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The Oyster Box

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Presidential Suite | Bathroom
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Terrace/patio
Couples treatment room(s), Turkish bath/hammam, aromatherapy
Luxury Sea Facing Suite | Beach/ocean view

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant

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
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
Learn more about VIP AccessOpens in a new window

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | Bathroom

Presidential Suite

  • Sea view
  • 450 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Junior Cabana (King)

Junior Cabana (King)

Junior Cabana (King)

  • Sea view
  • 36 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About this property

The Oyster Box

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 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.

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

Children 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 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.

Our customers tell us 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 like 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
  • Full breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Take a swim in the 2 outdoor pools
  • Treat yourself to hot stone massages, manicures and pedicures, or facials at the spa
  • Services include babysitting, a free kid's club, and dry cleaning/laundry
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym and a sauna
  • 10 minutes by foot from Umhlanga Rocks Beach and a 3-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 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.

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

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
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Limited on-site 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

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 supervised activities for children
  • High chair
  • In-room cot
  • Laundry facilities
  • 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.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • 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

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1947
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

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

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); 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)!

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 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

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
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
The Oyster Box offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation 48 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
Property Registration Number CMP62944
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 274 out of 316 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 316 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 316 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 316 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 316 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

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

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

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clark

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