Coral Cove, a first-of-its-kind senior living estate in KZN, is nestled within the tranquil Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on Sheffield Beach.
This extraordinary community will offer older adults a luxurious, retirement experience with access to stunning beaches and exclusive amenities.
With our extensive wellness programme and dream outdoor and social lifestyle among like-minded individuals, Coral Cove combines natural beauty and tranquility, making it the ideal place to discover the dream lifestyle you deserve, every single day.
Penny Rey Coelen
From the Estate Manager
Dear Residents,
What’s Happening @Dunkirk
Welcome back from the holidays.
Whether you stayed home to enjoy it or went away for a break, I hope good times were had and some wonderful memories made.
The Clubhouses were exceptionally busy with everyone making the most of the conditions and a definite increase in our pool-goers, sea swimmers and surfers.
We’ve had some fantastic warm weather and lovely lazy beach days, with the sea clarity being the best it has been in 30 years, or so I’m told.
Our new Board has hit the ground running, and it has been a busy start to the year with security upgrades, marketing research and some potential amendments to our Town Planning Scheme. We will
hold a Special General Meeting in the next month or two to provide residents with more information and an opportunity to vote on whether to proceed with this application. More info will be sent out once a date has been set.
Our wildlife talks began in February... and will be held on the last Wednesday of the month, every second month. We are trying out a new format with a fee for the talk (the fundraising portion), and then dinner and drinks separately, should you wish to stay on. More info on that further down, so read on…
We are raising funds for a tracker for our crowned eagles, which, when combined with the data from the Zimbali pair, will make a huge contribution to the research on these beautiful and endangered birds. The calendar of Dunkirk events for the year has been set, so keep an eye out and save those dates!
Lots to look forward to, so until next time…
Estate Manager
PHOTO HAMMER 360°
Clubhouse Manager’s Newsletter
If we have not said it yet, “Happy New Year!” Wishing you all a blessed and successful year ahead.
A few exciting projects and upgrades are in the pipeline. We are considering expanding our gym by giving it a thoughtful makeover to create more space and improve the flow for everyone.
Since the upgrade, it has become increasingly popular, and the extra space would make a big difference. We may open the boxing room and adjacent office, incorporating the walkway, and only one or two new pieces of equipment, creating better flow and more space in the gym.
This is, however, only in the planning stages, and we would still have to do architect and engineer drawings, costings and budgeting, so it is likely to happen in the second half of the year, and in the new budget.
The Forest Clubhouse slide has been a great addition, although there were some teething issues; they have been sorted out. A survey has been sent out for feedback from residents as to whether the slide should be a permanent fixture, so please make sure you’ve given us your thoughts. This would include: moving the slide to a new position on the other side of the pool, painting the frame, and burying the pipework and plumbing it into the pool pump, thus eliminating most of the visible pipes and the motor.
PHOTO HAMMER 360° 9
We’re proud to be actively supporting the Salt Rock Nippers, a fantastic initiative, headed up by Raoul Krimm, that helps younger children learn how to read ocean currents and gain confidence in the water. A lot of our estate children are involved and parents can enjoy a coffee and brekkie at the Beach Clubhouse Café while the kids soak up valuable ocean knowledge. As the Nippers can no longer use the Lifesavers Club, we are storing their equipment for them and assisting where we can.
The “Salt Rock Casuals” is a daily swimming group headed by Salt Rock locals who welcome all to join. If you’re a first-timer and just want to get a feel of the ocean, the ‘In-and-Outs” are a great way to learn to read the currents and get comfortable with shore breaks. If you’re fit and brave enough, join them for their two-kilometre swim past the backline and along the Salt Rock shoreline. Speak to Clinton to get added to the WhatsApp group.
We will be having more social events at the Beach Clubhouse, such as Wine Tasting evenings and braais for sporting events, so look out for those on the App notifications or join the Beach Café WhatsApp group to find out more.
Looking forward to seeing some more dolphins and whales.
Clinton Andrews
Club House Manager
What. A. Season!
This festive period at Dunkirk Beach Cafe was nothing short of magical. From buzzing breakfasts and post-swim cappuccinos to golden-hour gatherings and sunset sips, our café was alive with energy, laughter, and unforgettable summer moments.
BEACH Cafe
Summer Wrap-Up & What’s Next!
To our incredible community, loyal homeowners, and holiday visitors — thank you for making us part of your summer story. Your support, smiles, and full tables are what make this space so special.
As we move into the cooler months, we’re embracing a new kind of magic — think crisp
coastal mornings, rich, velvety coffees, hearty comfort dishes, and relaxed catchups by the sea. The pace may slow, but the warmth (and flavour!) certainly won’t. We’re excited to continue serving up the friendly faces, consistent quality, and welcoming atmosphere you’ve come to love — just with a cosy seasonal twist.
Here’s to slower starts, second cups of coffee, nourishing meals, and many more beautiful beach days together.
See you at your favourite table
The Dunkirk Beach Café Team
FINDING STILLNESS IN THE ICE…
Swimming in water colder than 5°C without a wetsuit is not something most people would willingly attempt. But at the International Italian Ice Water Swim Championships at Lake Cavezzo on 15–16 January, it became one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.
Representing International Ice Swimming South Africa, I was thrilled to come away with three gold medals: the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, and 50m breaststroke.
Each race was a test, not only of physical endurance but of mental discipline, presence, and trust in training.
For me, ice swimming has become a deeply personal calm space. The cold strips everything away. There’s no room for distraction, no space for overthinking, only breath, rhythm, and the present moment.
While the physical benefits are undeniable – improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and faster recovery – it’s the mental reset that keeps drawing me back. In icy water, the mind settles, and stillness takes over.
South Africa’s ice swimming team, known as the “Ice Boks”, has quietly become a formidable force on the international stage. At last year’s World International Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy, the team placed 10th out of 43 countries, even outperforming Team GB, which fielded an impressive 43 swimmers. It was a powerful reminder that size isn’t everything; resilience, preparation, and heart matter just as much.
Training happens close to home, in the Salt Rock tidal pool, where the ocean’s moods provide a perfect natural conditioning ground. More often than not, I’m accompanied by my dog Sam, who loyally shadows me along the rocks. Regular ice baths form part of my routine too, helping me stay both mentally and physically prepared for the extremes of competition.
to take place this July at Afriski in Lesotho. As the world’s highestaltitude ice swim, the event promises to be truly unique, drawing athletes from across the globe to compete in a setting as breathtaking as it is brutal.
Looking ahead, there’s growing excitement around the International South African Ice Swimming Championships, set
Ice swimming may look extreme from the outside, but within the cold lies clarity, strength, and an unexpected sense of peace. For those willing to step into the ice, the rewards run far deeper than medals.
Joanna Dempsey
Planting a Buck-FriendlyGarden
PHOTOS
NATURE
In Dunkirk, we are lucky enough to share our beautiful gardens and green spaces with the grey duiker, common bushbuck and sometimes the shy little blue duiker, which forage in the understory of the Swamp Forest. Historically, these species would have occurred right through the KZN coastal belt, moving between a mosaic of coastal forest, grassland and swamp. Their populations today are fragmented, and they occur mostly in eco-estates on the North Coast. For
this reason, it is vital that we manage their populations sustainably and plant our gardens with indigenous plants, helping to prevent overgrazing pressure on our greenbelts and ensuring an abundant food source year-round.
A firm favourite is Carissa macrocarpa , or as it’s commonly known, ‘amathungulu or num-num’.
This is a great shrub for hedging and offers a juicy, edible red fruit during the summer. Bushbucks often browse on this species, and it can be used
NATURE
as a natural barrier between different beds. Carissa macrocarpa grows well in full sun or shade. Another shrub that grows throughout coastal KZN in forest understory is Isoglossa woodii . This is an ideal bushbuck fodder and grows well in deep shade. Ideal for planting in those tricky parts of the garden, where there is very sandy soil in shaded areas. During the drier winter months, it gets a small white flower that is often visited by bees. Moving on to the herbaceous and groundcover plants. The Asystasia gangetica , or creeping foxglove as it’s commonly known, is a great plant for filling in those gaps between shrubs in the garden, and grey duiker love it. It can be
planted in full sun or shade. It is advised to put mesh over them for the first few weeks to allow them to establish before they are browsed. The last, but not least, option is the Barleria obtusa or bush violet. This is a stunning, small shrub that blooms with beautiful little violet flowers and is often browsed by the duiker. It prefers semi-shade and mostly full sun.
Meet Nicole Kyte your Dunkirk Sales Specialist.
Dunkirk Estate continues to shine as one of the North Coast ’s most sought‑after lifestyle communities — and at the centre of that momentum is Nicole Kyte, our dedicated Dunkirk sales specialist . With her deep understanding of Dunkirk ’s unique character, resident culture, and evolving market trends, Nicole has become a trusted guide for homeowners and buyers navigating one of the region’s most desirable gated estates.
Her presence on the ground ensures that every enquiry is met with insight , care, and an unmatched knowledge of what makes Dunkirk so exceptional .
Backed by the full strength of the Dwell Properties team, Nicole is part of a sales solution that has become the go to partner across leading gated estates on the North Coast .
“Nicole was such a breath of fresh air when it came to selling our home in Dunkirk . She checked in before setting up viewings, told us her exact arrival and departure time and we were always so grateful for her honest feedback straight af ter a viewing. I would say her integrity, upbeat personality and putting her clients first is why we will continue to always recommend her.”
– testimonial
Whether you’re thinking about selling, hoping to buy, or simply curious about what your home might be worth, Nicole and the Dwell team are always just a conversation away. And if you’re looking to introduce a friend or family member to this amazing estate, searching for the perfect invetment , or ready to put down roots and make Dunkirk your forever home, we’re your go‑to property agency.
Scan to view properties on the North Coast
New Year’s Eve CELEBRATIONS
The year ended on a high note with a lively New Year’s Eve party that brought together friends, families, and familiar faces for an evening of celebration and good cheer. The atmosphere was festive from the moment guests arrived, with great music setting the tone for a memorable night.
Pizzas were available from the café between 17:00 and 20:00 and proved to be a firm favourite, keeping everyone well-fed as the celebrations unfolded. Laughter, conversation, and a shared sense of excitement filled the 21
space as the countdown to the New Year approached.
It was a wonderful way to close out the year – a relaxed yet vibrant gathering that captured the spirit of community and celebration, and a fitting welcome to the year ahead.
SANTA’S Shoreline Stopover:
A Christmas to Remember
On Friday, 5
December, the Dunkirk Beach Club was transformed into a festive seaside spectacle as Santa made an unforgettable shoreline stopover – arriving not by sleigh, but by Harley. Trading
reindeer for horsepower, Santa cruised in to delighted cheers, instantly setting the tone for an afternoon filled with laughter, excitement, and holiday magic.
Children gathered wide-eyed as Santa, goggles on and beard in place, handed out thoughtfully
EVENTS
prepared gifts and shared cheerful moments with every little guest.
The relaxed beachside setting added a uniquely coastal twist to the traditional Christmas celebration, making the experience feel both intimate and refreshingly different.
community that Dunkirk is known for.
Santa’s shoreline stopover was more than a Christmas event – it was a joyful reminder that the spirit of the season thrives when creativity, community, and a touch of seaside charm come together.
Parents played their part behind the scenes, discreetly dropping off gifts ahead of time, ensuring that every child felt the wonder of a perfectly personalised Santa visit. As the afternoon unfolded, families lingered, soaking up the festive atmosphere, ocean air, and sense of
Ray’s KITCHEN
Designed for Sharing, Made to Linger
Deli Plate
For Two
From generous deli platters to refined classics, these two dishes capture the essence of relaxed, modern dining. The Deli Plate for Two sets the tone with artisan-cured meats, marinated olives, and vibrant antipasti, an invitation to slow down, pour a glass of wine, and savour the moment. Balancing indulgence with freshness, the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad delivers a lighter yet satisfying counterpart. Crisp Cos lettuce, tender grilled chicken, and golden croutons come together under a creamy Caesar dressing, offering a timeless favourite that never feels heavy. Together, they create a table meant for sharing, where flavours are bold, conversation flows easily, and every meal becomes an experience rather than just a dish.
FIRE EMERGENCY REMINDERS
1. CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE
Use the number above and remember to be calm.
2. CALL SECURITY GATEHOUSE
Advise them of your situation and address. They will lead the fire brigade to your home.
3. WHAT NEXT?
Security will contact Security Manager and Estate Manager.
4. STAY SAFE
Ensure everyone in the household is out of the danger zone.
