First Group Club Hacienda

Self-catering suits divers who would rather decide for themselves when dinner happens. Here, you get an apartment-style base with room for a proper evening in, whether that means cooking, using the barbecue or simply putting your feet up with the television on.

The setting works for couples and families alike, with a swimming pool, outdoor activities and the beach within easy reach. It is a three-star resort with 17 apartments, built more for useful holiday living than for ceremony. In other words, you can spend the day outside and come back to somewhere that lets you carry on at your own pace.

You are in Shelly Beach, on Marine Drive in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The beach is directly accessible and only a stroll away, so getting to the sea does not require a daily expedition. That matters when the kit is still drying and nobody is keen on a long detour before breakfast.

The Shelly Beach shopping centre is right next door, giving you a quick option for supplies or a snack. The property is about 1 km from the town centre, while the airport is 110 km away. The location is particularly practical if you are travelling by car: parking and a garage are available on site.

The accommodation is arranged around apartments rather than standard hotel rooms. That gives you more useful space for a longer stay, particularly if you are travelling as a couple who prefers separate sleeping areas, or with family and wants a little room to spread out. The two- and three-bedroom apartments are the sensible choice when privacy matters more than keeping everyone in one room.

Self-catering facilities vary by category. Several apartments have a kitchen, microwave, dining area and tea-making facilities, while the more fully equipped options also include a fridge and patio. Some have air conditioning and a fan, useful after a warm day outdoors; others offer a private entrance, a safe, television and views. Check the individual apartment details carefully, because bathrooms and in-room facilities are not identical across the categories.

There are private-bathroom options, while some apartments have a shared bathroom. Hairdryers, towels, toiletries, wardrobes and bed linen are provided throughout the accommodation, with Wi-Fi available in selected two- and three-bedroom apartments. The practical point is simple: choose by the facilities you actually need for the night, not just by the number of bedrooms on the door.

This is a self-catering base, so the kitchen matters more than a restaurant list. Selected apartments include kitchen equipment, a microwave, dining space and tea or coffee facilities, allowing you to sort out breakfast before heading out or put together something substantial when you return hungry.

Barbecues are available on site, giving evenings a straightforward South African flavour without turning dinner into a formal occasion. The accommodation also includes room service, although the self-catering layout remains the main idea here. Food arrangements vary with the booking, so check what your chosen rate includes before assuming breakfast is part of the plan.

The swimming pool is the obvious place to cool down, with pool and beach towels available. There is also a sun terrace, garden and outdoor furniture, so you can choose between a quick dip and a slower afternoon with a book. The library is there for the latter, which is a welcome option when your legs have had enough of the day.

For something more active, the property offers adventure golf, giant outdoor chess, mini-golf, bowling, billiards, table tennis, darts and tennis. Barbecue areas, karaoke and a playground add to the mix, while children have a games room and outdoor play area. You can make as much or as little of it as you like; nobody is forcing a post-dive tournament on you.

The beach is close enough for a sea-level change of scenery, and watching the fishing boats head out and come back with their catch adds a distinctly local detail to the day. Families have access to babysitting and childcare services, along with children's television programming.

The property is well suited to travellers with a car, with on-site parking and a garage. Reception operates around the clock, and express as well as private check-in and check-out services are available. Check-out is at 09:00, so plan the final morning accordingly rather than discovering it while making tea.

Wi-Fi and internet access are available at the property. Air conditioning is available, and selected apartments also have fans, safes, hairdryers, irons and ironing facilities. Laundry and ironing services are available, with some service entries carrying an additional charge. The building has no lifts, a detail worth bearing in mind when choosing an apartment if stairs are inconvenient.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The accommodation is non-smoking, and pets, including assistance animals, are not accepted. With the airport 110 km away and Shelly Beach shopping centre next door, a hire car makes the surrounding logistics fairly uncomplicated.