Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels, as famous for its remarkable coastal views as the understated luxury and gracious hospitality that have become the hallmarks of this cherished seaside destination.
Set just 15 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box offers an array of individually decorated rooms and suites, an award-winning spa set amid tropical gardens, and a mouth-watering menu of restaurants and bars.
The Oyster Box offers 86 rooms, suites and villas; each individually decorated to offer a uniquely memorable five-star stay on the sunny coastline of KwaZulu-Natal. Choose between splendid sea views from your private terrace, or the leafy escape of the lush private gardens. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, on your own or with loved ones, the elegant five-star accommodation has something to suit the most discerning traveller.
Accommodation features a generous daily breakfast at The Ocean Terrace, complimentary mineral water, tea and coffee-making facilities, a well-stocked mini-bar, fresh fruit and flowers in-room, a selection of current magazines and books, individually controlled air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen satellite TV with more than 25 channels, bespoke B|Africa in-room amenities, soap and pillow menus, luxurious bathrobes and slippers, housekeeping service twice daily, two direct-dial telephone lines with voicemail, complimentary high-speed WI-FI, heated towel rails, iron and ironing board, hairdryers and an in-room safe. Beach equipment (including sun umbrellas, beach bags, balls, bats and suntan lotion) is available from reception.
Garden Villa Lofts
Overlooking lush sub-tropical gardens, the exquisite Garden Villa Lofts feature four-poster beds, plush furnishings and bespoke décor. The Garden Villa Lofts can be booked as stand-alone rooms, or in combination with the Superior Garden Villa, to create a larger inter-leading space suitable for groups and families.
Classic Garden or Sea Facing Rooms
Decorated with a sense of timeless elegance, the Classic Garden-Facing Rooms overlook the peaceful oasis at the heart of the hotel, offering easy access to the serene garden swimming pool. With a private balcony overlooking the beautiful Umhlanga beach, the Classic Sea-Facing Rooms are the ideal choice for travellers who love to soak up the sea views.
Luxury Sea Facing Rooms
Ideal for both business and leisure travellers, the Luxury Sea-Facing Rooms offer a private balcony overlooking Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. All rooms include a spacious bathroom featuring double vanities and separate shower.
Junior Cabana
These beautiful sea-facing rooms are located on the lower ground level and lead out onto the grassed area in front. All rooms consist of a four-poster king bed with an en-suite bathroom offering a shower and single vanity.
Sea Facing Cabana
Situated on the lower-ground level, with a private terrace offering exceptional sea views, the Sea-Facing Cabanas are richly decorated with four-poster beds and original African artworks.
Sea Facing Family Rooms
The Sea-Facing Family Rooms offer space for multi-generational travellers to help make family memories that will last a lifetime. Alongside the master bedroom, the five dedicated Family Rooms include an additional second bedroom for children. Four rooms are fitted with bunk beds, while the fifth features a loft with twin beds. The Sea Facing Family Room can accommodate a maximum of two adults and two children (12 years and younger).
Luxury Sea Facing Suites
For guests desiring a little extra space, the luxurious Sea Facing Suites are a perfect choice. The beautifully appointed lounge area – complete with its own additional television – leads onto both the separate bedroom and a wide private balcony.
Deluxe Sea Facing Suites
The sought-after Deluxe Sea Facing Suites each enjoy a private plunge pool and spacious terrace giving onto the hotel’s expansive lawns. Individually decorated, with a separate bedroom and lounge area, these elegantly appointed suites are ideal for guests seeking extra space for an extended stay.
Superior Garden Villas
Set overlooking the hotel’s lush sub-tropical gardens, the sumptuous Superior Garden Villas each enjoy the luxury of a private plunge pool, quiet terrace, separate lounge and an opulent bathroom. Four of these Villas can also be converted into a two-bedroom space by reserving one of the inter-connected Garden Villa Lofts. Please note: The Superior Garden Villa can accommodate up to two adults and two children (12 years and younger), with a day bed and rollaway bed in the lounge. Additional charges apply for a second child. Pets can be accommodated in these beautiful garden facing suites.
Presidential Suite
In its opulent décor and expansive sense of space, the duplex two-bedroom Presidential Suite at The Oyster Box offers unparalleled levels of comfort and luxury. The suite can also be combined with a third bedroom. On the ground floor, a private dining area (seating up to eight guests) connects the elegant lounge and private bar. In one corner, a baby grand piano invites guests to strike up a tune. The living areas flow effortlessly out onto the sun-splashed terrace and secluded private garden, with a rim-flow plunge pool offering glorious sea views. Those same views can be admired from the first-floor living quarters, where the master suite and second bedroom – each with magnificent marble bathrooms – deliver panoramic vistas of the coastline. The third bedroom is situated on the mezzanine level, offering en-suite accommodation and a small private terrace.
INSPIRED CUISINE IN A SEASIDE SETTING
The Oyster Box offers a delicious array of culinary adventures to discover. From the fresh oysters – plucked from their very own wild oyster beds – piled high on the legendary breakfast buffet, to the elegant High Tea served daily in the serene Palm Court, the restaurants stay true to the Red Carnation ethos of generous hospitality. Look forward to fresh seafood and sea views on the Ocean Terrace, or classical fine dining and perfectly seared prime cuts 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.
The Clock Library
Warm textures and rich hues, handpicked furniture and objets d’art characterise the Clock Library, featuring a fascinating collection of antique clocks bought on auction or during the Tollman family’s travels. The only room in the hotel for the private use of resident guests, it is accessed with a key card and is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink in a leather armchair with lighthouse views or to page through one of the many books that form part of a library of family heirlooms collected over many years.
The Ocean Terrace
With its unobstructed sea views, signature candy-stripe décor and wide-ranging menu of bistro-style plates, The Ocean Terrace has become a firm favourite with both in-house guests and local visitors, who return time and again to enjoy family-friendly al fresco dining in sunny Umhlanga. The extensive menu offers something for every palate, with a well-priced selection of dishes inspired by both the freshest local produce and South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage. Seafood is a particular speciality, while wood-fired pizzas and the famous Curry Buffet add even more choice for diners. The Ocean Terrace offers a generous breakfast buffet (open to resident guests and visitors, on reservation) daily, with an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
The Palm Court
Beneath waving fans and crystal chandeliers imported from England – they once hung in the Savoy Hotel -The Palm Court is the memorable setting for leisurely High Tea at The Oyster Box. With the resident pianist tickling the ivories High Tea is a sophisticated affair; the buffet table is laid generously with platters of both sweet and savoury treats. Local culinary traditions are celebrated in the crisp samoosas and fragrant chilli bites, while Bea Tollman’s much-loved ‘Chicken Mayo’ sandwich, coated with flaked almonds, is a perennial favourite with guests old and new. Those with a sweet tooth will love the delicate buttermilk apple crumble, chocolate tarts and the teatime classic; fresh scones with cream and preserves. High Tea in The Palm Court is hosted daily, and both resident guests and visitors are welcome.
The Grill Room
For more than 70 years The Grill Room has been a beacon of gracious service and elegant cuisine, a destination for celebrations and occasions. For marking milestones and forging lifelong memories. Today, under the culinary leadership of the Executive Chef, The Grill Room delivers a sophisticated fine dining experience that blends classical continental cuisine with the bountiful produce and vibrant hospitality of Africa. The menu offers a combination of classic plates created by Bea Tollman, president and founder of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, alongside signature dishes and contemporary creations. Adding a delicate flourish of culinary theatre to the experience, a signature of The Grill Room is the authentic Gueridon service that sees certain dishes prepared and plated table-side. The adjoining vinoteque offers an award-winning wine list, with an impressive collection of venerable South African estates alongside a focused collection of international wines.
Bars at The Oyster Box
Come for a sundowner and stay for dinner, or round off your evening with a nightcap. Whichever you prefer, the stylish bars of The Oyster Box offer unforgettable opportunities to toast another day in Africa. The three bars at The Oyster Box hotel welcome both resident guests and local visitors. Each has their own character, from the chic décor and sea views in The Oyster Bar, to the old-world charm of The Chukka Bar, the only smoking venue in the hotel. The rooftop Lighthouse Bar is a perennial favourite, with its vibrant décor, signature cocktails and breathtaking sea views.
Unique Experiences
Curry Masterclass
Work alongside the talented chefs behind the renowned Oyster Box Curry Buffet and get first hand insight into the secrets of the dishes. This unique opportunity is available for lunch or dinner, and includes a tour of the kitchen, lessons on traditional and modern Indian cooking techniques, and ends with a Curry Buffet meal. You will also receive an Oyster Box gift and recipe pack to take home so that you can continue to recreate the magical flavours of the Curry Buffet.
High Tea
Beneath waving fans and crystal chandeliers, The Palm Court is a memorable setting for a leisurely High Tea. With the resident pianist tinkling the ivories, High Tea is a sophisticated affair. The buffet table is laid generously with platters of both sweet and savoury treats, whilst local culinary traditions are celebrated in the crisp samoosas and fragrant chilli bites. Those with a sweet tooth will love the delicate buttermilk apple crumble, chocolate tarts and the teatime classic: fresh scones with cream and preserves. High Tea in The Palm Court is hosted daily, and both resident guests and visitors are welcome.
Chef’s Table
Enjoy an entirely unique perspective on the cuisine of The Oyster Box with a seat at the Chef’s Table, as the Executive Chef and their talented kitchen team create an unforgettable culinary experience. Alongside a tour of the working kitchen, followed by an amuse bouche or canapés, guests can expect a delicious 5-course, wine paired feast.
Wellness & Spa
Set amid lush sub-tropical gardens, just steps from the Indian Ocean and the golden sands of Umhlanga beach, the Spa at The Oyster Box offers a serene space for you to walk your own journey to wellness. Find beauty, balance and wellness at the Spa at The Oyster Box. Breathe deeply in the Tranquillity Lounge, and ease away stress in the plunge pool, before you reinvigorate both body and mind with bespoke body and facial treatments. Signature journeys include steam treatments in the traditional hammam, full body massages using crystal-infused oils, and all-natural B|Africa and Tata Harper treatments. Enjoy a little healthy indulgence with a wellness-focused spa menu. Sip on a vitamin-packed smoothie before joining an early yoga class; stretching both body and mind while welcoming the day. Come lunchtime, look forward to sushi platters and generous salads, or healthy treats such as rolled peach pavlova. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are also available at The Ocean Terrace restaurant.
Map and travel information
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Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH