On the sun-kissed shores of Umhlanga Rocks Beach, The Oyster Box offers a tranquil retreat. Unwind with a deep-tissue massage at the spa or lounge by one of two outdoor pools. Enjoy Indian cuisine at one of two on-site restaurants, stay connected with in-room WiFi and take advantage of valet parking.
VIP Access
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Pet-friendly
Airport transfer
Electric vehicle charging point
Bar
Pool
24/7 front desk
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
On the beach
2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges
Full-service spa
2 outdoor pools
Breakfast available
Free children's club
Free supervised childcare
Health club
Sauna
Beach umbrellas
Beach sunloungers
Feel at home (6)
Children stay free
Free cots/infant beds
Babysitting (surcharge)
Children's club (free)
Premium TV channels
Garden
The current price is AU$617
AU$617
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms
View all photos for Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
3 bathrooms
450 sq m
Sea view
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)
Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
105 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed
View all photos for Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
36 sq m
Sea view
Sleeps 4
1 Single Bed
View all photos for Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
55 sq m
Sea view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
76 sq m
Sea view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)
Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
64 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 Single Bed
View all photos for Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)
Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
36 sq m
Sea view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for Classic Room (Garden Facing)
Classic Room (Garden Facing)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
32 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Highlights
Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
27 sq m
Sea view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for Luxury Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
Getting around
Durban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.) - 21 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Area shuttle
Restaurants
Butcher Boys - Umhlanga - 4 min walk
Tiki Tonga - 3 min walk
Hooters - 2 min walk
Doppio Zero - 3 min walk
The George - 5 min walk
About this property
The Oyster Box
At The Oyster Box, you can hit the beach to enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella or relax on a sunlounger, plus you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Umhlanga Rocks Beach. 2 outdoor pools provide fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy and manicures and pedicures. The Ocean Terrace, one of 2 restaurants, serves Indian cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include 3 bars/lounges, a free kid's club and a poolside bar. Fellow travellers say good things about the helpful staff and overall property condition.
Languages
Afrikaans, English, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu
At a glance
Hotel size
86 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18
Children
Up to 12 children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Babysitting*
Free supervised childcare
Free children's club
Pets
Pets allowed (2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only*
Food and water bowls available
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Free on-site valet parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
On-site parking is limited
Electric vehicle charging point on site
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
Other information
Designated smoking area (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
Full breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:00 AM–10:30 AM
2 restaurants
3 bars/lounges
Poolside bar
Coffee shop
Private dining
Private picnics
Shared fridge
24-hour room service
Snack bar/deli
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
Free children's club
Free supervised childcare/activities
Children's menu
Children's games
Toys
What to do
On the beach
Horse riding nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Working away
Business centre
Meeting room
Computer station
Conference centre
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free newspapers in reception
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Porter/bellhop
Beach sunloungers
Beach towels
Beach umbrellas
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Romance packages
Facilities
3 buildings/towers
Built in 1947
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
Television in common areas
Health club
2 outdoor pools
Arcade/games room
Full-service spa
Sauna
Massage/treatment rooms
Wine-tasting room
At least 80% of food locally sourced
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian dining options
Locally owned and organised tours and activities
Local artist showcase
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
Double-glazed windows
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
No plastic soft drinks bottles
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic water bottles
Reusable cups only
Reusable tableware only
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible
Lift
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible spa
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible fitness centre
Wheelchair-accessible business centre
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Accessible airport shuttle
Handrails in hallways
Handrails in stairwells
Wheelchairs available on site
Raised toilet seat
Low-height worktop and sink
Grab bar near toilet
Tile flooring in room
Room amenities
Be entertained
43-inch Smart TV
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Heating (climate-controlled) and air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Pillow menu
Turndown service
Alarm clock
Premium bedding
Free cot/infant bed
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
What to enjoy
Patio
Freshen up
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free newspapers
Free WiFi and wired internet
Phone
Desk chair
Electrical adapters/chargers
Food and drink
Champagne service
Free bottled water
High chair
Reusable coffee/tea filters
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Access via exterior corridors
Energy-saving switches
LED light bulbs
Water-efficient toilets only
Guidebooks/recommendations
Restaurant dining guide
Special features
Spa
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.
Dining
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.
Awards and affiliations
The Oyster Box is listed in the 2021 Travel + Leisure 500.
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Breakage deposit: ZAR 1000 per stay
Optional extras
Full breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately ZAR 695 for adults and ZAR 695 for children
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 1045 per vehicle (one-way. Maximum occupancy 7)
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Rollaway beds are available for ZAR 950.0 per night
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pet deposit: ZAR 1000 per night
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of ZAR 1000 per pet, per night
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
This property uses a grey water recycling system.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Property Registration Number CMP62944
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
Does The Oyster Box offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Oyster Box does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at The Oyster Box?
Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools.
Are pets allowed at The Oyster Box?
Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of ZAR 1000 per pet, per night, and there's also a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.
Is parking offered on site at The Oyster Box?
Yes, there's free self and valet parking. Parking spaces may be limited. Electric car charging is available.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by The Oyster Box?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 1045 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Oyster Box?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
Is there an on-site casino at The Oyster Box?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Sibaya Casino (7-min drive) and Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World (14-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at The Oyster Box and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities such as horse riding and windsurfing. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. The Oyster Box also has 3 bars, a sauna and a Turkish bath, as well as an arcade, a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The Oyster Box?
Yes, there are 2 on-site restaurants, featuring Indian cuisine and ocean views.
Does The Oyster Box have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a patio.
What's the area around The Oyster Box like?
The Oyster Box is a short 10-minute walk from Umhlanga Rocks Beach and 8 minutes' walk from Umhlanga Lighthouse.
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The Oyster Box Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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 Exceptional
18 Feb 2025
Very satisfied guests
Simply perfect hotel in all aspects. Would not hesitate to recommend
Judith
Judith, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 Jan 2025
Best Hotel in the World!
Still my favourite hotel anywhere in the world!
Deborah
Deborah, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
11 Mar 2025
Amazing as always
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 Feb 2025
Great relaxing trip
Just love the hotel. Super efficient, professional, friendly staff. Always so polite, courteous. Nothing is too much trouble. Good position. Would thoroughly recommend
Judith
Judith, 6-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
16 Nov 2024
Best hotel and staff ever!
The best hotel we have ever stayed it! The staff are incredible, the food delicious and the beds so comfy.
Will definitely stay here again, can't wait!
paul
paul, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 Jan 2025
Amazing people
Amazing staff!
Great location!
Exceptional Breakfast!
Pool service amazing!
See you soon old lady!
Rehandre
Rehandre, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jan 2025
Fabulous
We love it so much here, we extended our stay!
Clark
Clark, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
16 Feb 2025
OB 2nd visit
Very good. Bar closed too early. No entertainment in the evenings. Dead!
Peter
Peter, 7-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
30 Sept 2024
Old style hotel, with Raffles-like entrance, and excellent service. Wonderful buffet breakfast. Excellent grill room.
Donald H
Donald H, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
29 Nov 2024
Attention to every detail. It was a true ultra prestige experience.
We loved absoultey everything about this magnificent property. We look forward to our next stay.
Fabrizio
Fabrizio, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
18 Aug 2024
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
julie
julie, 8-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 Feb 2023
One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in.
Raymond
Raymond, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 Sept 2024
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
Lauren
Lauren, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
27 Mar 2024
Wonderful stay
Absolutely super hotel. Excellent service all round. Incredible staff, lovely pool. Great restaurants. Grill room superb. Ideal location
Verified traveller
3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
18 June 2024
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.
Roberto
Roberto, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
29 May 2023
One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.
Stuart
10/10 Exceptional
22 Jan 2023
The hotel is idyllic, and the staff is very friendly. The location on the beach with a view of the light house is amazing. Just a great place to stay!
Manon
Manon, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 July 2024
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.
Nicholas
Nicholas, 8-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
5 Mar 2023
The Oyster Box Short Break
Excellent hotel and fantastic service
Verified traveller
3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
11 July 2023
Absolutely amazing! Great service and stunning hotel
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
13 Apr 2023
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.
David
David, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
12 May 2023
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.
Shirley
Shirley, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 Sept 2023
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,