Zohra Mohamed

Where: Umhlanga, KZN

Rates: Standard rooms from R3870, presidential suite R50000/night

The revamped Oyster Box Hotel is the talk of the town following its grand re opening this month attended by leading politicians, captains of industry and international guests specially flown in.

The iconic 5-star establishment which first opened its doors in 1947 is part of the Red Carnation group of family-run hotels. English colonial is the dominant style. The new foyer is striking and airy, with sweeping views of Durban’s coastline. Umhlanga’s lighthouse is a two-minute walk from the hotel. The 86 tastefully decorated rooms and suites reflect a warm personality rather than the corporate, generic look of group hotels. In fact the Oyster Box raises 5-star standards just a bit higher with attention to detail. It has an in-house library, cinema, four dining spots and excellent service.

It is not stuffy, however, and guests are welcome to walk around the hotel in their beach flip flops and shorts all day if they want to. Luxurious decor is also mixed with its Bali-style cane furniture — a feature of the old hotel — which adds to the comfortable feel of the hotel. Another feature that sets it apart is a full-on Turkish bath-cum-massage known as a “hamam” ceremony in its spa, which the hotel says is the only one of its kind in the country. This ancient treatment involves lying naked on a tiled slab in a steam chamber while a therapist using olive soap and mittens scrubs, pulls and stretches your body like putty in her hands. This is followed by a rinsing ritual and a relaxing massage, at which point, I’m told, most guests fall asleep.

The Oyster Box is setting new standards, and the neighbouring Beverly Hills hotel — a firm favourite among politicians and dignitaries — is already said to be feeling the competition. That’s no bad thing; guests can only benefit.

Source: Financial Mail