Words: Anne Schauffer | Images: Stephen Pilbrough & Supplied
One of the oldest suburbs of Umhlanga, Prestondale stretches from close to the N2 freeway down towards the older coastal road, the M4. Names such as Sugar Cane Road and Preston Drive paint are reminders of the old suburb winding through the cane fields and the Preston family after which it’s named.
Prestondale is north of the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is primarily residential with established trees and, because of the slope of the land, many homes in the area have sea views over Umhlanga village. The reinvented section of Prestondale runs down the ridge and the properties there range from apartments to majestic homes.
Home sweet home
For East Coast Radio presenter Keri Miller, Umhlanga is more than just home. She loves the area. “I live in a gorgeous – well, that’s how I describe it – two-bedroom apartment with a tiny sea view.”
When Keri moved back to Durban from Cape Town a few years ago, she had her eye on the area of Prestondale near Umhlanga village. “It reminds me a little of Cape Town, it’s just across the road from the sea, my yoga studio is walking distance away and the vibe is just amazing. It feels like everyone is on holiday.”
Keri says her favourite spot in her home is the lounge. “It has loads of indoor plants, lots of colourful rugs, the scent of Spiritual Guide (my absolute favourite incense) and sunlight just pours in.”
Neighbourhood gems
Umhlanga has everything, whether it’s movies, shopping centres, gentle nature trails through Hawaan Forest at the northern-most end of Umhlanga Village, or the Umhlanga promenade where you can take long walks with your dog past the lighthouse.
Keri loves the water, particularly Bronze Beach and Granny’s Pool in Salt Rock. For more swimming, yoga or just to keep moving, she chooses Gurucat in Umhlanga Plaza or she visits MovementX for fun workouts. As someone who likes to stay healthy, Keri knows all the go-to spots for wholesome food and drinks. “The area of Umhlanga has so many. For food and smoothies, definitely try Nouriti Cafe inside MovementX. Healthy Umhlanga inside Buxton’s Centre is also amazing. If you’re a coffee person, African Roots Coffee at the Pearls of Umhlanga Mall has great coffee, and Cumin Cafe at Umhlanga Plaza has excellent curry and biryani.”
Being fit and healthy doesn’t mean Keri can’t enjoy the nightlife. “Salsa is really cool for a fun vibe and amazing margaritas and food. The Oyster Box’s Lighthouse Bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a boss cocktail, and, well, Raffles, obviously, for the after party.”
Perfect Sunday
“I wake up and watch the sunrise from bed, before making something hot to drink. I walk over the road to the beach, sit on the sand to drink my tea, then jump in the water and swim out to the backline.” Keri follows it up with some meditation on the beach, then heads back home.
“Generally, I make every effort to see my family later in the day, and it normally results in a great meal.”
Keri says being at home feels like being on holiday. “If I have a day or a week off, I spend it in Umhlanga. The beach is just beautiful and I can’t think of a better way to spend time out. Gorgeous!”
“Prestondale is a dream hometown for me – I’m within minutes of everything I love”
Keri Miller
Sleep:
- The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks
- Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks
- Teremok Marine Lodge & Spa, Umhlanga Rocks
- Sandals Guest House, Umhlanga Rocks
- The Hamptons Guest House, Umhlanga Rocks
- Protea Hotel, Umhlanga Ridge
Shop:
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping: for more than 390 stores, 70 eateries and a host of exciting entertainment options
- Pearls of Umhlanga Mall: the first luxury boutique mall in Umhlanga
- The Crescent Shopping Centre: offering 60 stores anchored by Pick n Pay, Food Lover’s Market, Clicks, Builders Express and Baby City
- Umhlanga Centre: newly upgraded, it’s home to world-class retail outlets such as Umhlanga Rocks Superspar, Shadows Fashion and Sasseens Jewellers
Eat:
- The Lighthouse Bar: for great views, delicious cocktails and music
- The Grill Room: for fine dining at The Oyster Box
- Greedy Buddha: for Asian-inspired dishes with a twist
- Ile Maurice: for authentic Mauritian hospitality
- Little Havana: a contemporary and stylish steakhouse
