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The Oyster Box

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Presidential Suite | Bathroom
Couples treatment rooms, Turkish bath, aromatherapy, hot stone massages
3 bars/lounges, rooftop bar, Champagne bar
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite | Beach/ocean view

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320
  • Place, Umhlanga Lighthouse
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Umhlanga Main Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Umhlanga Rocks Beach
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Durban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Classic Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Classic Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • Garden view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Classic Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

Classic Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

Classic Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Luxury Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Sea Facing Cabana (King)

Sea Facing Cabana (King)

Sea Facing Cabana (King)

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

View all photos for Sea Facing Family Room

Sea Facing Family Room | Bathroom

Sea Facing Family Room

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

View all photos for Luxury Sea Facing Suite

Luxury Sea Facing Suite

Luxury Sea Facing Suite

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

View all photos for Deluxe Sea Facing Suite (King/Twin)

Deluxe Sea Facing Suite (King/Twin)

Deluxe Sea Facing Suite (King/Twin)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 76 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | Bathroom

Presidential Suite

  • Sea view
  • 450 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Garden Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

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

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

  • Garden view
  • 105 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Garden Villa Loft (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

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

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 64 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Junior Cabana (King)

Junior Cabana (King)

Junior Cabana (King)

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

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 Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Umdloti Beach is within 6 miles (10 km) and Durban Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Lighthouse - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Oceans Mall - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Umhlanga Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Radisson Blu - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Butcher boys - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hooters - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Casa Bella - ‬3 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. Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

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.

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • Free children's club
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • High chair
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 695 for adults and ZAR 695 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

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

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Handrails in hallways
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • 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 on site

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

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 used
  • 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); 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 950 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 full breakfast: approximately ZAR 695 for adults and ZAR 695 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1045 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)
  • 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 950 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
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Some water is reused through a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. 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.

Property Registration Number CMP62944

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Oyster Box to the airport?

The Oyster Box is 10.7 mi (19-min drive) away from the King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jul 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Oyster Box on Jul 31, 2026 start from CA $542, excluding 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.

Does The Oyster Box have an airport shuttle?

The Oyster Box offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of ZAR 1045 per vehicle, one-way.

How close is The Oyster Box to the beach?

This hotel is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Oyster Box offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Oyster Box, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of ZAR 695 for adults and ZAR 695 for children. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a casino at The Oyster Box?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Sibaya Casino (7-min drive) and Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World (11-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at The Oyster Box?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at The Oyster Box?

This hotel offers free self parking and valet parking.

Does The Oyster Box have a pool?

The Oyster Box features 2 outdoor pools.

Does The Oyster Box have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like Indian cuisine, ocean views, and light fare.

Does The Oyster Box have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features hot stone massages, facials, and mani/pedis.

How close is The Oyster Box to downtown uMhlanga?

The Oyster Box is 1.1 mi away from uMhlanga.

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 276 out of 318 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 318 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 318 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 318 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 318 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

AJ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything about this hotel was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Have stayed in the truly wonderful Oyster Box many times. Everything is always superb, attention to detail, staff, pool, dining Would totally recommend the hotel and experience of staying
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is an excellent hotel, you get what you pay for and this hotel and its staff deliver 110% we had a villa room which was outstanding the pools were lovely and the staff are super friendly and helpful
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful hotel in a wonderful location with top class service. Like Raffles in South Africa.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Always excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All perfect
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful variety and quality of spa treatments
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stuart

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the best hotel in the greater Durban metropolitan area.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was truly amazing. Everyone was very friendly
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoy our stay at The Oyster Box, staff are so friendly and they really take care of you feel really special, go back every year because we enjoy it so much.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best Hotel in the World!

Still my favourite hotel anywhere in the world!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Manon

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stuart

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

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very satisfied guests

Simply perfect hotel in all aspects. Would not hesitate to recommend
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fabrizio

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is an elegant, extraordinary property in a stunning location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald H

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old style hotel, with Raffles-like entrance, and excellent service. Wonderful buffet breakfast. Excellent grill room.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Despite a dismal booking and check-in experience the rest of the stay was wonderful. Direct feedback with the booking and front desk team has been shared but no attempt at amends were made.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

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