With ample leisure and adventure destinations within an hour’s drive, including malaria-free Big Five game viewing, Boardwalk hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay is the ideal family base for the Easter holidays.
Hop on over to the four-star Sun International hotel, literally metres from the surf of the Blue Flag Hobie Beach, which has the only licensed casino in Gqeberha, with a wide variety of slots and tables and is adjacent to the stylish new Boardwalk Mall with a Nu Metro and Magic Company to keep the kids entertained. Besides the wide array of eateries including Hello Its Me, Bem Vindo, Doppio Zero and Spur, there is also the Kid’s Corner creche, where qualified child-minders look after kids aged 6 months to 10 years.
“In recent months, with the number of staycations increasing nationally, Boardwalk has really focused on becoming a destination for the whole family,” said Tati Tsunke, General Manager at Boardwalk hotel and casino. The hotel has both an outdoor pool as well as a large indoor one for cooler days.
“Our Sun Gamers lounge which opened last year has proven extremely popular with guests aged 10 to 17, who enjoy playing Fifa, Call of Duty and Fortnite while parents play a round of golf or relax in the Camelot Spa inside the hotel.” Book a Luxury Family room and enjoy ordering a specialty milkshake, either from room service or in the Lobby Lounge.
After throwing open your curtains to soak up the expansive views of the Indian Ocean – every room has a view of the bay – head to Kipling’s Brasserie for a true hotel-style buffet breakfast, with all the trimmings. “Kids will especially love being able to order pancakes, flapjacks or waffles with Nutella.”
Within easy reach of the hotel you can adopt a penguin at the Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds or climb aboard a vessel for an awe-inspiring whale and dolphin watching cruise with Raggy Charters.
Just 70km from the City is South Africa’s third biggest national park, Addo Elephant National Park, offering nature lovers the taste of an African safari, while private game reserves such as Shamwari and Pumba are also close enough to partake in a day game drive. About 40km in the other direction lies the scenic Van Stadens Nature Reserve, where you can picnic and hike a variety of trails of varying difficulty.
“We recommend that our guests buy one of the Nelson Mandela Bay Passes, which provide free admission to more than 60 attractions and activities in the area,” Tsunke. “For a stress-free Easter family vacation, let Boardwalk’s team take care of you and your loved ones, in luxurious and comfortable surroundings which evoke a home-from-home feeling.”
