The Oyster Box

Surrounded by tropical gardens and facing the Umhlanga seafront, The Oyster Box's centrepiece is the red and white lighthouse, which stands on the beach at the front of the hotel.

One of South Africa's most awarded hotels, it does not skimp on luxury. The hotel was opened in 1947 and today retains the colonial style in which it was built, with black and white floors, swing doors and a spiral staircase. The hotel's theme colours of red and white mirror the iconic lighthouse, with natural stone and timber elements. 

We love the old-world charm and breezy coastal colours in The Oyster Box’s rooms, but the best aspect has got to be the stunning Indian Ocean views. The rooms and suites all face either the gardens or the sea and, with the same immaculate styling that runs throughout the hotel. 

Details of note throughout the building include the glass-roofed wine cellar, the huge chandeliers and the chic Oyster Bar, alongside the tiles, murals and paintings from the original building.

The Oyster Box has easily the best restaurant in Durban, and their legendary curry buffet has got a real cult following (as their chef says: you really haven’t had a curry until you’ve tried a Durban curry). You can also treat yourself to one of their genteel afternoon teas, and for some old-fashioned glamour they have dinner dances every Saturday.

There’s not much you’ll want for here, other than oysters, champagne, and those killer ocean views, but you can also kick back in their very own cinema, relax in their gorgeous spa and pool, or go for a breezy walk along the beach.

The Oyster Box is just 20 kilometres north of Durban and five minutes away from Umhlanga village. When you're not relaxing by the pool, swimming in the Indian Ocean or enjoying breakfast on the terrace, nearby attractions include Big Five game parks, historic battlefields, the Drakensberg Mountains and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.