Name: The Oyster Box
Rating: 5

Situated in an idyllic position on Umhlanga's beachfront, overlooking the historical and famous landmark, the Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box is renowned as one of South Africa's iconic hotels, and has been since it first opened in 1947.

The hotel proudly offers generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine. The Oyster Box offers all the colonial charm and nostalgia of a bygone era, but with all the modern comfort and amenities. With just 86 rooms and suites, each one is individually styled in splendid luxury with caring detail, elegant amenities and thoughtful touches.

Choose to start of finish your South African adventure on the coast and discover the timeless elegance, whilst endulging in a multitude of dining options, including The Oyster Box famous curry feast and High Tea. Three welcoming bars are destinations in themselves, providing unique atmospheres in which to unwind, from breathtaking views and the Umhlanga Schling at The Lighthouse Bar, to the freshest seafood at The Oyster Bar, to the timeless elegance of The Chukka Bar.

Spend days meandering through the tropical gardens catching a glimpse of the monkeys that also call the hotel home, or visit the award-winning spa to unwind and relax.

5 minutes walk from Umhlanga Village Centre
Take a walk along Umhlanga's beach promenade
Nearby tourist attractions include Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Ushaka Marine World, the historical Natal Midlands and majestic Drakensberg Mountains
Combine your coastal stay with a big 5 safari

Hotel Highlights

Overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic Umhlanga lighthouse
Lavish interior spaces are adorned with attractive original artwork and unique furnishings
an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty with stunning views of the Indian Ocean
World-class dining in The Grill Room and The Ocean Terrace

Hotel Features

General Info

Check-in Time: 14:00:00
Check-out Time: 11:00:00
86 rooms
Transfer duration: 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport

Main Facilities

Fitness facilities
Outdoor pool
Spa facilities
Wifi

Accommodation Type

Boutique
H&J Recommended
Iconic
Luxury Collection

Board Basis Options

Bed & Breakfast
Full Board
Half Board

Hotel Gallery

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Facilities

Swimming Pool

Take a leisurely dip in one of two swimming pools, one set amidst the tropical gardens, and one overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The Spa

The Spa at The Oyster Box uses a variety of internationally-recognised treatment products as well as its own exclusive, signature range of all natural, body-care products and professional spa treatments B|Africa. This deluxe range combines indigenous African plant extracts and the natural goodness of West Coast Atlantic sea-salts.

Private Fitness Centre

24 hour access to the hotels private fitness centre with state of the art gym equipment.

OBH Cinema

An intimate, 24-seater cinema is available to hotel guests. Each month a new schedule is set, running a new movie five times a day (10h00, 14h00, 18h00, 20h00 and 22h00).

Activities

With several Nature Reserves and the breathtakingly refreshing Giba Gorge, Durban offers walkers numerous opportunities to get out and about on foot straight from the doors of The Oyster Box. Alternatively, choose to take part in a private curry cooking master class with one of the hotels Chefs, and discover how to make dishes showcased in the magnificent curry buffet, including the famous Tandoori Chicken.

Room Types

Available as stand-alone accommodation, or in combination with a Superior Garden Villa. Each room is individually and superbly decorated with magnificent 4 poster king size beds and ample space for guests to feel at home in legendary luxury

Air Conditioning
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Elegant rooms overlooking the hotel's lush and tranquil gardens for a peaceful view into what can only be described as the hotel’s private oasis.

Air Conditioning
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Beautiful rooms overlooking Umhlanga's iconic lighhouse and breathtaking coastline.

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Sea View
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Each room boasts spectacular views of Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and breathtaking coastline. All rooms include a bathroom with double vanities and a spacious separate shower.

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Sea View
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Situated on the lower ground level with individual terraces the Sea Facing Cabanas offer exceptional views of the water’s edge.

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Sea View
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Enjoying magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, individually decorated Sea Facing Suites offer the space and comfort of a luxurious bedroom with a stylishly decorated separate lounge area.

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Sea View
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Located on the lower ground level with private plunge pools and terraces Deluxe Suites provide guests with luxurious bedrooms and separate lounge areas – a perfect configuration for a perfect stay.

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Private Pool
Safe
Sea View
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Five private Family rooms, each with a master bedroom along with an additional second bedroom (four with bunk beds and one loft with two single beds) for the smaller members of the family.

Air Conditioning
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Set in the lush surroundings of the hotel gardens these charming villas each enjoy the luxury of a private plunge pool, relaxing terrace, private lounge and bar, and an opulent bathroom. These villas can be converted into a 2 bedroom villa simply by reserving one of the Garden Villa Lofts.

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Private Pool
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included
TV

Food & Drink

The Grill Room

Renowned for its fine dining and outstanding cuisine for almost 70 years, The Grill Room's menu is an inspired combination of classic favourites, created by Bea Tollman, President and Founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the restaurant’s Signature Dishes and contemporary creations, inspired by current global trends. Special touches include authentic Gueridon service, where food is prepared and presented at the individual diner’s table, plus, the Classic 1920’s Hors d’ Oeuvres Trolley, which has an extensive range of 18 ‘old world’ appetisers to choose from.

The Ocean Terrace

Perfect for casual, al fresco and family dining, The Ocean Terrace boasts mesmerising views across the Indian Ocean. A bistro-style menu consists of freshly baked pizzas from the wood-fire pizza oven, sustainably sourced seafood and a host of perennial favourites such as fish and chips. The Ocean Terrace also serves a delicious English Breakfast daily, as well as an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. The Ocean Terrace also plays host to the incredible Curry Buffet, including authentic Tandoori Chicken. Using delicate hand-blended combinations of spices and fresh herbs, the extensive selection of Curries includes, meat, fish and vegetarian option - making each curry a masterpiece!

The Palm Court

Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, colonial architecture with four magnificent tole and ceramic chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London, natural sunlight and towering Palms, The Palm Court is the venue for the iconic High Tea each afternoon. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by executive pastry chef, Joanita Venter and her team. The high tea table is a visual and taste spectacle of sumptuous treats, with everything from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes, to finger sandwiches and savouries.

The Lighthouse Bar

The Lighthouse Bar, with its dark wooden panels and details in leather, crimson and gold, has a large terrace for spectacular views of the lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. With live music, delicious light snack meals and exotic cocktails, this is the place to be, especially for a sundowner.

The Oyster Bar

Overlooking the infinity pool and Indian Ocean, the stylish Oyster Bar specialises in Champagne and Oysters, freshly harvested from our own Oyster beds and also offers a light menu, delicious cocktails and live music.

Chukka Bar

A firm favourite with the locals for over 40 years, this authentic old world bar is full of charm and character, serves delicious hearty snacks and the finest selection of whiskeys, beers and cigars.

Family Friendly Facilities

Holiday Club

Open daily from 10h00 to 19h00, children between the ages of 4 and 12 years, have access to the supervised Holiday Club during their stay. Other vacation activities include story-telling, face painting, art and craft activities, pizza-making and movie screenings. Special programmes are offered during peak periods such as school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year.

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