with Dean Armstrong from Ergosystems for a solution. Armstrong quickly suggested using ATI’s Fusion process on FRP. With Fusion, the designers could mimic the look of stucco by fusing a graphic onto the face of the durable substrate. The FRP was a perfect choice as well because it encompassed all the properties needed for a busy restaurant environment-smooth, easy to clean, as well as scratch and impact resistant. 75 4′ x 8’ sheets of stucco-imaged FRP were used to wrap more than ten large columns throughout the two restaurants, bringing the look of a sandy beach to visitors’ dining experiences. To complement the columns, designers covered adjacent areas with MirroFlex in Gobi-which has a distinct wave pattern-to reflect the movement of the ocean.
Accommodation
The hotel features a range of elegantly appointed rooms and suites designed to cater to various needs:
- Standard Rooms: These typically offer comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, work desks, and views of the ocean or the city.
- Family Rooms: Designed for families, these rooms offer extra space and additional sleeping arrangements.
- Suites: Include separate living areas, enhanced amenities, and offer premium views, often ideal for longer stays or special occasions.
Dining Experience
The hotel boasts several dining options that cater to diverse culinary tastes:
- Lingela Restaurant: Known for its buffet offerings, it serves a variety of international and local dishes.
- The Grill Jichana: Specializes in succulent grills and contemporary dishes with African influences.
- Panorama Bar & Pool Deck: Offers light meals and drinks, perfect for enjoying the views of the ocean.
- Ocean Breeze Grazing Bar: A spot for light snacks and drinks.
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Services and Amenities
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani offers a variety of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay:
- Multiple swimming pools
- Fitness center
- Spa & Wellness Centre
- Conference facilities for business events
- Meeting and Event Spaces: The hotel provides versatile options for conferences, meetings, and weddings.
- Accessibility: The hotel caters to guests with reduced mobility, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.
- Child-Friendly Services: Family-friendly amenities and services are available, including babysitting services upon request.
Here is a summary of the services and amenities available at the hotel:
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| Category | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Entertainment & Relaxation | Pub, Bar/Lounge, Massage, Beauty Centre, Casino, Golf Course, Windsurfing, Cycling, Poolside Bar, Shops |
| Hotel Facilities | WiFi, Restaurant, Parking, Currency Exchange, Elevator/Lift, High-speed Internet, 24-Hour Reception, Concierge, Non-Smoking Rooms, Smoking Room, Family Room, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Designated Smoking Area, Souvenirs/Gift Shop, Banquet Facilities, Conference Room(s), Meeting Rooms, Ticket Service, Fitness Room/Gym, Business Center |
| Room Facilities | Air Conditioned, Refrigerator, Safe-Deposit Box, Coffee/Tea Maker, Hair Dryer, TV, Cable/Satellite TV, En suite, Shower, Bath, Private Bathroom, Private Toilet, Bidet, Bedding/Pillow Choices, Desk, Complimentary Toiletries, Bathrobes, Towels, Room Service, Breakfast in the Room |
| Services | Airport shuttle, Laundry service, Dry Cleaning, Barber/Beauty Shop, Tour Desk, Self Laundry, Photocopier |
| Water Activities | Swimming pool, Sauna, Spa & Wellness Centre, Fishing, Diving Centre, Scuba Diving, Pool Outdoor, Canoeing, Water Activities |
| For Families | Babysitting / Child Services, Cots |
Swimming Pool Area at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
Beach Access and Activities
The hotel offers easy access to the sandy shores and inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beachfront promenade is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, offering scenic views of the ocean. The beaches along Durban's Golden Mile, including those near the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, are generally safe for swimming, with designated swimming areas and lifeguards on duty.
- Swimming Pools: The hotel typically features multiple outdoor pools.
- Beach Access: Being on the beachfront, guests have direct access to Durban's Golden Mile beaches.
- Water Sports: While the hotel itself may not directly offer water sports, the surrounding area and beach usually cater to activities such as surfing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding.
- Nearby Attractions: The location of the hotel allows easy access to uShaka Marine World, a nearby water park and aquarium that offers numerous aquatic experiences and attractions.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani in Durban offers several family-friendly amenities and activities, making it a great choice for those traveling with children.
- The hotel features several dining options with kid-friendly menus and meals.
- The hotel’s location makes it convenient for families to explore nearby attractions, such as uShaka Marine World, Mini Town, and other family-friendly spots in Durban.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
The Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel is located on the bustling Golden Mile in Durban, South Africa, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
- uShaka Marine World: Explore a world of marine life at this popular aquarium and entertainment center. It features a large aquarium, water park, and various marine animal shows.
- Durban Beachfront: Explore the beautiful beaches along the Durban promenade.
- Victoria Street Market: For a taste of local culture, visit this vibrant market offering a wide array of crafts, spices, and food.
- Workshops Shopping Centre: A nearby shopping destination offering a variety of stores, food options, and occasionally local crafts markets.
The area is well-served by public transport and is easily accessible for exploring the vibrant city of Durban.
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