Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks 

Coastal charm

The Oyster Box is a nostalgic, charming hotel with a superb waterfront location.

The waterfront Oyster Box is a place to see and be seen. It’s a favourite spot with locals that lunch a whole host of illustrious guests; their hall of fame showcases a who’s who of European and Zulu royalty, powerful politicians and stars of the silver screen and the sports field. There’s a real theme here when it comes to poolside décor; the candy cane colours of red and white of the sun beds and umbrellas are unmistakably inspired by the Umhlanga Lighthouse, a historic monument on this glorious stretch of coastline stretching north of Durban. Step out of the gate at the front of the hotel and head down to the waterfront promenade, a popular running and walking route for locals. Inside, the walls of the public spaces are art-gallery worthy with many striking pieces created by local artists.

Why we love Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks

  • From the beachfront location, you can view the iconic lighthouse and may see dolphins from the terrace

  • Each room and suite is individually and elegantly decorated with thoughtful pillow and soap menus

  • There is a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Gateway Theatre of Shopping where there are over 500 shops and restaurants

  • Days begin in style here as you overlook the pool and ocean from the Ocean Terrace and sip on sparkling wine

5 stars
Umhlanga Rocks
Located overlooking the Indian Ocean at Umhlanga
The Oyster Box is just a 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport in Durban

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Sustainability

Days begin in style here as you overlook the pool and ocean from the Ocean Terrace and sip on bottomless sparkling wine. Breakfast is a feast of anything from fresh fruit and yoghurt and freshly made waffles to succulent oysters. And the culinary wonders don’t end at breakfast. At lunch and dinner you can try the curry buffet; served in the Ocean Terrace, this Durban institution draws people from far and wide. There’ll be at least 11 different curries from mild to sublimely spicy, all created with herbs and spices that have been delicately balanced. Your meal will be completed by all the traditional trimmings such as chutneys, raitas, freshly baked naan breads, poppadum and roti.

The Ocean Terrace
Start your day at the breakfast buffet or select from the à la carte menus for lunch and dinner - all accompanied by ocean views.

The Palm Court
The destination where High Tea is served every afternoon accompanied by the tunes from the resident pianist.

The Grill Room
The hotel's fine dining experience is open for dinner with an impressive wine list to match.

The Lighthouse Bar
Home to the Umhlanga Schling, a cocktail made from cane spirit, The Lighthouse Bar has an impressive rooftop terrace with coastal views.

The Chukka Bar
Enjoy a drink in this polo-inspired bar.

The Oyster Bar
Serving coffees, sushi and seafood lunche

At the Ocean Terrace's curry buffet, there’ll be at least 11 different curries from mild to sublimely spicy, all created with herbs and spices that have been delicately balanced. Your meal will be completed by all the traditional trimmings such as chutneys, raitas, freshly baked naan breads, papadums and roti.

Tucked away amongst the tropical gardens you'll find the hotel's spa. There are six treatment rooms, plunge pool, hammam, rain showers and fitness centre. Some of the products used are by Tata Harper who has developed a 'farm-to-face' philosophy using herbs, botanicals and raw ingredients.

Take part in a curry masterclass, visit the Victoria Street Market, try Durban's famous Bunny Chow or learn about the history of Umhlanga's famous lighthouse.

The Oyster Box has an active sustainability programme to reduce single use plastic and food waste. They have also developed a range of MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experiences that have a positive impact on the local community.

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