FAQ

For the most popular questions and answers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right apartment

Which option is right for you?

When planning a beachfront getaway, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect accommodation.

Read more in our latest blog where we explain in detail the advantages of each apartment.

Are there sea views?

Both apartments have full sea views

Yes absolutely, these stunning apartments are right on the beachfront!! This is as close as you get to the beach without getting sand on your toes.

Skiathos has elevated breaker views. 

Martinique has both pool and sea views. 

Both complexes are on the beach side of the road.

Best places to spot dolphins and whales swimming by.

Is there a BBQ ?

All apartments have Weber gas braai (BBQ)

South Africans are known for the Braai (BBQ) which is a focal point for entertaining. All apartments have Weber gas braai. Charcoal Braai available on request.

Is there Airconditioning?

Yes there is!

SKIATHOS

Has ducted Aircon throughout plus fans in each bedroom 

MARTINQUE 

Has Aircon in the lounge and main bedroom. Ceiling fans in all bedrooms and the lounge.

Is there a swimming pool ?

Yes there is

Guests have access to a swimming pool within both complexes. There is a gate to the pool but it is not locked.  Please be sure to supervise young children.

 

Is the apartment family friendly?

Kiddies table & chairs, high chair and camp cot

Yes, children are welcome.
14 Skiathos has a special kiddies table & chairs for them to eat or draw at.  Also coloring-in books and games.

Optional camp cot and high chair - please book in advance

What is the beach like at Martinique?

Martinique complex goes to the water edge, however on to rock. Thompson’s bay beach is a short walk away. This a popular beach has a very large rock pool (Olympic size), sheltered beach from windy days and “hole in the walk” to explore.

A sandy swimming “Blue Flag” beach with lifeguards on duty.

What is the beach like at Skiathos?

Shakas Rock beach is home to a very special tidal pool, teeming with life, including parrot fish and incredible soft corals. Your children will be delighted to see the treasures this pool has to offer. Lovely sandy beach for long walks too.

A short stroll to Salt Rock swimming beach, where the lifeguards are on duty.

Does the apartment have WIFI, DSTV and NETFLIX?

Yes, there is Wifi, DSTV, NETFLIX  at all apartments.

Skiathos apartments have fibre of 20/20 mbps uncapped

Martinique has fibre of 20/20 mbps uncapped.

Do you recycle?

Yes we do, and hope you do so too.

Yes we do at both Skiathos Apartments.

However we are putting in measures to become more eco friendly and have implemented recycling as well as green cleaning products. We also source “local” wherever possible.

We are fully committed to improving our environment and reducing our carbon footprint. 

Recycling of waste

Place all plastic, paper, glass and tin in the clear bin bag ( please rinse items beforehand) all other waste to be placed in the black bin bags. 

Is the apartment secure?

Yes they are.

All apartments are situated in secure complexes with CCTV and evening guarding.

What time can we check-in and check-out?

Check-in time is from 15h00 - 20h00 (later time can be arranged in advance)

Check-out strictly by 10h00

Where do we collect the keys from?

Self check-in with lock box on the premises

No driving around to collect keys.

Keys are kept in a combination safe at the entrance to both apartment. You will be sent the code via Whatsapp prior to your arrival.

 

Ballito Beaches Are All Open

Yes the beaches are safe to swim

All the Ballito Beaches are OPEN and have not closed. Independent testing are done weekly.
See @
Ballito UIP - Urban Improvement Precinct for weekly results

So...
Bring your Friends
Bring your Families

and come and enjoy all that Ballito has to offer this Festive Season🏖️🎄

#iloveballito
#holiday
#holidayaccomodation
#Ballilto

What's the weather like? Is the water warm?

Climate: KwaZulu-Natal and the Dolphin Coast in particular enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most part of the year. Summer (Nov - Feb) temperatures are hot, from 24 - 30 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures average at 20 degrees Celsius. Sea temperatures vary from 25 degrees in summer to 18 degrees in winter. The average rainfall for the year is in the order of 900mm. The average minimum and maximum temperatures and rainfall figures for this area are as follows:

 

Do you provide bath and beach towels? Is there a hairdryer?

Yes we provide both bath and beach towels.  There is also an umbrella available to our guests.

Hairdryer available in main rooms.

What else do you provide?

A welcome gift

Complementary WiFi  
Beach and bath towels 
Beach umbrella available to our guests
Coffee, tea and sugar is provided as well as salt & pepper

Dishwasher tabs, hand soap, shampoo, toilet paper.

 

Is the apartment serviced?

Yes the apartments are serviced every second day for a stay of 3 nights or longer. No service on a Sunday or Public holiday.

Cleaning will be between 9h00 - 12h00 or 12h30 -15h30, every alternate day by prior arrangement. Should you not require this service, please notify me at least 24hrs beforehand.

Additional extras such as washing and ironing requires prior notification 

How do we get around?

Uber, shuttle or scooter

You are within walking distance to "Salt" Cafe, which serves breakfasts, coffees and pizzas and "2 on Main" for delicious dinners and cocktails.
There is also a Bottlestore and a Superette close by selling basic essentials like milk, bread etc.
There is a new Woolworths that has opened at Mt Richmore Estates called Salt Rock Center, which is only 3km away.

Uber is available in the area to get you where you want to go.

"Go Ballito" is a shuttle service from and to the airport (see their website)

Scooter’s can also be hired

What restaurants are there?

See our Guidebook for more details: Beachfront Insiders Guide

Here is a short summary of some off our favorites:
1. Sage – Salt rock (breakfasts and light lunches) – great for kids – activities. Some decor shops included
2. Litchi Orchard – Salt rock (breakfasts and light lunches) – nursery and monthly markets as well.
3. Peron Peron - Argentinian Grill - fantastic steaks - newly opened at Lifestyle Ballito Mall
4. Mozambik – Ballito old village - lovely Portuguese piri piri chicken and seafood
5. Ocean Basket Ballito - newly opened on the beach with lovely decor and delicious seafood
6. Jack Salmon- Tiffany Center - delicious sushi and contemporary meals
7. Ziggie’s - Salt Rock - German cuisine. Has the best eisbein and craft beers
8. The Market - street style food and excellent cuisine -live music for great atmosphere
9. Salsa Mexican - Lifestyle Ballito - mexican grill
10. Salt Rock Hotel - buffets and curries
11. “Eat some more" takeaway curry – in the old Spar centre in Ballito village (highly recommended “real Durban curry”, try the biryani special on Fridays - ready at noon)

Is smoking allowed?

No, not within the apartment.  You may smoke on the veranda - please make use of the ashtray provided and watch for smoke blowing back into the apartment.

There is an additional cleaning fee should smoke be detected inside the apartment.

What's the neighborhood like?

We love the Dolphin Coast for its vibe, conveniences and beautiful beaches.  The area has so much to offer and the apartment is uniquely situated between Shakas Rock and Salt Rock.  Close enough to Ballito but still having its own amenities.

Is there parking available?

Yes.  Skiathos has under cover parking for one car and one open parking bay.

Martinique has one reserved parking bay for each apartment.

There is control access to both complexes

What to do on rainy days?

Guide book

There are loads of options to choose from, should you wish to do some exploring.

We have an app with all the info you will need. This will be shared with you once your booking has been made or request via 0823984178

Do you provide food?

Self-catering apartments

Our apartments are self-catering, however food can be ordered in or groceries delivered.  There is also a fabulous private chef that will cook at the apartment for a special occasion or you could purchase ready made meals 

 

What’s the price?

As Shakas Rock is a holiday destination, we have a range of prices depending on what season it is when you book.

Booking direct guarantees you the best price, however you can also book through Airbnb or Booking.com but expect to pay additional fee of between 12% - 18% more.

Please see our Book now tab for the best prices 

Is there a Cancellation Fee?

Fee

Yes we do charge an admin fee of R1000 for modifications or cancellations.