The Oyster Box - A Luxury Hotel In Umhlanga

The Oyster Box - A Luxury Hotel In Umhlanga

Our Sales Director, Chris Wain has just returned from staying in an updated, old-time favourite the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks. This classically-influenced hotel enjoys a near-perfect beach location right on the edge of the Indian Ocean, and offers luxury and comfort in great style, and yet is just a five-minute walk from the boutiques, restaurants and bars of Umhlanga village. By day, enjoy everything the beach and sea have to offer including snorkelling, fishing and surfing, and by night luxuriate in the hotel’s restaurants and bars.

In past times, travellers to South Africa only had a few iconic hotels from which to choose from – the Mount Nelson & the Cape Sun in Cape Town, Sabi Sabi in the Kruger, and Durban’s Royal Hotel. Things have certainly changed since those days with the country now home to some of Africa’s, if not the world’s, finest properties. One long-time favourite of KwaZulu Natal locals was the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, an unpretentious three-star hotel dating from the 1930’s and situated overlooking the beach next to the village’s iconic lighthouse. After becoming a little rundown and unloved it was taken over by the Red Carnation Group and completely renovated and revamped to now become one of the countries finest beach hotels.

With a design influenced by the ocean and a style reminiscent of colonial-era India – think ceiling fans, palms, ornate mirrors - the property is now a stylish and genuine five-star hotel. Walking distance from a host of restaurants and bars in swinging Umhlanga, a gate also leads from the hotel directly onto the beach below. In addition to the usual swimming pool, (there are actually two), gym, spa, restaurants and bars, (one of which is on the roof and has glorious views from the terrace), it is the little touches which differentiate the Oyster Box Hotel from many of its rivals – two types of dressing gown in the rooms; fruit, water, books and suncream available by the pool; an in-house cinema showing daily classics;  a year-round children’s club; and famous nightly curry buffet.

People tend to flock to Cape Town for the beach, but the Oyster Box is enough of a draw in itself to attract sun lovers to KwaZulu Natal, particularly as the weather is sunnier and the water warmer. Very highly recommended for superb service by the sea. You will certainly not be sorry if decide to stay here.

If you are interested in staying at the Oyster Box Hotel then get in touch with our experts on 020 7843 3500 and they can start planning your perfect South Africa holiday today.