The Oyster Box opened in 1947 and rapidly became one of Africa's most loved hotels. This hotel is known for its colonial charm, fantastic service and lush gardens near the seaside. Whilst retaining the old world hotel charm and original style of the hotel, the Oyster Box Hotel enjoys a contemporary feel and has every modern convenience that we require of today’s top luxury destinations.. The Hotel is ideal for honeymoon couples, international and local tourists as well as business personnel. The hotel is built with the iconic lighthouse incorporated into it making it even more famous.
There is direct access to the beach from the hotel and the bars and night-life of Umhlanga Rocks is a 5 minute walk, only a few streets away.
There are various types of accommodation at the Oyster Box hotel. All of which feature complimentary internet, telephones and a TV.
We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to well-being focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.
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.
B| Africa uses sustainable harvesting practices on renewable indigenous species, such as oil from the baobab tree, marula oil, avocado butter, honey, rooibos, Mongongo nut and Ximenia kernel oil. In addition, the range includes carefully-crafted B|Africa Spa treatment packages.
If you’re a foodie looking for something a little ‘out of the ordinary’, need a unique event menu, or are keen to impress somebody special - then don’t miss the opportunity to take a front row seat with Executive Chef Kevin Joseph and his ace Team, for an extraordinary dining experience at The Chef’s Table in The Kitchen at The Oyster Box.
Your evening begins in the elegant Oyster Bar with pre-dinner drinks and live music from our resident musician, before being taken ‘behind the scenes’ where your culinary journey begins, with a tour of the working kitchen and your amuse bouche of Champagne and Canapés.
As the drama of this busy kitchen in ‘full service’ mode unfolds, watch as the Chefs prepare a delicious 5-course paired menu before your eyes. The Chef’s Table is available for groups of between six and 10 guests, from from Monday to Sunday for Dinner only.
Children between the ages of four 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.
The Holiday Club is open daily from 10h00 to 19h00
An intimate, 24-seater cinema/screening room 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).
For a more intimate dining experience, the Wine Cellar, with its glass ceiling, is sunken just below the Oyster Bar and is unique for dinner parties, corporate functions, tastings or special events and offers a Chef’s Table for up to 10 guests.
Bespoke menus are created for every occasion and the resident Sommelier will present a selection of wines from the Diners Club Diamond award-winning wine list, which boasts the finest selection of South African and international vintages.
The legendary Grill Room has been renowned for its fine dining and outstanding cuisine for almost 70 years.
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.
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. Also on offer in the Ocean Terrace, the incredible Curry Buffet, including authentic Tandoori Chicken, continues to attract fans from far and wide. 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 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, 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 legendary High Tea each afternoon. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for casual dining and the ideal place to enjoy the Evening Indulgence treat. High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music a welcome addition to the occasion. 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.
Richly inviting with its dark wooden panels and details in leather, crimson and gold, the Lighthouse Bar has a large terrace for spectacular views of the iconic lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. With live music, delicious light snack meals and exotic cocktails, this is the hottest bar in KwaZulu-Natal.
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.
This authentic old world bar is full of charm and character. It has remained a firm favourite with the locals for over 40 years, serving delicious hearty snacks and the finest selection of whiskeys, beers and cigars.
Beautifully designed garden-facing Loft Rooms are 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.
The elegant Classic Rooms all overlook the hotel's lush and tranquil gardens for a peaceful view into what can only be described as a private oasis in the Oyster Box hotel.
Each one of the Classic Sea Facing Rooms has a balcony that overlooks Umhlanga's iconic lighthouse and the breathtaking coastline of the Indian Ocean.
Luxury Sea Facing Rooms, each with a balcony that opens onto views of Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and breathtaking coastline. All rooms include a bathroom with double vanities and a spacious separate shower.
The beautifully appointed Cabanas, situated on the lower ground level with individual terraces, offer exceptional views of the water’s edge. Within these lovely cabanas guests can enjoy sleeping peacefully on luxurious king size four poster beds.
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.
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.
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.
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. If guests wish, these villas can be converted into a 2 bedroomed villa simply by reserving one of the Garden Villa Lofts. 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. If guests wish, these villas can be converted into a 2 bedroomed villa simply by reserving one of the Garden Villa Lofts.
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 - his and hers - with hers 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.
Located on the beachfront of Umhlanga Rocks, this icon of hospitality is one of the worlds leading luxury hotels. 15 minute drive from Durban, 20 minute drive from King Shaka International Airport. Luxury activities include, a private cinema, a chefs table and a range of restaurants and bars to choose from. Ideal for romantic getaways, honeymoons, luxurious spa treatments. It also has a children’s program to keep the kids busy during family holidays as well as business facilities so you can keep in touch with the office.
Booking FormWhen booking with us you can be assured of continuous support and during the period you are travelling with us, you have 24/7 support from one of the reservations managers. You are given an after hours number with your reservations voucher and whether you are running late for a flight or might miss the gate closing time of a game reserve, we will be there to help and advise.
Our reservations staff are here to help and advise you on your booking. From child friendly options, the best places to make a proposal or honeymoon options. The reservations team have experienced the hotels, resorts and lodges and can offer unbiased advice for you and your family.
Our buying power means we have access to the best rates. Our experience means we have access to the holiday that you want to book.
Got some questions about your booking? Calls us or use the contact form and we would be glad to answer them for you.
+27 (0)31 572 4042
