See all properties

The Oyster Box

5.0 star property
5-star beachfront hotel near Umhlanga Rocks Beach

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Indian cuisine
On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Couples treatment rooms, Turkish bath, aromatherapy, hot stone massages
3 bars/lounges, rooftop bar, Champagne bar

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Spa
    Spa

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

Room options

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | Exterior detail

Presidential Suite

  • 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)

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • 105 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

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

View all photos for Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 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)

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

  • 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)

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

  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Scooter/moped

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

  • 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)

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

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

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

View all photos for Luxury Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

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

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

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

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
Beverly Hills
Pool
Breakfast included
Spa
Parking included
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, (111)
The price is CA $368
per night
CA $424 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Beverly Hills

About the area

Umhlanga

Beachfront retreat .Stay at this Umhlanga hotel and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Umhlanga Rocks Beach and 2 miles (3 km) of Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Gateway Theatre of Shopping is within 2 miles (3 km) and Umdloti Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Lighthouse - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Umhlanga Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Umhlanga Hospital - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) - 21 min drive

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

5-star beachfront hotel near Umhlanga Rocks Beach
Lie back and work on your tan with relaxing beach amenities like umbrellas and sun loungers. 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/café and a 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
  • Meeting 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 center
  • 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
  • Game room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Refrigerator 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 feature minibars and safes. Rooms open to patios. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 43-inch Smart televisions come with premium satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Umhlanga hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and complimentary bottled water. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily. Amenities available on request include irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is provided on request.

The onsite 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

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • Free children's club
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Free supervised childcare
  • Highchair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Airport shuttle on request
  • Area shuttle

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee daily 7:00 AM–10:30 AM: ZAR 495 for adults and ZAR 495 for children
  • 2 restaurants and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 3 bars/lounges and 1 poolside bar
  • 24-hour room service

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Fitness center
  • Full-service spa
  • Private picnics
  • Sauna
  • Wine tasting room

Accessibility

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 43-inch Smart TV
  • Premium channels
  • Satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea filters (reusable)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Electrical adapters/chargers
  • Energy-saving switches
  • Free newspapers
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)
  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • LED light bulbs
  • Phone
  • Restaurant dining guide
  • Safe
  • Slippers
  • Turndown service
  • Water-efficient toilets only

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 cribs (infant beds)!

Property 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: approximately ZAR 495 for adults and 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.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 each 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 exisiting 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 organization.

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. 242 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 280 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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Manon

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023