Arrival/Check-In: The four-story Oyster Box Hotel, a Red Carnation hotel opened in 1947 and reopened in 2009 after a masterful rebuild, is a pleasant diversion from the modern high-rises lining the beachfront promenade in Umhlanga Rocks, just outside downtown Durban. I was warmly greeted, pleasantly surprised with an upgrade, treated to a choice of cool drinks and then escorted to my sea-facing Buthelezi suite, with an overview of the property en route. A bellman arrived shortly afterward with my bag.
Guest Quarters: Upon entering my suite — one of the property’s 86 guestrooms, suites and villas — I was immediately drawn to the glass doors, which opened onto a long, private balcony overlooking the Umhlanga Lighthouse, beachside promenade and beach, and distant freighters awaiting entrance to Durban’s Indian Ocean port. After taking in the views, I shifted my gaze to the expansive living room and bedroom, decorated in handsome shades of blue with a mix of floral and geometric patterns, and connected via sliding doors inside and to the exterior balcony.
The living room had an ample seating area along with a desk with good lighting and multiple outlets. A powder room, located near the entry to the living room, makes it possible to hold meetings without revealing the bedroom. The bedroom, like the living room, opened to the balcony through a set of sliding doors. The master bath, open to the bedroom through a shuttered window, had a deep soaking tub, separate and huge rainwater shower, water closet, heated towel bars, double vanity and a selection of oversized B|Africa amenities. An entry hall, with double closets and a dressing table, provided access from the bedroom.
My suite, like all rooms on the property, included a stocked minibar, complimentary WiFi, an electric kettle with a selection of teas and coffees as well as a shortbread snack, newspapers and magazines, and fresh fruit and flowers. There were wall-mounted flat-screen satellite TVs in both rooms with sanitized and bagged remotes for each provided. Beach towels and umbrellas were available upon request.
Services/Amenities: En route to my room, I saw the Palm Court, where afternoon tea was being served; the Grill Room, where I dined that night; the Terrace Room, where breakfast was served; the Clock Library, with pieces from the owner’s collection; the beachside infinity pool; and the hotel’s bars, including the Lighthouse Bar, an elegant room overlooking the lighthouse. Along the way, I couldn’t help admiring the hotel’s collection of works by contemporary Zulu-speaking artists from KwaZulu-Natal. Later, I walked downtown, ambled along the beachside promenade and toured the full-service spa with fitness center, adjacent to the garden pool. After dinner, I discovered the 24-seat theater, where five movies are screened daily. The included full breakfast featured lavish hot and cold buffets as well as individually prepared items such as eggs Benedict. I took mine on the terrace, overlooking the lighthouse, and was thrilled to watch a pod of dolphins swim by just offshore.
The Experience: The service-oriented hotel staff couldn’t do anything to make my stay more perfect. When I requested a U.S. adapter, it showed up in minutes; when I had trouble getting online, a tech assistant immediately came to my room. My only regret was spending just one night here. I didn’t have enough time to enjoy the renowned curry buffet or truly relax and gaze over the Indian Ocean from the pool or on the beach. When I found myself with a half-hour to kill before my airport shuttle, I retreated to the spa’s relaxation areas and sipped tea while plotting my return.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
The Oyster Box
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks 4319
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
tel 27 31514 5000
oysterboxhotel.com
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 17, 2025UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages in 2024
From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam, travelers can now discover the 55 newest Best Tourism Villages of 2024 as researched by UN Tourism. These are not overcrowded, mass-tourism villages, but instead very rural destinations that have consolidated their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
March 2025
Mar 17, 2025Buenos Aires Embraces Life with Art, Music, Sports and Fine Food
The fascinating city of Buenos Aires has managed to maintain its appeal for travelers despite Argentina’s roller coaster economic history.
Daily
Mar 17, 2025Welcome the Arrival of Tulip Season in Amsterdam with Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Every spring, Amsterdam’s parks and fields erupt into an array of colors with the arrival of tulip season. To help travelers have the ultimate experience, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers three curated experiences celebrating the iconic flower through historical insights, natural immersion and gourmet food.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Slideshow
Mar 17, 20256 Reasons to Put Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Santa Fe, New Mexico, with us.
Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option
March 2025
Mar 15, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Daily
Mar 13, 2025Sedona, Arizona, Hotel Promises Perfect Nature-Centric Stay
Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at L’Auberge de Sedona. This luxury property in Sedona, Arizona, invites travelers to reconnect with nature through its accommodations and outdoor experiences.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Mar 13, 2025Ancient Baths Brand Opens Second Location in New York City
AIRE Ancient Baths officially opened the doors of its second New York City location March 1, bringing even more wellness to New Yorkers and visitors. Following the success of its location in Tribeca, AIRE New York Upper East Side debuts, blending ancient traditions from Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations.
ShareThis