The world is your Oyster at an iconic seaside palace on South Africa’s jeweled Umhlanga coast.
LOCAL CHARITY
Wellness
Non-Smoking Hotel
Massage Services
Free Healthy Breakfast
In-room Healthy Snacks
Smoothie/ Juice Bar
Running Paths
Organic Food Options
Vegetarian Food Options
Gluten-Free Food Options
Spa On Property
Vegan Food Options
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Green
Recycle Program
Green Sustainability Team
Composting
Water Bottle Program
Towel Program
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Community Impact
Employee Volunteer Hours
Donates Back
Local Artisan Products
Local Farmers Program
New Jobs Created
Hires Locally
Pays Fair Wages
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ABOUT
The Setting
The breathtaking Oyster Box has for generations been hailed as one of South Africa’s finest seaside hotels. Spectacularly situated on the Indian Ocean’s edge, opposite the historic red-and-white lighthouse, you’ll enjoy direct beach access and a five minutes’ walk from Umhlanga Village Center. The cosmopolitan city center of Durban is just a short drive away, while the vibrant culture of KwaZulu-Natal surrounds you.
Head off in search of the Big 5 (lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, elephant) on safari at nearby Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Or revel in awe at hippos in the St Lucia Wetlands’ iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site and the country's third largest park. Some of the stunning hotel’s more exemplary features include encouraging guests to Pack for a Purpose, bringing along medical items, stationery, toys and sports equipment, contributing to the upliftment of local communities. And for female Kind Travelers flying solo, they can provide specially allocated rooms that enhance security for peace of mind.
Sleep and Sanctuary
Bask in five-star creature comforts in the 86 pet-friendly rooms, suites and villas, each individually decorated to take full advantage of the sunny coastline of KwaZulu-Natal. Choose between lively Indian Ocean views from your private terrace, or the leafy escape of private gardens. Return from safari to relax amongst modern colonial charm, fresh flowers, and in the case of suites – private plunge pools. For a copious amount of luxurious South African hospitality, opt for the Presidential Suite, complete with personal butler service and to and fro airport transfers in the hotel’s Range Rover. Find added refuge in the Clock Library, the only room in the hotel for the private use of resident guests, enjoy a quiet drink in a leather armchair aside lighthouse views while leafing through one of the heirlooms collected over the years.
Eat. Pray. Eat.
A benevolent smorgasbord of inspired dining options awaits you at The Oyster Box Hotel. From the fresh oysters – plucked from the hotel's very own wild oyster beds – piled high on their legendary breakfast buffet, to the elegant High Tea served daily in the serene Palm Court, the eateries here stay true to the Red Carnation Hotel ethos of generous hospitality and always fresh and sustainable. Look forward to fresh seafood, magnificent sea views, and vegan and vegetarian menus on the Ocean Terrace, or classical fine dining in The Grill Room. Of course, the adjoining wine cellar offers a superb selection of local and international cellars. The exclusive Chef’s Table is ideal for special celebrations and small groups, while the choice of bars offers the perfect way to relax into your time at The Oyster Box.
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Amenities
Complimentary Breakfast
Free Parking
Air Conditioning
Complimentary Coffee/Tea
Laundry Facility
Restaurant
Bar Lounge
Library
Room Service
Conference Rooms
Baby Sitting Program
Kids Club
Beachfront
Gym
Pet Friendly
Mini Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Concierge
Complimentary WiFi
Pool
OPTIONAL EXTRAS + FEES
Check-in: 11 AM
Check-out: 2 PM
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Kind Eats and Drinks
- 9th Ave Waterside is a showcase for fresh seasonal cuisine in a stunning location
- Be sure to check out the lovingly-crafted fresh food at Olive & Oil
- Village Table boasts an impressive vegan menu
Conscious Culture
- Head to Durban Botanical Gardens and wander the lush grounds of Africa’s oldest surviving botanical Gardens
- Visit the expansive Durban Natural Science Museum
- The Phansi Museum Roberts House is a National Monument and an exotic immigrant to the Last Outpost of the British Empire nestled in a green oasis of indigenous trees
Mindful Adventures
- Stock up on local good as the Victoria Street Market, Durban’s oldest
- Enjoy the peaceful majesty of the Drakensberg Mountains that separate the extensive high plateaus of the South African interior from the lower lands along the coast
- Set out on a day safari at Africa's oldest game reserve Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Do Good for the Day
- Always make sure your travel matters by taking the TreadRight pledge, The Oyster Box is a Tread Right partner
- Explore the ways to give to help the protection of the endangered black rhino with Rhinos Without Borders
- Help out the Oyster Box with their regular bucket collection of plastic found on the beach (you’ll also earn a free drink)
Be Kind to Yourself
- Hit the Guru Cat Yoga Studio for some authentic hot yoga
- Body-licious pilates and barre studio will help you stay fit for safari
- For some peaceful zen taka a class at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Natal, South Africa
HOW TO GET THERE
By Plane
18.7 km from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) (Taxi approx. $16)
591 km from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
By Automobile
From King Shaka Airport – Exit the airport and follow the signs to the N2 (2.8km). You will drive through a road toll (cost of R6 - subject to change). Take the on-ramp to the N2 (800m). Take the first exit (Umdloti) on your left. After 1 km turn right onto the M4 and carry on for 5.5 km. Take the first exit on your left. Turn left to join Umhlanga Rocks Dr. Go through two sets of traffic lights. Keep to the right when the road forks after the stop street. The entrance to the Oyster Box is on your right. Estimated travel time is about 20 min.
From Johannesburg, continue along the N3 (546km). Take the N2 / North Coast / Stanger off-ramp (17.2). Take the exit 182 toward M41/ Umhlanga (600m). Turn right towards M12/Umhlanga Rocks Dr (1km). Take the exit towards M12/Umhlanga Rocks Dr (450m). Turn left onto M12 /Umhlanga Rocks Dr (750m). Go through the roundabout. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit (turning right). Once you have turned, you are still on Umhlanga Rocks Dr / M12 (1.3.km). Continue onto McCausland Crescent (300m). Turn right as the road forks onto Lighthouse Rd (72m). The entrance to The Oyster Box will be on your right. The estimated travel time is about 5 hrs 30 min.
Guests at The Oyster Box may park in the secure open-air and underground parking on the hotel property.