A national treasure
South Africa’s most cherished hotel stands majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean & the iconic lighthouse.
The Oyster Box
Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal
A timeless icon
Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels, as famous for its remarkable coastal views as the understated luxury and gracious hospitality that have become the hallmarks of this cherished seaside destination.
Set just 15 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box offers an array of individually decorated rooms and suites, an award-winning spa set amid tropical gardens, and a mouth-watering menu of restaurants and bars.
With South Africa’s Covid-19 recovery well underway, we are delighted to once again welcome international travellers back to The Oyster Box.
Exceptional dining
Our talented Executive Chefs and their teams offer guests a culinary journey through the senses, while our dining locations create extraordinary experiences in themselves.
Dine in magnificent surroundings
There are many beautiful spots to linger al fresco over dinner, from terraces overlooking the ocean to shaded courtyard gardens in the English countryside... For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoy dinner in a rustic and secluded cottage in the heart of the African reserve, or dine by candlelight against the night skies of the Cederberg Mountains.
Romantic picnics
Our passionate teams are experts at packing a hamper of homemade treats for a delicious picnic, and are adept at picking the perfect spot to enjoy our homemade fare, from beautiful lakes and mountain trails among the fynbos to private gardens and London’s Royal Parks.
The finest flavours
We are incredibly proud of our talented team of Executive Chefs, who continue to innovate and collaborate across the world to create delicious, award-winning menus.
Discover this eight-course tasting menu at Ashford Castle
Mrs T's famous signature dishes
Our Executive Chefs are proud to feature Beatrice Tollman’s famous signature dishes on their menus, which have been collected, refined and perfected through the generations, and are personally taught by Mrs Tollman herself. These dishes, including our delicious homemade bread baskets, Mrs T’s famous chicken noodle soup and king prawn stroganoff, reflect the seasonality, heritage and provenance of each of our locations.
Centuries of history with our partners
We choose to partner with the finest local purveyors and where possible, our cuisine uses produce grown in our own kitchen gardens and polytunnels. Our most treasured partnerships include Aubrey Allen, Royal Warrant holder to Her Majesty The Queen; Lanson, purveyor of some of the world’s finest Champagne; and H Forman & Son, London’s famous salmon smokery.
Our legendary curry selection
The journey began at The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, where Executive Chef Kevin Joseph, one of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs, introduced an incredible curry buffet reflecting the country’s diverse flavours and spices. Today, our curry menus are world-renowned.
A quintessentially English tradition
Afternoon Tea is upheld in its finest form at each of our hotels and the locations are just as impressive. In London, guests can enjoy a regal experience overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, while at The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, the Palm Court offers an elegant space under magnificent chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London.
Unique & special local experiences
Our long-standing local relationships and network of expert insiders create purposeful connections and unique experiences for our guests, as well as grant exclusive access to the finest museums and institutions.
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea inspired by Hardys Original Sweetshop in London, embark on a private, chauffeur-driven shopping tour in Palm Beach, learn how to create delicious Irish soda bread on a traditional farm close to Ashford Castle, enjoy a private in-suite performance from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra or listen to intimate talks by the expert curators of The British Museum and the V&A Museum.
Holistic wellness
Our talented Executive Chefs and their teams offer guests a culinary journey through the senses, while our dining locations create extraordinary experiences in themselves.
In synergy with our surroundings
Take a journey of self restoration at each of our hotels, from The Spa at Ashford Castle overlooking the tranquil waters of Lough Corrib to Xigera Safari Lodge, where the spa is meticulously designed to frame the breathtaking floodplains and riverine forests.
Private sanctuaries & blissful seclusion
Our collection of private sanctuaries are the ultimate destination for a secluded retreat, creating a tranquil haven to heal and revive, from a cottage secreted amongst Dorset’s rolling hills with an enchanting lantern-lit garden and open-air hot tub, to Cederberg House at Bushmans Kloof, tucked into the landscape.
A restorative experience
Our therapists guide our guests on a regenerative journey, inspired by nurturing natural ingredients and our spas' spectacular settings.
Discover this spa journey at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa