Starring the Red Carnation Group’s new and exquisite
recreation of Natal’s treasured Oyster Box.

 

A celebrated destination since 1947, known for its style
and charm for decades. 2009 saw the complete restoration
and unveiling of this tropical gem in Umhlanga
overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. 

 

The charmingly planned rooms and suites include gorgeous garden villas with restful and intimate bedrooms and stunning bathrooms. All the suites and villas have spacious lounges and bars. The garden suites shady terraces and private plunge pools, surrounded by meandering gardens, brimming with lush tropical flowers.

 

All harmoniously planned using light and lovely colour, some soft yellows, cream, mint green, delicate blue grey, colours that delight the eye and soothe the spirit, while beds are dressed in impeccable percale. The rooms throughout have state of the art glazing and silent superb air conditioning, set at the most comfortable temperature. Sustainability is one of the important features addressed during the renovation process and a careful choice of materials and furnishings have been used throughout.  

Jean Wouters, landscape consultant, together with Franchesca Watson have recreated the luxurious sweeping gardens with a colonial feel to suit the style of the Oyster Box. Replanting and retaining the lush and sultry gardens that are such a captivating feature of the tropical landscape using colours such as glossy reds and deep oranges, as well as introducing water features and ponds, which brim with lilies and lotus flowers. Scented frangipanes and wonderful climbing orchids abound.  

 

The Oyster Box Spa

Serene, quite exquisite in pearl, oyster and tones of pale grey, the Oyster Box Spa   incorporates touches of Ayurveda as well as importantly introducing the coveted Hammam, known as the silent doctor, a place of cleansing and healing. For the guests there is an inimitable pampering, which rests the body and leaves you with a wonderful afterglow. At the heart of the spa is the ‘Oyster Box Journeys’, a unique fusion of therapies designed to replenish and soothe in contemporary treatment rooms. Indulge in hydro therapy baths, Nuvola dry flotation and colour therapy beds, and beyond you will gaze at the infinity pool set in a tranquil garden.

 

The Oyster Box prawn cocktail with their classic Marie Rose sauce, and bountiful toasted sandwiches with masses of matchstick crisps, remain firm favourites on the menu. 

 

Kevin Joseph, Executive Chef and famous speciality Curry Chef, Luke Nair, present a daily selection of the finest curries using superb ingredients; the freshest of spices blended to perfection, butter and cream. Curries to dream of, rich with flavour. Some are prepared in Tandoori ovens producing melt in the mouth dishes, while Rotis and Naan breads are an instant treat - fragrant, crisp and moreish!  

 

For a sweet ending try the ice creams. Unusual flavours are a speciality; liquorice, caramel, vanilla bean and butterscotch.  Try crisp meringue on fresh pineapple ice cream, one of the true flavours of Natal together with luscious mango.

 

Returning guests will recognise the familiar decorative details of the original hotel with its warmth and intimacy polished and preserved, and be amazed how the history of the hotel has been interwoven with the most up to the minute technology. While current visitors will succumb to the seductive charm of the new Oyster Box in all its glory. 

 

The entrance with its imposing staircase, opulent and glamorous!

The Oyster Box has an art collection that is a tribute to both known and aspiring artists in Kwa-Zulu natal, very much a part of the Tollman Award tradition. The collection is a tale of both South African history and Zulu culture; colourful, rich and vibrant. Note Ronald Tenza in his major large scale work bringing Edouard Manet’s painting, ‘A Bar at the Folies-Bergère’, into the context of our time and place. 

 

See the delightful and whimsical paintings retained throughout the hotel, which charmingly capture moments in time and date back to the original Oyster Box when they were acquired decades ago.  

 

The instantly recognisable black and white checker board floor has been reinstated with new tiles, using the original moulds. The double volume atrium Palm Court forms the heart of the new hotel and is the setting for both the breakfast buffet, as well as the delightful afternoon tea, which is fast becoming a magnet for lovers of an elegant afternoon tête à tête. 

 

 

Inspired by the original Colonial architecture, the Palm Court has an array of glittering chandeliers from the world famous Savoy Hotel in London. Be captivated by the pretty and lavish traditional High Tea; scones with thick cream and strawberries, dainty fruit tartlets, melting pastel creams and always a wonderful centre piece of extravagant cakes of the day, studded with seasonal fruits, chocolate or crème pâtissière. A delight to the eye - a decadent indulgence!

 

 The Oyster Bar, where you will sample the
hand picked oysters from the Oyster Box’s
cultivated beds and an impressive array of snacks
including drunken oysters doused with tequila,
paw paw, green chilli and coriander.

 

 

Savour a KWV 15 Year Old Brandy with a flavour that is complex, redolent with dried apricot and peach. Full bodied with a long subtle after taste of peach and nutty tones. Shades of deep amber, this pure potstilled brandy has been twice distilled and matured in oak barrels for 15 years.  

 

Well chilled oysters with a chive vinaigrette

Full bodied with a lingering fruity and gently sweet finish the KWV 10 Year Old Brandy is a deep amber, with a complex dried fruit and port-wine aroma with hints of subtle spicy and nutty flavours. 

 

 

Shot glasses of chilled paw paw and coriander soup,
skewered spiced prawns, and cones of mini shish kebabs
and crumbed, deep-fried mussels with aioli. 

 

Anyone for cocktails?

 

Try an intriguing combination of 10 Year Old KWV Brandy with either white rum, lemon juice, sugar syrup and well shaken on ice or experience the Brandied Pearl with pouring cream, sugar syrup and a hint of lemon well shaken on ice and served with a cherry. 

Reinstated, dinner and dancing in the Grill Room 
with a live band Saturday evenings - such fun!

On the menu a combination of enduring and popular choices including Bea Tollmans’ Eggs Royal, Chicken & Prawn Curry, Crisp Pork Belly, one of the Oyster Box’s specialities, Risotto, Kataifi Prawns, Black Forest duck, the perfect steaks and a selection of dishes that can be prepared individually at each diners’ table; cherries Jubilee and crêpes Suzette.

 

Weddings at the Oyster Box

 

The Oyster Box is a sought after wedding destination. Gliterring with hand blown Venetian crystal chandeliers in the scintillating Pearl Room and when combined with the adjoining Shell Room, can entertain up to 160 people. A gorgeous wedding at the Oyster Box where you will find the setting, attentive service and excellent cuisine coming together splendidly to produce a memorable occasion. 

 

Elegant Brandy Alexander with cream 
and the pride of the Oyster Box - oysters!