Carol Ofori's #SweetEscape to the Blue Marlin Hotel in KZN

Location is everything at The Blue Marlin Hotel and it doesn't get much better than having the ocean on your doorstep...

Survey the spectacular surf as you sit perfectly positioned at the peak of the charming seaside town of Scottburgh, just 45 minutes from Durban, along the picturesque KwaZulu Natal South Coast.

With 122 rooms and exquisite sea views, The Blue Marlin offers modern 3 star standard accommodation and a range of facilities to suit your needs. Each space is modern, comfortable and varied in amenities according to your needs, from the outside pool overlooking the surf below to tasty treats served at our Lighthouse Restaurant.

This favourite South Coast family holiday resort has also undergone a complete refurbishment, now offering affordable modern accommodation with the same heart and soul of yesteryear.

So, what makes this iconic destination so special?

Dip more than your toes in the Indian Ocean and embark on an incredible diving expedition to the world-famous Aliwal Shoal, a short boat ride away and easily organised by our in-house dive shop.

Tee off in paradise, with an array of world-class golf courses within close proximity of the hotel, or rejuvenate and revitalise at our in-house spa.

You can be as busy or as relaxed as you wish when staying at The Blue Marlin, but before you tackle the day ahead and explore the South Coast, there’s nothing better than a cuppa and hearty, homely breakfast to get you in the right mood.

With the beach only 200 meters away from the hotel, this opens up more opportunities.

Here's a list of the Blue Marlin's incredible attractions:

Scuba diving

The Blue Marlin Hotel has the distinction of being the only PADI recommended resort in South Africa, featuring the Crystal Divers Academy, a PADI 5 Star TM, based right within the hotel. The center offers all levels of PADI Scuba Diving Courses from beginner to professional. With Aliwal Shoal on your doorstep, you can experience the thrill of diving with sharks on one of the specialised shark dives during your stay.

Beach

Enjoy endless summer on the south coast at the Blue Marlin Hotel! Head across our rolling lawns and you’ll soon find yourself wiggling your toes in the white sands of Scottburgh beach. Why not take a quick dip in the sea or a short stroll at sunset? With its temperate South Coast climate, Scottburgh provides the perfect beach getaway (even in winter), with qualified lifeguards and shark nets in place to provide peace of mind.

TC Robertson Nature Reserve

Only a 10-minute walk from The Blue Marlin, this reserve is an excellent choice for a picnic, but keep an eye out for those cheeky vervet monkeys looking for a quick snack. Here you will likely see an abundant variety of birds that will cheer you on from the bushes. The Mpambinyoni River flows through the reserve which comprises various ecosystems. There are also numerous braai (BBQ) spots available, making it ideal for family outings

Vernon Crook’s Nature Reserve

The landscape at Vernon Crook’s is idyllic, with lush grasslands, coastal forests, rivers, and wetlands. Only an hour’s drive from the Blue Marlin, you will find yourself surrounded by nature. Keep a lookout for some of the local inhabitants – eland, zebra, bushbuck, blue wildebeest, impala, and black-backed jackal

Day trips

Just an hour’s drive from The Blue Marlin Hotel is the zesty city of Durban with an array of tourist attractions and activities that will appeal to diverse interests. The young and young at heart should make their way to uShaka Marine World and the Wet ‘n Wild Water Park

Whale watching (in season)

Bring your binoculars if you plan to visit The Blue Marlin Hotel between June and October or even from November to December. Aside from schools of dolphins and porpoises, Humpback whales are commonly seen on their way to Mozambique. They are far more boisterous than the relatively docile Southern-right whales and you’ll be rewarded with acrobatic displays of prowess.

Mountain biking and trail running

Only a short drive from The Blue Marlin, Rocky Bay Resorts Mountain Bike Trails offers trail running and mountain biking facilities. Bike trails comprise an easy 12km as well as a 19km, 9km, and then the more challenging 40km trail. As for the running trails, there are 4km, 6km, 8km, and 10km options. All trails are well marked and scenic. Mountain bikers can also head to Oribi Gorge to follow the scenic single tracks, meandering along the top of the gorge.

Golf

If you're an avid golfer, look no further! There are several excellent golf courses in close proximity to the resort, including Selborne and Umdoni, Further afield, one can tee-off at Durban Country Club, the Wild Coast and Zimbali. Golf offers extremely good value for money, and The Blue Marlin is the perfect home base for golfers and golf tours, especially those wanting to escape the frigid European winter.

Croc World

During your stay, why not head out to Croc World? Part of the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development, this is a great spot for families to embark on a day trip to meet some of the beady-eye inhabitants that laze in its waters. It’s a solid option for the kids as there is also a play area, a small farm, and a restaurant, which is a popular lunch stop, set among the lush indigenous gardens.

Bowls

Whether you're new to bowls or looking to perfect your game, why not pay a visit to the Scottburgh Bowls Club? It has a rich heritage and hosts the annual August bowling tournament. The club is most welcoming to visitors, both local and those from overseas. The Blue Marlin plays host to many international bowls groups from the UK. If you're in the area and staying at The Blue Marlin at the time, head down to the club bar and cheer on the local team.

Birding

There are various options available for avid birders staying at The Blue Marlin. The Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary offers a self-guided trail that winds through the forest, with specialised bird-watching hides. One can observe up to 150 species of birds that visit the large expanse of open water in the sanctuary. There is also a tea garden overlooking a lake which attracts a variety of water birds. T.C Robertson Nature Reserve is a short walk from the Blue Marlin and offers 12km of established trails which can either be self-guided or accompanied by a ranger.

Phezulu Safari Park

Whether you are after a tranquil light snack overlooking the extraordinary Valley of a Thousand Hills, on a 4x4 game drive through the Phezulu Safari park, enjoying an exhilarating live crocodile show, or marveling at a wide variety of indigenous snakes, Phezulu Safari Park offers it all.

Tala Private Game Reserve

Tala Private Game Reserve is a wildlife conservancy hidden in the hills of a quiet farming community with a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland, and sensitive wetland. The reserve provides exceptional game watching and birding, setting the stage for that perfect photograph.

It's almost the holiday season and we couldn't think of a better way to spend our time with our friends and family!

#KZNHasItAll #BelieveIt

Follow the Blue Marlin Hotel on social media:

Facebook

Instagram

MAP

Main image attribution: Blue Marlin Hotel/Facebook