• Fine views of the beach and ocean
• Bags of period charm and style
• Choice of rooms, suites and villas
• Lavish spa
• 2 outdoor pools
• Varied cuisines and dining venues

The Oyster Box is a grand, old style hotel, oozing period charm set beside the well-known Umhlanga lighthouse. Sadly, the building had fallen into disrepair by the early 21st century but has since been lovingly rebuilt. The present hotel retains many of its original features such as the colonnaded terrace, revolving entrance door, elegant wrought-ironwork and distinctive black and white floor tiles, which give it the feel of a bygone era. 

Great attention to detail is evident in the decor of the 86 rooms and suites. Murals, tiles, paintings, window shutters and antique furniture are combined with modern comforts such as air conditioning, flat screen TV, CD and DVD player, free Wi-Fi and lavish en-suite bathroom. There are several categories of accommodation, some facing the gardens and others with sea views, and many have their own balcony or terrace.

Between them, the four restaurants serve a broad range of cuisines including succulent grills, tasty tandoori dishes and pizzas cooked in special ovens, gorgeous afternoon teas with sweet and savoury treats, and, of course, freshly prepared oysters gathered from the hotel's own oyster beds. There's a choice of bars, too.

The hotel has two outdoor pools, one facing the ocean and the other tucked away in the grounds, both with sundecks. If you'd like some beach time, the hotel provides deck chairs, towels and parasols, or you can find a quiet place to sit in the gardens among the ponds and water features. Other amenities include a gym, cinema and spa with a choice of treatments including massages, a hammam and spa pool.

Images supplied by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection