Pumula Beach Hotel — Hotel in Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality

Pumula Beach Hotel enjoys a stunning location and offers exceptional cuisine, largely thanks to Chef Sam, whose culinary talent truly stands out. As someone who travels internationally frequently, I can confidently say she is a rare gem in the industry—an undeniable asset to the hotel.

One of the main reasons my family and I return here, despite the high cost, is the breathtaking views, extreme tranquility, and the sense of complete relaxation it offers. This is a place to escape the pressures of life, unwind, and rejuvenate. However, the overall experience has deteriorated in ways that undermine this very purpose, making it difficult to justify the expense.

Over the years, the property has introduced some positive enhancements, including expanded food and lounge areas, solar panels, and high-speed fiber internet. However, these improvements are overshadowed by a noticeable decline in service quality. Given the ever-rising costs—something I was once willing to pay without hesitation—this decline is deeply disappointing.

To be clear, the service from reception—both in person and via phone or email—is excellent, as are interactions with management and, of course, Chef Sam. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the waitstaff, cleaning staff, and maintenance teams, whose overall standard of work and attitude fall well below expectations. While some individuals remain customer-centric, the inconsistency across the team results in an overall experience that is sorely lacking.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the dining area, where Chef Sam’s incredible work is let down by inefficient service from the staff responsible for serving meals. Prolonged wait times, even when the dining area is nearly empty, frequent order mistakes, and a general lack of enthusiasm from waitstaff have made me question whether the 9-hour journey my family and I take annually is still worth it.

Rooms are cleaned daily, but deeper maintenance is clearly lacking. Built-up grime in bathroom corners and public areas indicates a need for proper spring cleaning. While ongoing maintenance has seen some improvements, issues like loose or damaged wooden floorboards—especially on the older side of the hotel—remain unaddressed. Additionally, ants are a persistent problem in the rooms, and monkeys pose a constant nuisance; leaving windows or doors open comes at your own risk. We returned from an outing to find our food taken by monkeys.

Mosquitoes have made the lounge area practically unusable for my family, which is unfortunate given its cozy atmosphere and scenic views. Managing them should not be difficult, considering the effective solutions used in other similar establishments. More concerning, however, is the inadequate effort to keep flies away from buffet food. The sight of a large fly floating in a shared bowl of yogurt was alarming—I had to scoop out a significant portion to prevent other guests from unknowingly consuming contaminated food. This, along with the flies hovering over other dishes, led me to avoid several buffet items entirely. Again, this is an issue that can and should be addressed.

At nearly R7,000 per night for a family of four, certain expectations naturally arise. While the food often reaches a five-star standard, the overall experience does not. The declining service, cleanliness concerns, and pest problems are simply unacceptable at this price point—even for a three-star hotel.

For potential visitors: while the food is outstanding and the reception and management teams are excellent, the inconsistent service from waitstaff, housekeeping, and maintenance, along with cleanliness issues and pest problems, may significantly impact your stay. This is a place meant to offer peace and escape from life’s stresses, but the declining standards make it harder to fully relax. Consider these factors carefully before booking.

UPDATE No apologies for a long-time customer (now ex-customer) as the response from management was generic and rather cold - even AI can attest to this...

Are you longing for the perfect getaway that combines luxury, relaxation, and picturesque beauty? Look no further than the enchanting Pumla Beach Hotel! Nestled along the pristine sandy shores, this hidden gem offers an experience that will leave you rejuvenated and exhilarated.

From the moment you step into the elegant lobby, you'll be greeted by the warm and friendly staff, eager to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. The attention to detail and personalized service at Pumla Beach Hotel is truly remarkable.

The rooms at the hotel are a haven of comfort and style, with breathtaking views of the turquoise blue ocean. Whether you choose a cozy suite or a spacious villa, every accommodation is designed to make you feel like royalty. Sink into plush beds, unwind in luxurious bathrooms, and wake up to the sound of waves gently lapping the shore – pure bliss!

As you venture out to explore, you'll discover the hotel's range of amenities that cater to your every desire. Lounge by the stunning infinity pool, sip on exotic cocktails at the beachside bar, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. Pumla Beach Hotel knows how to pamper its guests!

The culinary delights at the hotel are a gastronomic experience in themselves. From local delicacies to international favorites, the talented chefs create exquisite dishes that tantalize your taste buds. Each meal is a delightful journey that is sure to leave you asking for more.

So, whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or simply some well-deserved "me" time, Pumla Beach Hotel is the ultimate destination. Make your dreams a reality and be prepared for an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. Book your stay today and let the magic of Pumla Beach Hotel sweep you...

We recently spent 5 nights at Pumula Beach Hotel with our 18 month old daughter and WOW!! Just WOW!! We have been to Pumula multiple times before but this was our first trip with our little one and the experience was incredible! Of course the hotel is lovely with or without having a little one with you, but we really had the full experience with our little one. The hotel is designed for the little people and it is an absolute haven for them! The heated pools are amazing because you can still swim despite less optimal weather. The soft play and ball pit are excellent for the rainy days. The trampolines are great and in such good condition. The little cinema is wonderful and always showing movies. But the huge thing for us this holiday was the outstanding service we received. As I am still breastfeeding, and my daughter is allergic to cows milk, she and I had to be dairy free. This was a huge concern prior to going down and it was a total non-event there!! The staff were so accommodating it is unbelievable! Sam, the head chef deserves a special mention - she went out of her way to make sure we had delicious dairy free options and left little surprises like almond milk crumpets at breakfast and delicious muffins as snacks and sorbet for dessert. Really we felt like royalty and we are so very grateful to the staff for hosting us and we can’t to return next year. Thank you so much PBH! Love,...