The Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga Review

Located along the warm Indian Ocean, just north of Durban, Umhlanga is one of South Africa’s premier seaside destinations, known for its golden beaches, natural beauty, and subtropical climate. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga, is one of the few internationally branded luxury hotels in the region and the only Radisson property in the province.  Its prime location, adjacent to the upmarket Oceans Mall, places guests in the heart of Umhlanga.

The award-winning hotel’s modern, sleek design stands out in the Umhlanga skyline and its public areas have been designed to create new social hubs with multiple inviting spaces. The spacious entrance foyer and coffee lounge reflect contemporary décor inspired by the colours of the nearby ocean.

Entrance foyer

A swanky, gold lift will whisk you up to the pool deck, one of the most popular spots for hotel guests and visitors to unwind. It features a large swimming pool, cosy seating areas, and an Instagram-worthy swing in a wooden frame that declares “This Is Living” with the ocean as a backdrop.

“This is Living” frame

There are 206 rooms designed with both comfort and elegance in mind. They consist of various types including comfortable suites and inter-leading family rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Umhlanga cityscape and the Indian Ocean beyond.  We stayed in an ocean view room with our son on the 15^th floor high above Umhlanga. It had a king-size bed, a sofa bed for my son, a workstation, a beverage station and a minibar.

Our bedroom

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. Meals are served at FireLake Grill House on the 6^th floor, the hotel’s stylish restaurant. Breakfast is a lavish affair with a hot menu and an expansive buffet that includes ample vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Breakfast at the hotel

In the evenings, we dined on grilled sea bass, salmon, and peri-peri prawns, followed by indulgent desserts like Dark Chocolate Fondant, Crème Brûlée, and Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Every dish was a gastronomic delight, although my personal favourites were the chilli bite falafel, the coconut and prawn curry, and the Tropical Sunset mocktail.

Dinner at the hotel

High teas are hosted every last Saturday of the month and have been receiving rave reviews.

Fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines in the fully equipped gym, while families with little ones will appreciate the dedicated kids’ playroom. If you are in the mood for some pampering, the Ocean Mall’s Umhlanga Laser & Aesthetic Spa (ULAS) is easily accessible too.

Kids’ playroom

Shopaholics will love the hotel’s convenient access to the Oceans Mall, from an exit on the 2^nd floor. The retail therapy begins the moment you step from the hotel into the Platinum Walk section of the mall, where you are greeted by the store fronts of some of the world’s top designer brands, like Versace, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Emporio Armani.  And if your partner, like mine, despises shopping, you can leave them happily ensconced in the comfortable room with the complimentary wi-fi while you enjoy your retail therapy.  There are several other shopping centres within close proximity too.

View from our room

The hotel’s location makes it an ideal base to explore Umhlanga’s attractions. A short walk will take you to the beach with the iconic Whalebone Pier and Umhlanga Lighthouse, perfect for scenic strolls and photo opportunities. For a more serene escape, the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is just a short drive away, offering coastal trails and abundant birdlife.

Umhlanga Beach

With its elegant event spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga, is also an excellent choice for weddings, conferences, and corporate gatherings with multiple venues catering for different group sizes.

For more information, visit Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga or book here.

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Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.