I spent last weekend at Kwazulu Natal’s iconic hotel The Oyster Box.

It had been at least 30 odd years since my last visit so it was with some eager anticipation that I finally arrived on Friday afternoon to check-in for a three-night stay.

As I walked through the famous old doors into the foyer of the hotel, fond memories flooded back of the many times I had visited the hotel in the early 70’s, mostly to entertain business clients with extravagant seafood lunches, and the traditional oysters, which have always been synonymous with the hotel’s superb cuisine. As I stood there taking it all in, Chantal welcomed me to the hotel with a most welcome glass of very cold ‘bubbly’ (Methode Cap Classique) and the news that we had been upgraded to a Superior Garden Villa. This was a most unexpected surprise and little did we anticipate the luxury awaiting us. These charming villas are set in the lush surroundings of the tropically landscaped gardens. Each enjoys the privacy of a private plunge pool, relaxing terrace, a sumptuous bathroom and a private lounge with well stocked bar. All of this combined to recreate the grace and pace of a more elegant age. This augured well for a much anticipated long weekend. I was interested to note that these lodgings can also be extended into a 2 bed-roomed configuration simply by reserving one of the overhead Garden Villa Lofts. Just as we unpacked, the sun disappeared and the rain came down. This gave us the perfect excuse to just relax in the lounge with a glass of excellent ‘shiraz’ and devour the many interesting books and magazine that had been left for our reading pleasure.

Dinner on the first night was at the Ocean Terrace Bar, perfect for more casual dining and a great restaurant for families. This enchanting eatery offers mouthwatering Indian cuisine, as well as an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed sundowner or pre-lunch drink, elegantly enhanced by the sea facing rim flow pool. Under a red umbrella on a soft cushioned lounger on the pool terrace is where you will want to spend your day reading, chilling and reviving body, mind and soul.

The fabulous walk along the Umhlanga coastline is the busy thoroughfare of walkers, runners, locals, fisherman and tourists, and is the ideal place to walk off the lavish breakfast served at the hotel before settling down next to the pool for the day.

I could not leave The Oyster Box without trying the Spa, which I discovered, takes wellness, rest and recuperation to new limits. Their brochure promises “the highest level of personal care through its exceptionally appointed facility along with dedicated staff trained and entrusted to deliver the highest standards of spa therapy” and the promise was fulfilled. “With six modern yet peacefully decorated treatment rooms, two Hydrotherapy Baths, grooming Lounge, Nuvola Dry Floatation and Colour Therapy Bed, authentic Hammam, plunge pool, a state-of-the-art private fitness club, infinity pool with ocean views and post treatment tranquility lounge , guests are guaranteed an indulgence in all of the ways that make them feel celebrated and sensational.” All that I can add to this is that my Sunday morning spent at the Spa was an escape to a pampered paradise.

Dinner at the Grill Room on Saturday evening was a grand affair, the cuisine mouthwatering, the wine superb, and the service friendly. Last but not least a whirl on the dance floor added an extra dimension to the occasion.

Staying here demands a plate of chilled fresh oysters picked from the rocks in front of the lodgings and enjoyed in the famous Oyster Bar with a glass or bottle of your favourite ‘bubbly’. It’s a tradition that gave this famous hotel its name. And the celebrated wine cellar is the ideal spot for a small celebration, be it a birthday, anniversary or even a small and intimate wedding. While we were enjoying a late Friday night cocktail in the bar I could not help noticing the revelry below, all of which was visible through the glass floor of the Oyster Bar. What a place for a party.
The lighthouse bar with its breathtaking, panoramic views of Umhlanga and the restless sea is where we watched Saturday afternoon Curry Cup Rugby. As the rain poured down outside so we celebrated with the Shark supporters by quaffing beers and cocktails while the local lads won the game in the eleventh hour. This is a timeless venue to meet friends for a drink and snack while watching sports on a big high definition flat screen.

Monday morning arrived all too soon. The sun was in full glory and the sky a cerulean blue. It was the perfect end to a weekend I certainly hope to repeat on a regular basis. One night at the Oyster Box and the world really is your ‘oyster’! For the ultimate getaway this is where you should be heading, but do at least four nights as three is not nearly enough.

Oh and how could I forget to mention the elaborate high tea served in the afternoon…totally decadent to say the least! And I must also mention the cutest little cinema where you can watch your favourite movie along with all the trappings of popcorn and delectable sweets in tall glass jars.

After breakfast Khanyi, the sales executive, very kindly took me to see the other rooms in the hotel which were individually different and unique – but all of them very much in synch with the hotels tradition and ethos.

This is a perfect setting for a destination wedding followed by a short honeymoon. So if you are planning one, the Oyster Box will fulfill the most unrealistic romantic expectations.

Lindsay Quail