Situated overlooking the historical and famous landmark, the Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box has long been one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished hotels, which occupies a special place in the hearts of the countless guests who have enjoyed its warmth, caring service and relaxed elegance since it first opening in 1947.
Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, directly on the beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 86-room Oyster Box, is one of South Africa’s best-loved hotels. Renowned for 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.
Perfectly situated on the ocean’s edge, a brief 5 minutes walk from Umhlanga Village Centre, the Oyster Box Hotel is conveniently located for quick and easy access to Afro-chic Durban city centre, International Airports and numerous stylish shopping centres…yet has a feeling of classical charm and elegance like nowhere else on earth.
Offering the finest of stylish suite accommodation the Presidential Suite is truly remarkable. Split over two levels with a private lift the Suite offers guests the joy of a grand master bedroom with its own calm, exceptionally comfortable seating area and an intimate personal study. Two lavish marble bathrooms - one offering unsurpassed sea views for luxury and tranquility beyond compare. And of course there is the magnificent private rim-flow swimming pool, a tastefully tailored private lounge, a gracious dining room with seating for 8 guests with a private bar and a well equipped kitchen for intimate in-suite dining. And for that even greater feeling of space, the Suite offers an additional bedroom.
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 two bedroom villa simply by reserving one of the Garden Villa Lofts.
At The Oyster Box an incredible level of care and consideration has been put into providing exceptional levels of comfort for families. With this in mind we are pleased to offer 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.
The Oyster Box is famed for exquisite cuisine and attentive service. The dining venues each have a reputation for extraordinary culinary experiences, from the famous curry buffet to the signature dishes of Beatrice Tollman. With world-class dining in The Grill Room and The Ocean Terrace, The Oyster Box is a gourmand’s delight.
The beautiful Ocean Terrace restaurant, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, serves a Bistro-style menu and is perfect for casual, al fresco and family dining. With something to suit every palate favourite dishes include 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 is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed sundowner overlooking the rim flow pool and sea.
Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, 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 legendary High Tea each afternoon. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for casual dining. High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music providing a welcome addition to the occasion. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by our wonderful pastry 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 beautiful Ocean Terrace restaurant, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, serves a Bistro-style menu and is perfect for casual, al fresco and family dining. With something to suit every palate favourite dishes include 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 is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed sundowner overlooking the rim flow pool and sea.
Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, 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 legendary High Tea each afternoon. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for casual dining. High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music providing a welcome addition to the occasion. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by our wonderful pastry 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 legendary Grill Room has been renowned for its fine dining and outstanding cuisine for almost 70 years. Under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef, Kevin Joseph, the 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. Classic Grill Room touches include the authentic Gueridon service, where food is prepared and presented at the individual diner’s table and the Classic 1920’s Hors d’ Oeuvres Trolley, with an extensive range of 18 ‘old world’ appetizers. With over 50 years of experience, Maître‘d Hendry Pakiri, still presides over the elegant dining room.
Set on the shores of Umhlanga, surrounded by secluded, tropical gardens and enriched with the sounds of nature, you’re in the ideal place to return to wellness at The Oyster Box. Take a dip in the plunge pool, envigorate the body with a hammam and sensation shower at the spa, or work up a sweat in a fully equipped fitness room. Restore beauty and balance with one of the all-natural B|Africa treatments, with holistic attention paid to all of your senses. Follow this by relaxing and meditating in the tranquility lounge. Signature treatments include full body massages using crystal-infused oil such as rose quartz, amethyst and rock quartz, to inspire a peaceful spirit. Spa health menu includes dishes such as sushi, spiced calamari, a range of salads, and rolled peach pavlova. Sip on a smoothie (cranberry, lime, cucumber and cardamom), before joining in with a yoga class in the sunshine, overlooking the crashing waves of the ocean. There are also vegetarian and vegan options on offer at the Ocean Terrace restaurant.
The beautiful Ocean Terrace restaurant, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, serves a Bistro-style menu and is perfect for casual, al fresco and family dining. With something to suit every palate favourite dishes include 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 is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed sundowner overlooking the rim flow pool and sea.
Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, 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 legendary High Tea each afternoon. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for casual dining. High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music providing a welcome addition to the occasion. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by our wonderful pastry 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 legendary Grill Room has been renowned for its fine dining and outstanding cuisine for almost 70 years. Under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef, Kevin Joseph, the 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. Classic Grill Room touches include the authentic Gueridon service, where food is prepared and presented at the individual diner’s table and the Classic 1920’s Hors d’ Oeuvres Trolley, with an extensive range of 18 ‘old world’ appetizers. With over 50 years of experience, Maître‘d Hendry Pakiri, still presides over the elegant dining room.
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18.7 km | 20 minutes drive to the hotel
580 km | 5 hours and 30 minutes drive to the hotel