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The Oyster Box

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor swimming pools

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Property entrance
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
3 bars/lounges, rooftop bar, Champagne bar
Reception
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • SpaSpaSpa
  • PoolPoolPool
  • Breakfast available
  • Restaurant
  • BarBarBar

Explore the area

Map
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320
  • Popular LocationUmhlanga Lighthouse8 min walk
  • Popular LocationUmhlanga Rocks Beach10 min walk
  • Popular LocationGateway Theatre of Shopping4 min drive
  • AirportDurban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.)24 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | Living room

Presidential Suite

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Bathrobes
  • 450 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Garden Villa

Superior Garden Villa

Superior Garden Villa

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 105 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Room (Sea Facing)

Family Room (Sea Facing)

Family Room (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Luxury Suite (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Suite (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 55 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite (Sea Facing)

Deluxe Suite (Sea Facing) | Terrace/patio

Deluxe Suite (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 76 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Garden Villa Loft

Garden Villa Loft

Garden Villa Loft

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

View from room

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room (Sea Facing)

Classic Room (Sea Facing)

Classic Room (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
  • 27 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Room (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Room (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
  • 30 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Sea Facing Cabana

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Sea Facing Cabana

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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Beverly Hills
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Parking included
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, (100)
The price is AU$394
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
25 May - 26 May
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About the area

Umhlanga

A luxury stay in Umhlanga awaits you at The Oyster Box, a recipient of the prestigious Travel & Leisure 500 award in 2021. Within a 10-minute stroll you'll find Umhlanga Rocks Beach and Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve within a 30-minute walk. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include 2 restaurants, 2 outdoor swimming pools and a full-service spa. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and body wraps along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The family restaurant, The Ocean Terrace, serves Indian cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Lighthouse Bar is the hotel's own rooftop bar, serving drinks along with light fare. Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site free kids' club and gym. Business travelers can take advantage of meeting rooms, a conference centre, and a business centre. Plus you'll find free WiFi in public areas, a Turkish bath/hammam and a sauna. Each morning buffet breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. There's also free valet parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 5-property class Umhlanga hotel include Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Durban Beach.

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Lighthouse - 8 min walk
  • Umhlanga Main Beach - 8 min walk
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach - 10 min walk
  • KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board - 2 min drive
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Durban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tiki Tonga - 3 min walk
  • Butcher Boys - Umhlanga - 4 min walk
  • Salsa Mexican Restaurant & Tequilaria - 4 min walk
  • Starbucks - 4 min walk
  • Hooters - 2 min walk

About this property

The Oyster Box

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor swimming pools
Lie back and work on your tan with relaxing beach amenities, such as umbrellas and sunloungers. At The Oyster Box, you can cool off in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers a complimentary children's club, a health club and a sauna. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Umhlanga hotel.

  • 86 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • 3 bars or lounges
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 1947
  • Deli
  • Kid's club (free)
  • Supervised kid's activities (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference centre
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Games room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
The Oyster Box offers 86 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features DVD players and minibars. Rooms open to patios. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Smart televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include dressing gowns, slippers, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Umhlanga hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs and telephones. Additionally, rooms include a safe and free newspapers. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include an iron/ironing board. Housekeeping is provided on request.

The on-site spa has 6 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with Turkish bath/hammam.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Awards and affiliations

The Oyster Box is listed in the 2021 Travel + Leisure 500.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 495 for adults and ZAR 495 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Palm Court
  • The Grill Room
  • The Lighthouse Bar
  • The Ocean Terrace
  • The Oyster Bar

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Library
  • Sauna
  • TV in common areas
  • Wine tasting room

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • DVD player
  • Free children's club
  • Free cot
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • Highchair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages
  • Turkish bath

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Handrails in hallways
  • Handrails in stairways
  • In-room accessibility
  • Lift
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1947
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free cot
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste on request
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • 43-inch Smart TV with premium channels
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant dining guides

Outdoor space

  • Patio

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Electrical adapters
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: ZAR 1000 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 12 children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 495.0 per night.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: ZAR 1000 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately ZAR 495 for adults and from ZAR 495 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 510 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Pet deposit: ZAR 1000 per night
  • Pet fee: ZAR 1000 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 495.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18 years old.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18 years old. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, debit cards and cash. This property uses a grey water recycling system. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. <

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 12 children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is also known as

Box Oyster
Oyster Box
Oyster Box Hotel
Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel
The Oyster Box Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Oyster Box?

The Oyster Box offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Oyster Box?

As of 11 May 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Oyster Box on 12 May 2024 start from AU$719.30, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Oyster Box?

Yep, The Oyster Box has a free self car park and free valet parking. Onsite parking is limited.

Are there any beaches close to The Oyster Box?

Yep, The Oyster Box is a short 10-minute walk from Umhlanga Rocks Beach. Fun beach activities include windsurfing.

Is there a spa on site at The Oyster Box?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at The Oyster Box. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as deep-tissue massages.

Does The Oyster Box have a pool?

The Oyster Box has 2 outdoor swimming pools. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a coldie from the bar.

What luxury perks are available at The Oyster Box?

The Oyster Box features 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a health club. All guestrooms come with premium bedding and 24-hour room service.

What makes The Oyster Box a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and ocean-view dining, as well as premium bedding and private patios in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Oyster Box.

Is The Oyster Box family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities like a free kids' club and free supervised childcare, as well as highchairs and free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise The Oyster Box is a hit with families.

Does The Oyster Box serve breakfast?

Sure does, buffet breakfast is offered daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Oyster Box?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Oyster Box?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and 2 restaurants. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at The Oyster Box?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Oyster Box?

Furry friends are welcome at The Oyster Box, with food and water bowls on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets.

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 232 out of 270 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 270 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 270 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 270 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 270 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Olivier

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Adrian

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Complim
Its was good however the fruit that was placed in the room was not checked.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

gamenio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

julie

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is unique and exceptional in every way. It's like stepping back in time but with first rate modern service and attention to detail. The staff are all really lovely, nothing is too much trouble and its the best hotel I have stayed in.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas, Fareham

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yet another fabulous stay at the Oyster Box, such a wonderful place to stay and relax with ultra friendly and efficient staff. We especially look forward to the buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day, sat on the terrace looking out in to the Indian Ocean and spotting the passing whales and dolphins, such a treat. A special mention and thanks must go to Wesley and Clive along with their teams for looking after us as usual, can’t wait for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Noluthando

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Oysterbox never disappoints 🏆
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pedro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stay here !! One of the best hotels in SA!
This has to be one of the best hotels in South Africa. From service to offerings, to quality of offering, attention, cleanliness. Honestly i can not say one bad word about this hotel. If you can, definitely stay here!!! It is a beautiful stunning hotel! Regards,
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely amazing! Great service and stunning hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stuart, Winter Haven

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.