FIRST GROUP COSTA SMERALDA - Margate Hotels

Costa Smeralda offers self-catering apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge featuring a TV with satellite channels and a DVD player. Each unit includes a fan, ironing facilities, free toiletries, and a hair dryer. Some apartments have sea views, especially units in the front block, and all have a patio with a built-in braai (barbecue). Note that rooms are not all the same-some are older and in need of renovation, so request recent photos before booking.

There is no on-site restaurant, but each apartment has a full kitchen for preparing your own meals. The patio with a built-in braai is ideal for outdoor cooking. For eating out, the main Margate beach area, about a 10-minute walk away, has several restaurants. Breakfast is not served, so plan to stock up on groceries for your stay.

The resort features an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. It also has a children's playground with a trampoline, giant outdoor chess, and a jungle gym. For activities, you can go fishing or play table tennis on site. Golfing is available nearby, and you can rent bicycles from the resort. The beachfront location is perfect for walks along the promenade to the fishing pier and main beach.

Costa Smeralda is located right on the beach in Margate, South Africa, about 9 km from Shelly Beach and 25 km from Port Edward. The main Margate beach and restaurants are within walking distance along the sea front. There is free private parking on site, and you can also hire a car or use the shuttle service for getting around. The nearest airport is Margate Airport, about 10 minutes by car.

The resort provides daily housekeeping, laundry services, and room service. For families, there are baby safety gates, babysitting/child services, a children's playground, and kids' outdoor play equipment. The staff can arrange babysitting and child care. Other services include express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, bicycle rental, car hire, and a shuttle service. The front desk is helpful, but note that free Wi-Fi only works near the reception and pool area, not in the apartments.