Teremok Lodge

08/09/2026

This morning, Simphiwe and Ninette walked around our gardens with guests who showed a particular in the indigenous plants.

Amongst those that captivated them were a flowering Tall Natal form of Scadoxus puniceus - common names Paint Brush (English), Poeierkwas (Afrikaans) & Umphompho (Zulu).

It bears a large inflorescence of red, powder-puff-like flowers on a long stem from July to October. The bright-red berries are a beautiful feature of this plant and are much sought after by birds - Sunbirds and Weavers are known to feed on the nectar. The bulb is also extensively used as a medicinal plant.

The guests commented on how well maintained the gardens are, and how much love and care has clearly gone into them. For this we thank our team of Groundsmen who work tirelessly under Debbie’s guidance to maintain such well cared for gardens year-round.

07/09/2026

Teremok’s public areas are filled with unexpected surprises that invite guests to linger and explore.

The eclectic décor and design makes you feel inherently at home with its understated luxury, while the various areas allow you to find a space in which to relax, contemplate or soak up the view.

Our two Coffee Stations give you the choice of complimentary hot drinks or, if you’d prefer, your tipple of choice is available from our well-stocked Honesty Bar. We also have an expansive library of books to peruse, and a selection of games if you’re feeling a tad more competitive.

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

Ninette, where do we start, but to say Thank You, Dankie, Siyabonga for choosing Teremok as your home (away from home) for the last 20 years! We so appreciate who you are, and what you have given of your time, energy, effort and yourself in your two decades with us. You have ridden the storm with us - there’s been fun & frustration, successes & set-backs , passion & panic along the way, but we’ve certainly created a lifetime of memories with you as an honourary part of our family.

Today we honour you, the work you do, your passion for and pride in Teremok, as well as the hospitality industry and our Rainbow Nation. You are one of the true blessings at Teremok - not only to us as owners, but for every guest that you’ve encountered over the last 20 years, helping make their stay a definitive experience. With love and gratitude... Debbie, Tracy & Kim

24/08/2026

Teremok’s original staircase, with parquet and wooden flooring and pendant lights, allows guests to explore all six levels which provide privacy for each of the eight suites.

23/08/2026

It is fate that brought us to Teremok, an expansive Umhlanga holiday home turned boutique lodge and spa. Over four decades, it had overflowed with three generations of the Vladykin family which began in pre-revolution Russia, included a lifelong fairy tale romance and, finally, came to rest with us – a mother and two daughters.

But it was serendipity, that marvelously unpredictable force, that allowed us to weave our own tale. Flippantly dubbed the Trilogy, we delighted in taking on the title as we are indeed three related but different creative works.

Our vision was to create a character-infused boutique lodge which met with all of our expectations of what we wanted when travelling. Teremok translates from Russian as “little hideaway” and this is integral to the brand’s ethos. The result is the ultimate urban cocoon that goes back to basics, offering an oasis of serenity in a caring and nurturing environment stripped of all window dressing. We implemented their belief that what were previously considered luxuries are now modern-day necessities.

The three things we identified as areas of focus when originally opening Teremok were attention to detail, to create a home away from home, and to offer service excellence. These still remain core features in our vision.

It was never our intention to offer anything over-the-top as this is not their style. Everything that guests want is here in an understated yet pre-emptive way. Teremok aspires to offer “the definitive experience” and the lodge has successfully gathered a group of evangelists rather than guests.

A women-strong management and ownership team with a service-driven, hands-on philosophy, ensures an organisation that is full of passion and drive to be the best. This inspiration is a unique and often elusive characteristic that separates the ordinary from the truly extraordinary.

17/08/2026

Certainly no need to head to the Cape to spot whales while in South Africa!
🐋🌊🇿🇦

13/08/2026

The ever-popular Durban View suite is named after the Durban View Hotel that stood just down the road from Teremok (at the bottom of the road and next to the park that still bear the same name) and enjoyed patronage by visitors and locals alike in its heyday of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Teremok’s Durban View suite also boasts commanding views all the way to Durban and the Bluff, where the city’s whaling station was formerly based. After many years absence, the whales have returned to frequent the coastline in season, and playful dolphins can often be spotted riding the waves. The room plays on the contrast of the blue ocean with our African heritage.

09/08/2026

“When women support each other, incredible things happen.” - Cher

03/08/2026

When Teremok was purchased as a three-bedroom family home in 2002, the house still featured a working service bell. This was located in the kitchen to notify staff that service was required, and included a window for the “Owner’s Stoep” and had a bell button at the foot of the head of the dining table to be pressed discreetly during dinner parties for service. Although it no longer works, the service bell now hangs as a relic of a more opulent era in the Reception. Management and staff do, however, still respond to the brass bell on the Reception desk. Part of Teremok’s hedonistic history that had been done away with when the property was purchase and converted, also included a dumb-waiter that ran through the six levels and three storeys of the house.