Life is manic, work is hectic and you need to chill. Well, that’s the vibe Durban exudes isn’t it - mellow. Relax, take a stroll, peruse a market, picnic, or catch-up over a cuppa. Here are some ideas for your indulgence:
Morning Markets
iHeart Market on the first Saturday of every month, situated at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, opposite Virgin Active Kings Park (go early if you want a parking, around 9am). You can buy breakfast and treats to flowers and clothes, jewelry and home decor.
Essenwood Morning Market is every Saturday in the park next to la Bella on Essenwood Road from 9am offering food and lifestyle buys, while children can play in the park.
Nature Walks
Umhlanga Beachwood Mangroves is a beautiful green walk to the ocean if you're needing to be transported out of the city for a peaceful stroll (leading to the Lagoon Nature Walk through the shrub to the dunes) and allows you to dip your toes in the ocean.
The Japanese Gardens in Durban North offer a serene experience. Enjoy the surrounds in Japanese style. Ponds, teeming with life, picnic areas and playgrounds offer an outing option for the whole family.
For those feeling like a slow, weekend drive, the Makaranga Garden Lodge in Kloof (half an hour outside the city) is a recommended retreat. With a spa, pool and a couple dining options, it’s the perfect way to relax. See the website for more details here.
Shopping
If you have come to trawl the malls for a spot of shopping, we have a few large Shopping Centres in Durban and surrounds, namely The Pavilion, Musgrave Centre, La Lucia Mall and Gateway Theatre of Shopping. All but La Lucia have Cinemas and Gateway offers Cinema Nouveaux.
Cafes
To cool off or catch up, there are many quaint and quirky cafes along Lilian Ngoyi road (Windermere). Personal favorites include the Antique Cafe (charming) or Love Coffee (health-promoted). A second, tiny but trendy pop-up in just off Florida Road, in a side road next to the KwikSpar called Noble Coffee.
For more ideas that are active, click here, cultural, here, date-like, here, and budget ideas, here. xoxo
Be relaxed! I'm relaxed thinking about how relaxed you're going to be, and all the while exploring- yay!
Much love,