Meet Your Host

Your Go-To for Beachfront Apartments on the KZN North Coast

I'm Mel Kriel, and I've been hosting guests on the KZN North Coast since 2017. What started with two of our own properties has grown into a portfolio of 14 handpicked beachfront apartments across four secure complexes in Shakas Rock and Ballito; Skiathos, Chakas Terrace, Martinique and Santorini Estate.

I care deeply about the details; the right linen, a clean kitchen, a Nespresso machine with pods, towels that are actually soft. I also care about sustainability. I live with my husband on our farm in the KZN Midlands, and that connection to the land informs how I manage my properties, thoughtfully, with as little waste as possible.

My team includes Emma, our guest liaison, who is your first point of contact from the moment you enquire, and Shereen who manages our housekeepers on the ground. Between us, every apartment is ready to the same standard whether you're arriving on a Monday or a public holiday.

Not sure which apartment is right for you?

Message us directly on WhatsApp and we will point you to the best fit for your group, dates and budget. That's a service no booking platform can offer and it costs nothing.

📲 WhatsApp | 🔗 Browse all apartments | 💼 LinkedIn Profile

Property Management Services

If you own a beachfront apartment on the North Coast and are looking for a property manager who actually cares, I'd love to talk. I currently manage 14 properties, 2 that we own and 12 for owners who trust me to treat their apartments the way I treat my own, with attention, transparency and consistent results.


Here's what one of my owners, Debbie Kilian, shared after four years working together: "Mel has consistently delivered outstanding skills in marketing, reservation management, policy and procedure logistics, and staff management, resulting in satisfied guests and repeat bookings." Martinique Complex


And from Justen Osborne, three years in: "Everything is always immaculately clean and well presented prior to guests arriving. Melanie is very pleasant to deal with and is passionate about offering a tremendous service." Skiathos Complex

Not sure which apartment is right for you?

Message me directly on WhatsApp and I'll point you to the best fit for your group, dates and budget. That's a service no booking platform can offer — and it costs nothing.
📲 WhatsApp Mel | 🔗 Browse all apartments | 💼 LinkedIn Profile

Mentorship & Awesome Host Network

One of the things I'm most proud of has nothing to do with bookings. When my own apartments were full and I had to turn a guest away, it didn't sit right with me. So instead of saying no, I started referring guests to other hosts I trusted, people I knew would look after them the way I would.
That's how the Awesome Host Referral Network was born.


Today it's a growing community of short-term rental hosts who refer guests to each other, share knowledge, and support one another in building better businesses. My purpose is simple: to give fellow hosts the tools and confidence to list on multiple platforms, grow their direct bookings, and stop being so dependent on the big OTAs.

If you're a short-term rental host — whether you're just starting out or already established — and you'd like to be part of a network of trusted, like-minded hosts, I'd love to connect.
📲 Join the Awesome Host Network | 💼 Connect with Mel on LinkedIn

 

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