Margate Sands is an award-winning family self-catering resort located at 10 William O’Connor Drive, Margate, directly across the road from Margate Main Beach – one of the most popular swimming beaches on the KZN South Coast. Operated by First Group, the resort combines 63 fully air-conditioned apartments with an activity-rich resort environment designed for family holidays.

From morning beach walks to afternoons at the resort pools, the adventure golf course or the Fred First Kids Club Margate Sands offers families the freedom of apartment living with activities designed to keep every age group entertained throughout their stay.

Pool terrace with blue pool, striped umbrella, sun loungers on brick deck and lawn, palm trees and seaside promenade.
Outdoor family area with mini-golf green framed by natural stone, children's playground, palm trees and hotel balconies.
Modern beachfront Margate Sands with balconies and round porthole windows, palm trees, glass-railed pool terrace with umbrellas and loungers.

Margate Sands has become one of the most popular family resorts near Margate Main Beach, combining direct beach access with onsite activities that keep children engaged throughout their stay.

With a 92% recommendation rate across more than 1,730 guest reviews, Margate Sands is consistently recognised as one of the most popular family resorts near Margate Main Beach. Guests regularly highlight the adventure golf, Fred First Kids Club, beach access and spacious apartments as the defining features of the Margate Sands experience.

Margate Sands consists of 63 fully air-conditioned 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments in a 9-floor high-rise building at 10 William O'Connor Drive, Margate, with Indian Ocean views across to Margate Main Beach.

Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living areas, a sleeper couch in the lounge and private bedrooms – accommodating up to 8 guests comfortably. This makes Margate Sands an ideal choice for larger families, multi-generational group and extended South Coast holidays.

Margate Sands combines 63 air-conditioned self-catering apartments with beach access and award-winning family resort activities directly across from Margate Main Beach on the KZN South Coast. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a group holiday or a small conference, Margate Sands is 134km from Durban and ready to make it memorable. Check availability and book your Margate Sands apartment today - First Loyalty members save up to 20% on direct bookings.

Margate Sands has become one of the most popular family resorts near Margate Main Beach, combining direct beach access with onsite activities that keep children engaged throughout their stay.

01 Self-Catering Apartments 63 air-conditioned apartments directly across from Margate Main Beach

02 Family Swimming Pools Relaxed leisure areas designed for all ages

03 Adventure Golf Course A resort highlight for all ages

04 Games Rooms Pool table, table tennis, darts and PlayStations

05 Kids Playground & Trampoline Areas Outdoor fun spaces for younger guests

06 Fred First Kids Club Supervised entertainment for younger guests

07 Wellness Spa Soothing treatments and relaxation for adults

08 Braai Facilities Ideal for relaxed outdoor family meals

09 Speciality Shop & Bicycle Hire Convenience and activities available onsite

10 Conference & Function Facilities Ideal for groups and events (capacity 50)

11 First Loyalty Programme Save up to 20% when booking direct with First Group

Margate Sands offers accommodation in fully-equipped, spacious apartments with all the amenities you need to ensure a memorable holiday. All apartments are air-conditioned, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 6 guests.

Bright beachfront room with floral pillows, king bed and towel swan, desk, seating and balcony overlooking palm-fringed ocean.

Margate Sands is a KwaZulu-Natal South Coast family resort, offering outstanding value with affordable accommodation with all the amenities you need for a memorable stay. The facilities at Margate Sands include Wi-Fi, daily entertainment, a swimming pool, and so much more.

Margate Sands pool with swim-up bar under striped gazebo, palm-lined oceanfront terrace, sun loungers and outdoor dining area.

Margate Sands offers guests a range of onsite activities, as well as endless opportunities to explore the local area. Spend a day at the beach or opt to beat the heat at our poolside cocktail bar. Take the kids to the nearby Mac Banana – a unique entertainment destination, or take them to Crocworld – the largest reptile park in KZN.

Giant outdoor chessboard with oversized black and white pieces on a lawn, shaded benches, palm trees and hotel facade at Margate Sands.

Margate Sands can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests in the conference room onsite, ideal for intimate weddings on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Our experienced event specialists will see to your every detail, from catering and venue décor, to entertainment, photography and accommodation for your guests.

Elegant banquet room set for a wedding reception with draped white ceiling, white chair covers tied with orange sashes and candelabra.

Ballito offers more than just beach days. From family attractions and snorkelling spots to golf courses and shopping hubs, La Montagne’s central Dolphin Coast location keeps the area’s most popular activities within easy reach while maintaining direct beachfront convenience. Use La Montagne Ballito as a base to explore experiences across Ballito, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and uMhlanga.

01 Adventure Valley 28 mins away (20,8 km) from La Montagne Ballito Area, Clubventure 1369 Hopewell Farm, Esenembe Road 082 414 2448

02 Comefly Microlights 18 mins away (18,8 km) from La Montagne Ballito Adjacent Shell Ultra City N2 Northbound Mvoti, Groutville, KwaDukuza 084 266 3359

03 Crocodile Creek 29 mins away (16,2 km) from La Montagne Ballito 77 Road D809 Greylands Ethekwini, oThongathi 032 940 4444

04 Flag Animal Farm 20 mins away (11,7 km) from La Montagne Ballito Sheffield Beach Rd, Durban 032 947 2018

05 Umhlali Country Club 11 mins away (4,9 km) from La Montagne Ballito 1 Compensation Beach Rd, Umhlali, Ballito 032 947 1181

06 Ballito Junction Regional Mall 6 mins away (2,4 km) from La Montagne Ballito Leonora Dr, Ballito 032 586 1130

Don’t just visit Ballito for the day—stay directly on the beachfront. With ocean-view apartments, spa facilities, pools and family entertainment onsite, La Montagne Ballito transforms a coastal outing into a complete Dolphin Coast holiday base.

Book your beachfront stay at La Montagne Ballito and explore Ballito, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and uMhlanga from one of the most established resort locations on the Dolphin Coast.

I recently visited Margate for the first time and stayed Margate Sands accommodation, and had a great experience staff were friendly and helpful not forgetting the service rendered by staff, rooms always clean and comfortable felt at home. I can visit sands again, it is kids- friendly and have a nice view.

Mapula Mologadi

2025/10/09, Google

I've been to Margate Sands about 8 times now, I love the resort as the views are spectacular, the staff is very friendly and we've become like family now, we visited the resort last weekend for my grandson's birthday, and, oh my, what an awesome weekend, I invited the staff to join us for his birthday braai, they braaied the meat for us and we had a ball. Thanks again ...will definitely go back there again..

Glynnis Hartze

2025/09/17, Google

Very beautiful resort Very safe and accommodation is first class. Room service and housekeeping is excellent. Staff is friendly and our housekeeper did an excellent job in maintaining neatness. Will definitely visit again. Keep up the good work and god bless

Moagi Max Moiloanyane

2025/08/21, Google

Margate sands is the perfect location for holiday, fit for both family and couples for a romantic time together.They have friendly staff and a great general management. Thank you for the wonderful time.

Shumirayi Gomo

2025/08/17, Google

Margate Sands is situated 1.5 hours (134kms) from Durban and a mere 30 min (35,1 km) from the Wild Coast.