The Oyster Box

5.0 star property
VIP Access

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Indian cuisine
Presidential Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Couples treatment room(s), Turkish bath/hammam, aromatherapy
Presidential Suite | Living area | 43-inch Smart TV with satellite channels, TV

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym

Explore the area

Map
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320
  • Umhlanga Lighthouse
    8 min walk
  • Umhlanga Main Beach
    8 min walk
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach
    10 min walk
  • Durban North (VIR-Virginia)
    7 min drive
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members

Room options

Presidential Suite

  • 450 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • 105 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bed

Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 55 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 76 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room (Garden Facing)

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 27 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 30 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About this property

The Oyster Box

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor pools
Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at The Oyster Box's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Oyster Box offers 86 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features minibars and a safe. Rooms open to patios. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 43-inch Smart televisions come with premium satellite channels. 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 free newspapers and complimentary bottles of water. 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.

2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a health club and a sauna.

Children aged under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

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.

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at The Oyster Box. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Umhlanga Rocks Beach. Free WiFi in public areas, free valet parking and 2 outdoor pools are available. This property offers pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free valet parking and self-parking
  • Enjoy Indian cuisine with ocean views at The Ocean Terrace, one of the property's 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges
  • Buffet breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Take a swim in the 2 outdoor pools
  • Treat yourself to body wraps, Swedish massages or manicures and pedicures at the spa
  • Services include babysitting, a free children's club and dry cleaning/laundry
  • On-site recreation includes a gym and a sauna
  • 10 minutes by foot from Umhlanga Rocks Beach and a 4-minute drive from Gateway Theatre of Shopping
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
  • Pets welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls
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.

For a fee, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
The Ocean Terrace – Overlooking the ocean, this family restaurant specialises in Indian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Palm Court – This coffee shop specialises in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 24 hours. Reservations are required. Open daily.
The Grill Room – This fine-dining restaurant specialises in international cuisine and only serves dinner. Reservations are required. Open daily.
The Lighthouse Bar – This rooftop bar specialises in international cuisine and only serves light fare. Open daily.
The Oyster Bar – This Champagne bar specialises in international cuisine and only serves light fare. Open daily.
Late-night fare is available from 24-hour room service.

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
  • 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
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • 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
  • Lift
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • 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 bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchairs on site

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 provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

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

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 at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
The Oyster Box offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.

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

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 245 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 283 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

Rob

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We took our little dog with us - the staff were all amazing with her. Definately seen an improvement with staff service. They were all OUTSTANDING
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

julie

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is an exceptional hotel . The level of service and its unique style is incomparable . George the Maitre D and Somolier in The Grill Restaurant is an absolute asset to the hotel and to The Red Carnation Group
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandisa

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas, Fareham

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yet again another amazing stay at the Oyster Box. Thanks to all the staff involved for making the 8 days so perfect, all were exceptional but we would like to give a special thank you to 3 staff that made our 3 hour breakfasts on the Terrace so wonderful, Stephanie, Letho & Andile you were amazing and we can’t wait to come back and see you again next year if not sooner.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roberto, Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the most stunning hotels I have ever stayed at in the world, everything was of top quality, from the team to the property to the food. Outstanding.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

mark, taplow

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay
Amazing hotel. Perfect location. Wonderful staff. Excellent restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay
Absolutely super hotel. Excellent service all round. Incredible staff, lovely pool. Great restaurants. Grill room superb. Ideal location
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Yegan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Oyster Box - Disappointing Stay
The service from staff and overall friendliness of the staff is outstanding. The hotel itself leaves alot to be desired. The rooms are small and everything is crammed into this small space. The set up is old and outdated with take away from the appeal of the hotel. The rooms are not cleaned properly and we often found slithering insects/worms on the floor. The Ocean Terrace - the food was good, not outstanding but my main issues is that staff are not knowledgeable on the wine list or dishes offered. The seating seems to be subjective as on my 1st visit, I was seated right at the door of the hotel. This was uncomfortable. The 2nd night, I was seated under the broken roof, again not ideal. All restaurants close at 10pm even for hotel guests, this is another major issue. When I compare this to the Saxon which is similar in pricing then this hotel is a rip off. The Saxon Hotel is miles ahead on every aspect.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fabrizio

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved absoultey everything about this magnificent property. We look forward to our next stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

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.

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is one of my favourite hotels. The decor is beautiful and the ambiance warm and welcoming. The staff are attentive, helpful and pleasant giving excellent service. As usual the meals we had in the restaurants were delicious. All round another wonderful stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ferial

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a short stay both times, so we were unable to use the amenities, however we still had an absolutely amazing stay. Staff and service were exceptional, they were very friendly and always ready to assist, and go over and above. The rooms are beautiful, very comfortable and cater to all needs and they made a special surprise for us when we got to the room for our anniversary celebration. We had a sea-facing room which was absolutely stunning to wake up to the sound of the waves and go to sleep to the same. Food was delicious, and the oyster and sparkling wine breakfast buffet was absolutely delicious and catered to every taste. Definitely worth staying there. We would love to go back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is one of the finest hotels we have ever stayed. I couldn't recommend more. Room/view was fabulous. Food exceptional and the staff superb.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Oyster Box Short Break
Excellent hotel and fantastic service
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023