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8.5

201 reviews

Areena Riverside Resort

Areena Riverside Resort

Corner Schafli Road And Glen Garriff Turn Off, East Coast Resorts, Kwelera, Carleen, 5259, South Africa

Choose dates to view prices

Spa/Wellness packages

Free parking

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Tennis court

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Private entrance

Areena Riverside Resort

Areena Riverside Resort is a 4-star retreat in East London, South Africa. Approximately 12.6mi from the city center, it sits at Corner Schafli Road And Glen Garriff Turn Off, East Coast Resorts, Kwelera. The resort offers river, lake, and garden views and has 201 reviews.

Amenities include spa/wellness packages, a restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool (free), along with a tennis court (free) and a bar. Parking on site is free, with pet-friendly options available for an extra charge. Wifi and meeting/banquet facilities carry extra charges; there are private entrances, terraces and balconies, and views of the lake, river or garden. Kitchen facilities (kitchen, kitchenware, kitchenette) and non-smoking rooms are available, plus beach umbrellas and beach chairs (free), a playground, a kid-friendly buffet, and kids’ meals (extra charges). Additional features include a garden, bathtub, free toiletries, barbecue, and a range of other conveniences.

Located in the East Coast Resorts area near Kwelera, the property is listed with the address above and sits about 12.6mi from the city center. This listing includes 201 reviews, highlighting a diverse set of on-site amenities and river- and garden-view settings.

Areena Riverside Resort sits about 12.6mi from the East London city center, a 4-star retreat with river, lake and garden views. The on-site lineup blends relaxation and activity: spa/wellness packages, Areena Quays Restaurant, and an outdoor pool (free) along with a free tennis court and a bar. Parking on site is free, and pet-friendly options are available for an extra charge. Private entrances, terraces and balconies frame views of the lake, river or garden, and a shallow-end pool adds a splash-friendly touch for all ages.

For families, there are kid-friendly touches like a playground, a kid-friendly buffet, and kids’ meals (extra charges). Beach umbrellas and beach chairs are free to borrow, and a barbecue area invites outdoor meals. Areena Quays Restaurant offers a family-friendly vibe for meals, while the bar is handy for a sunset drink. Wifi and meeting/banquet facilities carry extra charges.

Non-smoking rooms and kitchen facilities (kitchen, kitchenware, kitchenette) are available, along with comforting touches such as a bathtub and free toiletries. On-site parking remains free, and pet-friendly options can be arranged for an extra charge. Accepted payment methods include cash, Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. Room options include Standard Room; Room, Single Use; Chalet, 2 Twin, 2 Bedroom, River View; Chalet, 2 Bedroom, River View; and Apartment 2 Room, offering varied layouts for different groups.

Closest airports

East London Airport

17.2mi

Most popular amenities

Spa/Wellness packages

Free parking

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Tennis court

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Garden view

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

River view

Playground

Garden

Balcony

Free toiletries

Barbecue

Bathtub

Rooms

Two-Bedroom Chalet with River View in Areena Riverside Resort

Show 8 photos

Chalet, 2 Twin Beds, 2 Bedroom, River View

2 Twin Beds

1 Queen Size Bed

805 sqft

Lake view

River view

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

x4

+

More details

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Standard Room

1 Double Bed

Kitchenette

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

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Standard Double Room - single occupancy in Areena Riverside Resort

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Room, Single Use

2 Twin Beds

1 King Size Bed

485 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

More details

Show 8 photos

Chalet, 2 Bedroom, River View

Kitchen

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Apartment 2 Room

More details

Traditional Bungalow

More details

Cottage, 2 Bedroom

More details

Guest reviews

8.5

201 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

Featured reviews:

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Tyrinda

10

January 2025

This is hands down one of the best places I have ever stayed at in my life! I cannot wait to go back. There is so much to do, not only within the resort, but in the area as a whole. We were blown away by the great service, the prices, the food at the restaurant was fantastic, top notch! Everything was really great, but best of all was meeting ABBY the gentle giant giraffe!! and hand feeding the sable. It was a real slice of heaven on earth!

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Sibahle

10

June 2025

The Location was amazing, firstly or room was upgraded yo the one by the river and I must say that was therapeutic. The room was big and comfortable. The food was great we enjoyed the buffet and when we got there out table are we reserved it was ready❤️. Most of all the place at large was beautiful. We enjoyed our activity also out instructor was friendly.

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Kircher

9.1

January 2025

Beautiful, big room, with balcony to sit outside and read or listen to the birds. Beautiful surroundings and very peaceful. Braai facilities close to rooms were great. We had a very enjoyable evening stay over. The rooms are incredibly comfortable with all you need. Self catering facilities make it even better. I hope to pass that way again one day and stay again.

Peacocks make an awful noise 24 hours a day.

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Ruvimbo

9.1

March 2024

Beautiful wooden cabin, located at river edge. Very quiet location (traveled off season) ideal place to disconnect from all else and connect with self, nature and family. Variety of outdoor activities available, some at an additional cost. Particularly loved the quad bike trail and kids loved the canoeing.

Our cabin did not have air conditioning, relied on ceiling fans in the bedrooms. Hot weather great for outdoor activities during the day, but made rooms rather uncomfortable, at night.

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Sheryl

9.1

February 2025

Wonderful place to stay, lots of animals. The giraffe interaction was amazing! The staff are all super friendly and helpful. Loads of activities to do and a lovely clean swimming pool to cool off in. Ended up booking an extra night...

Rooms are really hot, even with the ceiling fan going. Spent most of our time on the patio.

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Karel

10

December 2023

The Room was in prestigious condition as well as the Beautiful furniture... Our view from our bedroom just trancened peace... We especially Enjoyed the Areena Quays Restaurant, THEIR 4 MEATS Pizza is out of this world, the best Pizza I've ever eaten. Their service is promt and effortlessly Kind. THANK you for a wonderful Stay!! We will definitely be back with The kids in tow next time!

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Charmelle

10

February 2023

I loved the tranquility, no noisy boats passing by, no loud music. I loved the fact that there's a restaurant on site making the most delicious food. I didn't ask, but I think the food must be organic. It just had a different taste to it. I loved seeing the owners' beautiful, big, and well-behaved dogs. They're a sight for sore eyes. Charmaine, at reception, just made us feel welcome from the get-go. The owner's life story about his humble beginnings just blew our minds away. He is such an encouragement and motivator. We pray blessings upon all his future endeavors.

There's absolutely nothing we didn't like. Our experience was absolutely amazing.

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Yanda

8.2

February 2025

The staff were l friendly and helpful. The location perfexf t. We also thoughlly enjoyed the outdoor activities in the park and seeing all the aninals and the view.

The shower/ bathroim and cleanibg arrangements. Rooms should be refreshed every day

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Mancane

8.2

April 2024

The place provides a very relaxing encironment and not too far from EL but completely different experience

The idea about being expected to clean up by yourself in a holiday establishment is a serious turn-off

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Sonia

10

October 2024

Quiet and peace. The wildlife. Comfortable beds, soft towels. Friendly receptionists. Kitchen had everything we needed including large fridge.

A large person wouldn't fit into the shower: it was tight for me, and I am medium height and build.

Points of Interest Around Areena Riverside Resort

Airports

East London Airport

17.2mi

Restaurants

Areena Quays Restaurant

Cuisines

  • 0

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Shallow end

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Areena Riverside Resort

Spa/Wellness packages

Free parking

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Tennis court

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Garden view

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

River view

Playground

Garden

Balcony

Free toiletries

Barbecue

Bathtub

Stay rules - Areena Riverside Resort

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property