Celebrate Christmas by the beach

Forget traditional European yuletide scenes with snow, scarves and sleds. On South African shores where summertime is the best time, Christmas is all about sand-between-your-toes moments sprinkled with surfing, sunbathing and soft serve ice-cream. It’s the time of year that sunscreen-wielding families from across the country flock to the pristine KwaZulu-Natal beaches stretched along the coastal strip from Umhlanga to Umdloti.

Umhlanga

The famous Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse stands guard over the stunning stretch of Umhlanga’s popular main beach. With its distinctive red and white lines against a blue ocean backdrop, this lighthouse must be the most photographed in South Africa. On arrival visitors are met with a beautifully paved walkway that meanders through a beach garden on one side, and all the way to the lighthouse in the opposite direction.

Only a 10-minute drive from Gold Coast Estate, the restaurants, bars and amenities along Umhlanga’s beachfront are similar to what you may expect at other world famous beach destinations. Some of South Africa’s most famous hotels are along this coastline too, including the Oyster Box and the legendary Beverly Hills, Sol Kerzner’s first hotel.

Sibaya

Previously bordered by iconic North Coast sugar cane farms and undeveloped coastal vegetation, the lush coastline of Sibaya Coastal Precinct’s best-kept-secret beach is full of potential. Just South of Umdloti main beach, visitors can enjoy the soft white sand and warm water of this gem totally undisturbed by crowds. Travel only a few minutes from Gold Coast Estate and feel transported to a beach oasis.

Umdloti

The opportunity to see dolphins playing in the waves surrounded by subtropical bush attracts many to the beautiful 5-kilometre stretch of beaches in Umdloti. The highlight of the main beach is its large natural rock pool, which is the perfect childrens’ paddling pool for snorkelling or swimming at low tide. Umdloti is also a well-known destination for stand-up paddleboarding, surfing and other beach sports. Gold Coast Estate residents are lucky to be only a stone’s throw away from this fabulous location with direct access to safe walkways that lead to Umdloti beach.

Gold Coast Estate is perfectly positioned for festive season sun worshippers from upcountry with its easy access to these three idyllic beaches right out of paradise. Enjoy, and don’t forget your umbrella!