Warner Beach, South Coast

The coastal village of Warner Beach lies just south of Kingsburgh, and north of Winklespruit, on the coast south of Amanzimtoti. Divided by the Outer Ring Road into two little villages - a section that lies right at the beach and another section further inland - Warner Beach is regarded as something of a suburb of Kingsburgh and high on the surfing agenda.

The railway line, as with many of the little villages down the coast, lies between the village and the sea and trains rumble down the line next to the town's main road that has virtually all you need for a successful beachside holiday.

Catch the train to Warner Beach station and little shops like Zanzi Bar and second-hand furniture stores predominate. Things seem to have changed little, and life is slow and languorous. But some houses here lie right near the beach with extensive views, and the beach is why one heads here. That and the peace and quiet of a seaside village, just 30 minutes from Durban.

It should give you an indication of the lifestyle here when you hear that locals refer to the village as 'Warners'. The surf here is highly regarded and the beach has produced some ace surfers as a result. But it is also a protected swimming beach and boasts a tidal pool. There is a cosy, laidback village feel to the place, despite the odd highrise, and relaxation is high on the agenda – to locals and visitors alike.

But don't think that you will struggle for creature comforts. Amanzimtoti is five minutes drive, the new south coast shopping mall, Galleria, is just seven kilometres away and there are various shops, restaurants, take away joints and good old fashioned pastimes like ten pin bowling and putt putt.