Sunningdale, Umhlanga Coastline

Sunningdale, neighbour to La Lucia, Glen Anil and Somerset Park, lies in Umhlanga just north of Durban on the Indian Ocean, nestled on the west side of Umhlanga Rocks Drive. This part of Durban is where everyone wants to live. Close to shopping malls, outside of the city centre, with hours of beach-related pleasure at your disposal. It is easy to understand why Umhlanga, and hence Sunningdale, has been a beach holiday haven since as early as 1869, when the first beach cottage made its appearance.

Sunningdale is a typical Durban-north suburb. With a shopping centre on the corner of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Village Way, easy access to the Outer Ring Road, also known as the N2, and the Gateway Theatre of shopping whilst also within easy reach of the popular beaches here, the homes are modern - most of them townhouses in gated communities – and upmarket. And the lifestyle is seriously laidback and in keeping with the every present surf and beach atmosphere.

Umhlanga is now very much the new 'centre' of Durban, despite its allocation outside the city. Much sought-after retail and office space spans most of the ridge along here, hogging the views. Closer to the beaches, skyscraper style accommodation gives visitors ample opportunity to share these incredible views over the Indian Ocean.

Stretch your legs on the O'Connor promenade - despite sounding like an Irish pub, this walkway straddles the coast between Durban View Park and the Breakers - allowing you to amble past the striking Umhlanga Lighthouse. Eat out at various excellent restaurants and be sure to visit the nearby Durban Japanese Gardens and the Hawaan Forest near the Umhlanga Lagoon - the last of its kind of indigenous woodland.