KwaZulu-Natal | Maye Khuluse shares his hot tips

Maye Khuluse spent several years working at Disney World, and his easy charm tells of a natural affinity for guest relations.

“I love what Fairmont  stands for,” he says. “My job involves a race for guest satisfaction and it’s a chance to really change lives.”

Where is the party? Florida Road! It has the best variety for guests, but I always arrange transport and check that they arrived back safely.

Best secret eatery loved by locals: True to its name, Eat Local in downtown Ballito is relatively new and has great prices. I also send guests to The Waterberry for the cakes.  

An outdoor activity that’s worth doing? Aside from surfing, of course. Going to Clubventure in Ballito – it has foofy slides, ziplines (which I’ve been on!), offroad gokarts in which you can feel every bump, and paintball.  

The best art in town? I must say, definitely the art we have in the hotel. It’s by Tay Dall. She came and spoke to us about the works and gave meaning to each and every one.

Best place to hear local music acts: Cool Runnings in central Durban always has live performances from local musicians and poets. It’s very rustic – a great place.

A new, high-end restaurant you have to eat at? Definitely La Vue floating restaurant – it’s a private yacht decked out all in white and it’s very upmarket. 

What festivals or celebrations shouldn’t we miss? The Durban July is a great fashion frenzy, and then the cultural reed dance for King Zwelithini, which takes place in August or September.  

A market you should visit? Victoria Market in Durban’s city centre – it’s where we buy all the traditional Zulu clothing we need for our staff and it’s well priced, representing crafts and clothing from all over Africa.  

A great spot for a business meeting? The Durban International Convention Centre is the best place to go.  

Where’s the best local spa? Aside from our Willow Stream spa, the best place to go for a cultural experience is Mangwanani – the original African spa.

You can’t come to Durban without? Visiting the Golden Mile on Durban’s beachfront. It’s amazing! And it’s so beautiful how the work on it continues as it becomes increasingly used by the city. You should also try the coffee tasting and beer route offered in Ballito. The Shakaland game drive is great, and you should definitely bungee from Moses Mabhida stadium.  

Fairmont Estate, Ballito. 032 538 5000. fairmont.com/zimbali

August 2015