NO longer the shy little sister hiding in the shadow of its extrovert sibling Ballito, Salt Rock is fast becoming a destination of choice in its own right.
But apart from the enticing tidal pools at Salt Rock’s Main Beach, there is something a little more exotic drawing visitors from far and wide.
The Grand Exotic, to be exact – bringing a touch of the sub-continent to South Africa’s east coast.
For those familiar with the movie, imagine what The Best Marigold Hotel would look like in all its glory, and voila! you get The Grand Exotic.
Given the décor, anyone would be forgiven for thinking the venue was decades old and that, already established, it had watched the north coast of KZN grow up around it.
In fact, The Grand Exotic has only been in business for some two years or so, but its vintage, nostalgic aura is an intentional charm perfected by those who dreamed it into existence.
Be transported to days gone by as you sip your tea from a vintage porcelain cup in the dome of the Grand Café, under its sparkling chandelier reminiscent of a distant era.
Shop to your heart’s content at the vintage store tucked away inside the café; from jewellery to exquisite silk scarves and wall hangings, and even items of furniture, there is surely something for everyone.
And if a day out for breakfast, coffee or a light lunch with a bit of shopping thrown in wasn’t enough, there is also the Skin and Nail Bar next to the shop.
I absolutely adore any visit to The Grand Exotic, and no trip to Salt Rock is complete without stopping in here, if only for a quick coffee on the verandah alongside the beautiful and calming water feature among the ferns.
Also a function venue, check out their Facebook page for more info.
But apart from the enticing tidal pools at Salt Rock’s Main Beach, there is something a little more exotic drawing visitors from far and wide.
The Grand Exotic, to be exact – bringing a touch of the sub-continent to South Africa’s east coast.
For those familiar with the movie, imagine what The Best Marigold Hotel would look like in all its glory, and voila! you get The Grand Exotic.
Given the décor, anyone would be forgiven for thinking the venue was decades old and that, already established, it had watched the north coast of KZN grow up around it.
In fact, The Grand Exotic has only been in business for some two years or so, but its vintage, nostalgic aura is an intentional charm perfected by those who dreamed it into existence.
Be transported to days gone by as you sip your tea from a vintage porcelain cup in the dome of the Grand Café, under its sparkling chandelier reminiscent of a distant era.
Shop to your heart’s content at the vintage store tucked away inside the café; from jewellery to exquisite silk scarves and wall hangings, and even items of furniture, there is surely something for everyone.
And if a day out for breakfast, coffee or a light lunch with a bit of shopping thrown in wasn’t enough, there is also the Skin and Nail Bar next to the shop.
I absolutely adore any visit to The Grand Exotic, and no trip to Salt Rock is complete without stopping in here, if only for a quick coffee on the verandah alongside the beautiful and calming water feature among the ferns.
Also a function venue, check out their Facebook page for more info.