There are certain places that make you feel as though you have stepped into a new season before the calendar has even caught up. Durban was that place for me. 

The warmth was different, the air felt lighter and, somewhere between the sunshine and the sound of the ocean, I found myself singing High School Musical 2’s “What Time Is It? Summer Time!” Yes, I was dancing by the pool at 06:00a.m. Don’t judge me. Durban had clearly activated something. 

In partnership with Durban Tourism, Southern Sun invited us to experience the city from a different perspective. It was my first time joining the initiative, now in its third year, with a mission to showcase Durban beyond the familiar narrative and remind South Africans why the city deserves a place on their travel lists. 

A bird’s eye view of Durban 

One of my bucket list experiences was finally ticked off when we took to the skies for a helicopter ride. There is something undeniably romantic about seeing a city unfold beneath you, with the coastline stretching into the distance. 

I was particularly excited to spot Moses Mabhida Stadium from above. Whether hosting international tournaments or major domestic cup finals, the stadium holds a special place in South African sporting culture. For those of us who remember the electricity of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when the tournament came to Africa for the first time, it represents a moment that changed how the world saw our continent. 

Our adventure continued at Beverly Hills, and my stay deserves a moment of its own. 

From the door, you are greeted with a warm towel to clean your hands. It is a small gesture, but one that immediately sets the tone for the hospitality to follow. Every room is sea facing, meaning the Indian Ocean is always part of the experience. 

Being within walking distance of the beach is a dream. I am still undecided about what I loved more: seeing the beach at night, when everything feels a little more romantic, or waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean. Both have their own magic, and I suspect the only way to settle the debate is to return. 

Breakfast, but make it Durban 

At Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, we traded the usual morning routine for a breakfast pool party. I ended up changing into my swimming costume, and honestly, it was so much fun. The water was amazing and the food? Oh my goodness, divine! 

We tried a breakfast-inspired bunny chow, bringing a Durban favourite into the morning menu, and had Magnum for breakfast. Ice cream that early in the day felt positively magical.

From a go-kart ride along the promenade to breakfast at poolside with a massage from Mangwanani Spa then shark cage diving and snorkelling at uShaka Marine World, the itinerary offered a little bit of everything. Durban makes room for both adventure and relaxation, sometimes all before lunchtime. 

Changing the narrative 

Behind the beautiful views and memorable activities lies a bigger conversation about Durban’s future as a tourism destination. 

“As much as we are about selling experiences and occupancy, the key is selling Durban as a destination,” said Ronelle Pillay, Southern Sun’s Regional Revenue and Sales Manager. “It’s only through collaboration that we can truly make a difference in why travellers choose Durban for their next trip.” 

With more than 30 years at Southern Sun, Pillay refers to herself as the “proud Indian-Zulu girl”, reflecting her Indian heritage and connection to the people around her. 

Her message was a reminder that hospitality is ultimately a people business. From three-star properties to five-star hotels, the intention is to offer the same care and commitment to creating memorable experiences. The people who welcome you, anticipate your needs and make you feel at home are just as important as the room itself. 

That investment in people goes hand in hand with investment in the destination. 

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani has been undergoing a multi-year refurbishment programme, with approximately R250 million invested in guest rooms, public areas and facilities. Meanwhile, Southern Sun Oceans in Umhlanga, opposite Beverly Hills, is planned to open next year. The development is expected to feature 200 hotel bedrooms and 146 apartments, offering travellers another way to experience the coast. 

As someone who loves sport, I had to ask Kavit from the magnum ice cream group about Ola’s involvement in cricket. Cricket South Africa has renewed its partnership with Ola South Africa, the Official Ice Cream Supplier, for a further three years. The partnership brings match day favourites and lively stadium activations to fans supporting the Proteas men’s and women’s teams. 

I was particularly interested in hearing his thoughts on our women’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt. Kavit was beaming as he spoke about her incredible leadership, both on and off the field. It was a reminder that sporting influence extends beyond performances, inspiring people through character, consistency and the way athletes represent the country. 

Naturally, we also discussed ice cream. Kavit encouraged us to experiment beyond the familiar Magnum and croissant combination. You could melt different Magnum varieties and serve them in a shot glass for a playful dessert, or give Paddle Pops a twist by adding a little spice.

It was a fun reminder that summer is about trying something new, whether that means discovering a different flavour, enjoying a cricket match or finding fresh ways to enjoy the things we already love. 

By the time our Durban experience came to an end, I had ticked off a bucket list adventure, enjoyed a memorable stay at Beverly Hills and discovered new reasons to return. 

More importantly, I experienced a destination working to change its narrative through collaboration, investment and people who believe in its potential. 

From Umhlanga to the South Coast, there are different experiences waiting for different travellers. Durban offers sunshine, adventure, hospitality and sporting excitement, with something for everyone to discover. 

So, perhaps it is time to stop asking whether Durban belongs on your travel list and start asking when you are going.