This December, Southern Sun and Durban Tourism are joining forces for the SunBreaks Summer Campaign, inviting travellers to rediscover the city under the theme, Visit Durban: Endless Waves of Tranquillity.
Durban has always been known for its beaches, but this summer the city is showing off a whole new side. Think surf culture meets township flavour, mixed with a rising cosmopolitan energy.
“Durban is having a comeback moment,” says Samantha Croft, Southern Sun’s Operations Director for KwaZulu-Natal. “It’s no longer just a place to relax; it’s a city to experience.”
And the SunBreaks offer makes that experience even sweeter. Guests booking stays between 1 December 2025 and 11 January 2026 can grab big savings. Plus, every booking enters you into a draw to win a dream escape to Paradise Sun in the Seychelles, thanks to Southern Sun’s partnership with Savanna.
But the city itself is also stepping up the festive energy. Durban Tourism has packed the holiday calendar with the City Street Carnival, Christmas lights, NYE fireworks, live concerts, food festivals, and major sporting events.
Add in more daily flights, refreshed hotels, and new attractions, and Durban is reclaiming its crown as South Africa’s summer capital.
Billion-Rand Hotel Upgrades on Golden Mile
Beyond the festivities, an even bigger transformation is underway. Durban’s iconic Elangeni and Maharani Towers on the Golden Mile are about to get a R1-billion overhaul through a new 50-year lease between eThekwini Municipality and Southern Sun.
The upgrade includes refreshed rooms, new restaurants, rooftop experiences, and sustainable features like solar and water-saving tech.
There’s even R5-million earmarked for reviving the beloved Sunken Gardens across the road.
City leadership sees this investment as a catalyst for Durban’s long-term revival, and travellers are already responding: since launching their summer sale, 70% of Southern Sun’s new bookings are for Durban.
Whether you’re planning a beachfront escape, a cultural adventure, or a laid-back coastal break, one thing’s clear: this summer, all roads lead to Durban.
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