The Oyster Box

Location & Setting

The hotel looks over the beaches of Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal, where the sun rises straight out of the Indian Ocean and dolphins are often seen offshore. King Shaka International Airport is about 18 km away, roughly 15 minutes by car.

Red Carnation Hotels now owns the hotel. Its neighbor, the Umhlanga lighthouse, has stood on the beach since 1954 and is best seen from the terrace of The Lighthouse Bar. For a quieter stay in coastal forest, Zimbali Lodge lies about half an hour north.

Rooms

The 86 rooms, suites and villas range from Classic Garden-Facing and Sea-Facing Rooms to Sea-Facing Cabanas, Garden Villa Lofts and a Presidential Suite. They look either over the gardens or out to sea. Every room has fresh flowers and fruit, mineral water, tea and coffee, Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. There are bathrobes, heated towel rails, a safe, a minibar and soap and pillow menus.

Facilities

The spa has six treatment rooms and a hammam, and there is a Holiday Club for children and a 24-seat private cinema. Of the two heated pools, one is an infinity pool facing the ocean. Meals are taken at The Grill Room, The Ocean Terrace, known for its curry buffet, and The Palm Court, where high tea is served. For drinks there are The Lighthouse Bar, The Oyster Bar and The Chukka Bar. At reception, guests can borrow umbrellas, beach balls, bats and sunscreen for the beach.