The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box, a five-star hotel on the Umhlanga beachfront

The Oyster Box is a five-star boutique hotel located on the beachfront in Umhlanga, in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province. It is part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The property occupies a building with views of the Indian Ocean and the Umhlanga lighthouse, and its origins date back to 1863, when an original house was built as a navigation beacon for passing ships. In 1952 it was sold to a local family, who opened a tea garden that later became a restaurant and, subsequently, a hotel. After its acquisition in 2007 by the Tollman family, the hotel was rebuilt over two years into its current configuration. The property remains family-run.

Accommodation: 86 rooms, suites and villas

The hotel has 86 individually decorated accommodations, spread across rooms, suites and villas. Each offers either ocean views or a secluded garden setting. The offering includes a presidential suite. The hotel is led by Philisiwe Gumede, general manager.

Restaurants, bars and dining experiences

The property has several restaurants and bars. These include The Grill Room, The Ocean Terrace, The Palm Court, The Lighthouse Bar, The Chukka Bar and The Oyster Bar. The dining offering includes breakfast, a curry buffet, The Chef's Table experience, the wine cellar and the traditional high tea. The hotel also sells gift vouchers that allow guests to choose from classic high teas, fine dining dinners, spa experiences or stays.

Spa and wellness

The hotel's spa, presented as award-winning, is surrounded by tropical gardens. The wellness area includes a gym and a range of facilities and treatments, with etiquette guidelines for users.

Weddings, events and meetings

The Oyster Box offers spaces for weddings, celebrations, honeymoons and meetings and conferences. The events offering is built around the ocean views, the function rooms and the hotel's service.

Surroundings and sustainability

The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport. A five-minute walk away is the 18,000-year-old Hawaan coastal dune forest, home to wildlife. The area's beachfront promenade is used for exercise and watching the sunrise. On sustainability, the hotel states that it has integrated efficient water and energy use and waste treatment, and has installed two beehives on the roof whose honey is destined for guests and the kitchen.

Family and pet services

The hotel's page includes specific sections on families, pets and accessibility, as well as information on the team, careers and FAQs.

Location and contact

2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa · Phone: +27 31 514 5000 · Email: info@oysterbox.co.za