Perched on the Indian Ocean's edge, The Oyster Box offers a fusion of old-world charm and modern-day convenience. Ideal for anyone looking to explore Durban in style, this elegant, luxurious hotel is close to many of the city's attractions.

The hotel has two swimming pools (one with an ocean view and another in the gardens that is for over-12s only), a spa that includes a Jacuzzi and a hammam (Turkish bath) as well as a fully equipped gym. The pièce de résistance is direct access to the beach with essentials like umbrellas, beach bags, toys, and even sun protection lotion thrown in. After a day in the famous KwaZulu-Natal sub-tropical sun, head for the afternoon high tea, where a selection of cakes, biscuits, sandwiches, tarts, pies, and sandwiches are on offer to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. In the evening or on rainy days, settle down with fresh popcorn and other treats in the private 24-seater cinema to enjoy movie classics.

Your room is a haven: in addition to fresh fruit and flowers, complimentary magazines, on-tap high-speed Wi-Fi, heated towel rails, and a well-stocked mini-bar, you ensure a perfect stay by selecting your favorites from the pillow and soap menus.

The nearby area offers a range of things to see and do, including visits to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, uShaka Marine World, and the Sun Coast casino, not forgetting the many excellent swimming and surfing beaches. A bit further afield, you will find the historical Natal Midlands and majestic Drakensberg Mountains. If you are heading on to Big 5 game parks like Phinda and the fascinating Anglo-Boer War battlefields, then The Oyster Box is a superb overnight stay.

Highlights

• Fantastic location, set right on the beach and Indian Ocean
• Charming, restored grand hotel with an old-world flair
• Private cinema, two swimming pools, gym and spa
• Three impressive restaurants to choose from
• Savour decadent oysters and ice-cold champagne on the balcony
• Impeccable personal service and privacy
• Rooms have soap and pillow menus as well as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi

Activities

• BEACH ACTIVITIES
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• DAY TOURS

Opulent, luxurious, and charming...this is an exceptional boutique hotel simply made for royalty.

Rooms

Garden Villa Loft

The Garden Villa Lofts are beautiful, stand-alone units that offer the ultimate in luxurious accommodation.

Sea Facing Cabana

The Sea Facing Cabanas offer exceptionally beautiful views of the water's edge and are situated on the ground floor to create a relaxed, yet stylish, island feel. Enjoy your private patio and king-sized, 4-poster beds.

Classic Sea Facing Room

The Classic Sea Facing Rooms offer everything that the Classic Rooms do but here you have the bonus of a balcony that overlooks Umhlanga's iconic lighthouse and the breathtaking coastline.

Luxury Sea-Facing Room

The Luxury Sea Facing Rooms each have a balcony that opens onto views of Umhlanga's iconic lighthouse and en suite bathrooms that have separate showers.

Classic Room

The Classic Rooms overlook the beautiful greenery of the gardens and offer a peaceful place to return to in the evening. Modern amenities can be found in the spacious en suite bathroom, and the rooms are fully air-conditioned.

Facilities

The spa is located in the indigenous gardens and offers an extensive range of treatments (use of some facilities are free to guests). Here you will also find a private fitness club, a Jacuzzi, and a hammam. There are two swimming pools - one next to the sea and one in the gardens that are not open to children under 12.

There is access to the public beach and the hotel provides a beach bag stocked with umbrellas, bats, balls, SPF lotion, and towels.

Dining

The Oyster Box has three different restaurants to choose from that offer everything from fine dining to simple, relaxed meals.

At The Grill Room, you'll be able to enjoy a wide selection of freshly caught seafood, together with other elegant dining options. These fine meals are accompanied by some of the best local and international wines.

The Ocean Terrace overlooks the beautiful Indian Ocean and is a more informal, family-friendly location. The menu features authentic Tandoori and pizza ovens, mouth-watering Indian cuisine, as well as full English breakfast buffets.

For lunch and dinner, you can indulge in the extensive à la carte menu. The Palm Court Restaurant is inspired by the Oyster Box Hotel's original colonial architecture and is situated in a spacious, airy courtyard. Enjoy casual dining here, and perhaps sit down to a decadent afternoon tea after your daily excursions.

The Chukka Bar offers authentic, old-world charm and character, and offers grand views of the ocean that you can enjoy in this vibrant setting.

The Lighthouse Bar boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Umhlanga beachfront and creates the ideal place to enjoy exotic cocktails and great music.

The Oyster Bar overlooks both the pool and the Indian Ocean and is the perfect place to sit back in luxurious tranquility, enjoying a plate of oysters on ice and a few glasses of champagne.

In the afternoon, tuck into an elegant high tea, with a spread comprising freshly brewed tea and coffee, and an array of tempting goodies like cakes, pastries, and savories.