If you’re looking for a taste of luxury investment in South Africa, look no further than Pearls Shore and the premium location of Umhlanga Rocks. In prime position along the stunning Northern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, Umhlanga Rocks is a breathtakingly beautiful town known for its world-class beaches, upscale restaurants, and high-end shopping. The Pearls of Umhlanga’s final phase, Pearls Shore releases premium studio and 2-bedroom apartments in this high tourist area. Pearls Shore apartments will form part of The Capital Pearls – one of the most popular and sought-after hotels in Umhlanga Rocks. Read on to discover why Umhlanga Rocks is the prime location to invest in leisure property.
The Umhlanga Rocks location
Situated along Lagoon drive this is the ultimate destination to own property in Umhlanga. The Pearls of Umhlanga is the first luxury residence on the Umhlanga Rocks strip as you drive off the convenient M4 freeway and enter the coastal suburb. It is a spot that boasts the highest foot traffic, being the central access point to the Umhlanga promenade, a crossing section to Ocean’s Mall, and access to a long list of restaurants on Chartwell Drive.
There is so much to do when you visit Umhlanga Rocks, and plenty to keep property prices on the rise:
Umhlanga Promenade
The Umhlanga Promenade has seen a R70 million upgrade* in the last 10 years, stretching from La Lucia to Breakers Resort. This is 2.8km of beautifully paved walking and running paths with viewing points and direct access from prime beach resorts along the strip to the promenade. Along the route are beachside cafés, ice-cream stands and steps leading down to the sand.
Our luxury hotel and residences pride itself on secure, private access to the promenade through The Pearls of Umhlanga premises. Guests can take the lift down from their apartment and enjoy the walking paths that lead to the promenade.
Whale-bone pier
Whale-bone pier was officially opened in 2007 by Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo. The iconic structure of the pier is an architectural feat that has achieved international acclaim, featuring Whale Bone pier on CNN’s list of the world’s most beautiful piers.
Commissioned by the eThekwini Municipality to address stormwater drainage in the area, the engineering team of Esor/Icon have outdone themselves in conjunction with the architectural team of the Architects Collaborative, headed by André Duvenage. Read more about the step-by-step journey of building Whale-bone pier here.
The pier is an iconic destination perfectly framing wedding shoots and the vast Indian Ocean. It is THE place for selfies and it is right on the doorstep of The Pearls of Umhlanga. On New Year’s Eve in Umhlanga Rocks, the banks overlooking Whale-bone pier is where crowds gather to view the annual spectacular fireworks display. At night the pier is lit up and makes a worthy partner to the iconic lighthouse a few steps away.
Umhlanga Beach
The only beach in KwaZulu-Natal to see and be seen is Umhlanga Beach. Situated just beyond the Italian Corner you can rent beach loungers and umbrellas for the ultimate relaxing sojourn in the sun.
The beach is well-patrolled and life guards are on duty regularly. Upgrades to beach facilities, including the change rooms and the introduction of a few cafés have been added over the years for your beachside convenience.
The curving coastline has plenty of rock pools and rock formations where you can sit and enjoy the breeze. We advise you to be careful of the strong current. It is one of the fiercer currents along the KZN North Coast. There are plenty of water sports to take part in, including surfing, jet-skiing and dolphin watching with one of the boat tour cruises available in the area.
The Pearls of Umhlanga is positioned ideally overlooking the beach. The Capital Pearls guests can luxuriate in our rooftop pool while being waited on by our attentive bar staff. Guests can choose from a wide selection of refreshments including light meals and an exclusive milkshake bar.
Luxury Spa
The Pearls of Umhlanga is synonymous with luxury and nothing is more luxurious than a day at the spa. Located on Level 4 of The Pearls Mall is Camelot Spa. Camelot is one of the top spa groups in the country with spas in over 20 locations.
In 2019, the Camelot Spa Group was awarded the Best Spa Brand award at the Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the luxury spa industry. The award recognizes excellence in the spa industry, with winners being selected based on feedback from guests, industry experts, and a panel of judges.
Read more about the team behind The Camelot Spa at The Pearls here.
Boutique shops
The Pearls Mall is steps from Pearls Shore with a range of high-end boutique shops and services. The mall has plenty to offer tourists looking for authentic African souvenirs and fashion. The mall has a convenient offering of restaurants and fast food options, catering to a wide range of tastes. Guests of The Pearls of Umhlanga will also find the planet fitness gym on the ground floor.
Central hotel hotspot
The sought-after nature of the area has made it a tourist hotspot with a long list of hotels featured in the area. High teas at The Beverley Hills or The Oyster Box is a must, as are the various dining options available.
View the list of hotels and hotel apartments driving up the wealth of the area:
- The Oyster Box Hotel
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
- Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge
- Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre
- Umhlanga Arch
- Holiday Inn Express
- Royal Palm Hotel
- Cabanas Beach Resort
- Garden Court Umhlanga
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga
Central hotel areas such as Umhlanga Rocks, tend to attract high demand, as they are typically located in areas with a high volume of visitors, such as business travelers, tourists, and convention attendees. This high demand can lead to higher occupancy rates and potentially higher rental income. Studios in Umhlanga Rocks have the potential to reach 95% during peak periods.
High tourist areas often experience growth over time, as the surrounding areas develop and become more popular. This growth can lead to an increase in demand for hotel accommodation, which can drive up rental rates and potentially increase the value of the investment.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is an impressive mall located in Umhlanga, South Africa. It was opened in 2001 and cost around R1.4 billion to build. The mall is currently valued at around R10 billion and covers an area of over 150,000 square meters. It is home to more than 400 retailers, including several flagship stores like Woolworths, Dischem, and Game.
At the time of building, Gateway was named the largest mall in the Southern hemisphere attracting worldwide attention to Umhlanga. It still maintains its star-studded status attracting nearly 2 million visitors per month. Following it’s 21st birthday in 2022, the mall is currently undergoing a multi-million Rand upgrade which is all due to the high foot traffic that it continues to bring in from locals and internationals alike.
Invest in Umhlanga Rocks and The Pearls of Umhlanga
Investing in The Pearls of Umhlanga’s final opportunities is an excellent decision for those seeking an investment in leisure property in the premium location of Umhlanga. Situated in the heart of Umhlanga, this destination offers convenient access to the upgraded Umhlanga Promenade, the iconic Whale-bone pier, and the picturesque Umhlanga Beach. The development also boasts a luxury spa, boutique shops, and a prime position on Lagoon Drive. With a long list of attractions and increasing property prices, The Pearls of Umhlanga is the ultimate destination for luxury property investment in South Africa.
*Source: Independent online, 8 November 2011
