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The Oyster Box

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

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Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Presidential Suite
Luxury Sea Facing Suite
Presidential Suite | Bathroom
Presidential Suite

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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

Room options

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

Classic Garden Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Classic Garden Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

Luxury Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

Luxury Sea Facing Room (King/Twin)

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

View all photos for Sea Facing Cabana (King)

Sea Facing Cabana (King)

Sea Facing Cabana (King)

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

View all photos for Sea Facing Family Room

Sea Facing Family Room

Sea Facing Family Room

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

View all photos for Luxury Sea Facing Suite

Luxury Sea Facing Suite

Luxury Sea Facing Suite

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

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)
  • 76 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

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

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

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

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

  • 105 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 64 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Junior Cabana (King)

Junior Cabana (King)

Junior Cabana (King)

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

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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. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Umdloti Beach and Durban Beach.

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Lighthouse - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Umhlanga Main Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail - 2 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Casa Bella - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Radisson Blu - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Lighthouse Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Tiki Tonga Coffee Roasters - ‬4 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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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 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); 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
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 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. 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.

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

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 261 out of 302 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 302 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 302 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 302 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 302 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

Stuart, Winter Haven

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Penny, Upper Montclair

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

julie

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The ever splendid Oyster Box. Personal and attentive service in a stunning setting. Uniquely charming. Fabulous service at every turn from the lovely first aiders to the friendly and professional pool staff, to the polite and charming front desk staff . But as ever the icing on this fabulous cake were George and his team and Leon in The Grill. Faultless and friendly service , enthusiastic shared knowledge from a great sommelier and head of house and lovely music from maestro Leon. The monkeys are ever cheekier and Sabenka is sadly missed but the splendour of this lovely hotel endures . And our new favourite breakfast server , Charlie on The Terrace . Already counting the days until we return . Also very lovely to experience sunrise and the regular dolphins swimming by from the sea facing garden cabana . I just need to win the lottery to stay in that amazing Presidential suite !
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette

Travelled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Shirley

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing as always
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

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

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

OB 2nd visit

Very good. Bar closed too early. No entertainment in the evenings. Dead!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Business traveller, Travelled with family, Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Mattias

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rehandre

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

Amazing people

Amazing staff! Great location! Exceptional Breakfast! Pool service amazing! See you soon old lady!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johannes Petrus

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clark

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

Fabulous

We love it so much here, we extended our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

julie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is exceptional. The Grill offers wonderful dining with great value overseen by George and his team who always offer first rate service with pinache and style and the bossa nova singer provides the perfect accompaniment . The spa staff are lovely and offer amazing treatments Still my favourite hotel .
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pascal

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Attention to every detail. It was a true ultra prestige experience.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Donald H

Travelled with partner
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

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