Business trip overnight stay. Loads of space and a great view.

Sands Beach Break Manor amazing stay, some aspects can be improved on. Communication between you and the host leaves a lot to be desired. I was told to pay the breakage deposit at the property, meanwhile, I contacted the property host and had to get banking details in order to pay in time otherwise you are expected to make an immediate payment. The host does take time to reply at times and refers you to the letter of communication sent. There is also no room for accommodating people even though I have seen some other reviews. I did ask for the two single beds to be pushed together which was not done. Also, you get this unpleasant check-in and check-out rush (don't check in before 15:00 and then a rush to check you out before 09:30 as we opened the door at around 09:00 to pack the car and our cleaner person was already waiting at the door in a sense to kick you out). It would be nice for the host to actually make an appearance like the vast majority of hosts do. I was told by the host that my breakage deposit would be re-imbursed in the evening and then I had to follow up the next evening the host then made an immediate payment followed by saying they actually have a 7-day refund period (if you message a person stating you will make payment by such a time then the onus is on your word). Also, I had to follow up on the morning of my trip to again ask for how to access the apartment etc. to which I received all the information which would have been nice to have received the day before giving a person time to read everything. The apartment on the other hand was the saving grace to make up for the hospitality. The photos definitely do justice apart from a few issues. The entry needs a new lock as you cannot unlock and take the key out, one has to unlock from the inside, open the door, and lock from the inside to be able to take the key out to be able to lock the door from the outside. Also, they could fit a new lock from the inside that wouldn't need a key constantly. I would also recommend a second key as we were travelling with seniors who batted to use the key lock box which created problems if we wanted to do something separately and needed to gain access to the apartment. The amenities also states that there is a 58 inch TV, this is not the fact it is much smaller, it also states an espresso machine which there is only a kettle, milk frother and a coffee plunger. There is a hairdryer provided but there is no adapter for the two-pin round plug (assume a previous guest walked off with it). The unit also has this overkill obsession with the aircon and not adjusting the settings and no remotes which was a constant nuisance when sleeping that you have to get up to switch on and off the wall-mounted control as the temperature is set and cannot be changed (seriously ridiculous). The master en suite bathroom has mould on the trim of the basins which is really off-putting. The pillows are also not comfortable and I would suggest bringing your own if possible. Housekeeping is friendly, not the absolute best but gets the job done and not the same recurring. The towels provided are good however they were not replaced during our five days and I chose to just wash them myself in the machine provided although to avoid the hassle of communicating with the host whereby a nice touch would be to have the cleaner know your stay dates to ensure without needing to ask that towels be changed at least halfway during a shorter stay. Also, a nice touch would be to include a booklet or information brochure of whats around Ballito and shops as I often had to Google to see what was around such as the horse riding on the beach excursion and restaurant tips from a friend who has visited the area quite a lot. Small touches really but like they say the devil is in the details. Access to the beach is amazing and super practical especially if you have kids or seniors that can't walk too well. It also helps that you don't have to bring the entire kitchen sink for a beach visit as you can hire umbrellas and chairs on the beach from the local vendor so you can just take a cooler and your towels and you are good to go. The 2 covered parking bays are spacious and extremely safe and the complex's security staff are phenomenal (absolutely courteous and always aware). The swimming pool is also immaculate however a sunlounger or two would also be nice instead of so many benches.

Beautiful apartment with an amazing sea view. An absolute gem! This place is an absolute gem. It’s perfectly furnished, spacious, clean and comfortable. The complex has a backup generator during load shedding, so you don’t feel the impact of power outages. The air conditioning works very well, the beds are comfortable with crisp white linen and the little details are taken care of. Diffusers throughout the unit leave the place smelling great, hand wash in the bathrooms, coffee sachets, convenient key pick up and drop off. This is a very well-run, secure complex with a beautiful pool and braai facilities. Access to Willard Beach directly from the complex. A small shopping centre with a Checkers and restaurant across the road. Two blocks away from the La Vita Spa, plus more restaurants. The host is friendly, helpful and takes pride in keeping this apartment neat and tidy. Definitely, the best place to stay in Ballito.