Set along the tropical lines of KwaZulu-Natal & nestled amongst great palm and milkwood trees lies the luxurious boutique lodge Teremok Marine, a little hideaway as translated in Russian.
This large Umhlanga homestead was built in 1968 by the Russian immigrant, Kotchka Vladykin who ensured that this building which languishes over six levels was blessed with a timeless façade. The interior offers guests privacy along with nooks & crannies that provide a glimpse into his eccentric nature.
Each suite is a feast for the senses. Boasting unique designs, a layout and feel with small subtleties such as individual scents, mood-music & evening confectionary. This all comes together to create an enchanting atmosphere.
Teremok was originally a three-bedroom house with a study, billiard room, large dining room & a separate dressing room. While little was done to the exterior, the inside was given a complete revamp.
The house is steeped in such a rich history that it was decided to recreate a new space that was still true to the essence of what was designed, built and joyously lived in for so many years. Original doors, sash windows and wooden flooring were left in place or reused elsewhere and the photos found in the stairwell pay tribute to the Vladykin family.
The managers & staff are a hand-picked team whose genuine smiles and hospitality have seen the boutique hotel grow to a luxurious standard.
THE LUXURY SUITES
Each of the eight suites have different names and a different feel, giving each guest a unique experience. Each suite tickles ones senses with individual scents, mood music & evening confectionary.
All suites boast an extra-length bed, handcrafted ceiling fan, air-conditioning & a private balcony. The open plan bathroom has a large rain-dance shower, freestanding bath, double basins & a separate toilet with bidet.
Other inclusions are a home entertainment system with LCD screen & DVD player and guests can choose from a wide range of DVD’s available at the reception area. The rooms also have an iPod docking station as well as complimentary Wi-Fi ADSL internet connection throughout ones stay.
Milkwood suite
Kotchka Vladykin had a love for the beautiful and protected Milkwood trees known to the area. The giant one which stands ever-watchful over the property protectively wraps its branches around the former main bedroom sheltering it from the tropical heat.
Durban view suite
This suite has commanding views all the way to Durban and the Bluff, where the city's whaling station was formerly based. The décor juxtaposes urban and rustic elements with sophisticated and handcrafted objects to capture the essence of Africa.
Vladykin suite
Kotchka Vladykin who was born in Russia, escaped the revolution as a young boy and joined his mother in England. He qualified as a mining surveyor which brought him to South Africa where a fairy-tale of romance saw him elope with Louiza van Zwam, the daughter of a Belgian diamond cutter.
This suite is a tribute to the Russian legacy of the man who built Teremok.
Beethoven suite
Debbie Davidson and her daughters who converted Teremok also own The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway. The first show to grace the stage at the rustic venue in 2001 was Roll Over Beethoven. This quirky space, bathed ingold, is named in honour thereof.
Juliet suite
The Juliet balconies inspired the décor for this ethereal suite and it is easy to imagine the two star-struck lovers taking refuge here. Perched on the top floor there is always a gentle sea breeze whispering through the trees, creating a romantic mood which harks back to a bygone era.
Palm suite
The intrepid explorers of Africa like David Livingston left an indelible legacy and this region is extremely proud of its colonial roots. The colourful Indian immigrants were brought to Durban as labourers and their influence on the city has been enormous. This tropically-inspired suite pays homage to the unique local heritage.
Zodiac suite
The giant Brazilian door which is now found at the reception area is hand-carved with signs of the zodiac and originally stood in this suite as the front door of Teremok. Peek behind the door of the toilet - formerly the guest toilet - to find the zodiac tiles which represented the Vladykin family. This provided sufficient inspiration and whimsy to create a moody space.
Douglas suite
Kotcha's daughter Nadya married Harvey Douglas in 1959 and, while on honeymoon, was asked by her father find a piece of land that would be suitable for a family beach cottage. This contemporary suite, formerly the billiard room, pays tribute to another side of Teremok's rich history.
TEREMOK SPA
The Teremok Spa offers a bespoke experience in a quirky boutique environment.
From the moment one opens the door you are enveloped in the sweet scent of vanilla & are slowly taken in by the interior design & décor elements, making it evident that Teremok Spa is anything but conventional.
Experience a riot of colour & texture which evoke the senses on all levels. The vision was to create an urban apothecary that offered an antidote to daily stress. It purposefully incorporates only two individually themed treatment rooms in order to offer a heartfelt bespoke experience, as well as a relaxation area where guests are encouraged to enjoy a cappuccino and relax before or after their treatment.
The Spa has highly qualified master therapists, and offers a full range of face, body and slimming treatments available using the internationally acclaimed product lines Juliette Armand, Mio, Mama Mio and Thalgo. Facial treatments are supplemented by state-of-the-art, non-invasive anti-aging technology. Naked Cherry is our choice for professional waxing treatments as well as effective take-home solutions. We use South African brands Medi Heel and Medi Hands in treatments and offer their retail solutions.
