The legend that is the OYSTER BOX

THE OYSTER BOX IN UMHLANGA IS UNDOUBTEDLY A HOTEL WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE AND CHERISHED FOR A LIFETIME

Ask anyone who has stayed at The Oyster Box in uMhlanga Rocks about their experience and you will be regaled with stories to fill a volume – each one using adjectives like “romantic, beautiful, elegant and stylish”.

A large part of the legacy of The Oyster Box is that it’s been around for as long as anyone can remember. The original cottage – The Oyster Lodge – was built on the grounds in 1863. Made of Burmese Teak, corrugated iron and re-inforced concrete, it was originally used as a navigational beacon.

In 1952 the cottage and grounds were sold to local residents Ken O’Connor and Kay O’Connor (Hill), his sister, who started a tea garden … which became a restaurant … and then The Oyster Box Hotel in March 1954.

Fast-forward to October 2009 and following an extensive twoyear rebuild, the 21 st century Oyster Box with all the luxurious comforts, elegance and charm of a bygone era, re-opened her doors for business. Although the building has undergone many architectural changes since the 1800s, a number of the original landmarks – including the grand, revolving door at the entrance, the reception and foyer with its black and white terrazzo tiles, the familiar wrought-iron balustrade and original, inlaid hand-painted tiles – remain intact.

The Oyster Box’s reputation and status as the accommodation of choice for celebrities and Royals, precedes it. The Manchester United soccer team, Princes Harry and William, and Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who held a second reception at the hotel soon after their wedding in Monaco.

While The Oyster Box evokes fond memories in the hearts and minds of her countless visitors and guests, it holds a very special place in the hearts of current owners Stanley and Bea Tollman who bought the hotel in 2006. The Tollmans own the internationally recognised Red Carnation Hotel Collection, comprising 18 four and five-star hotels around the world, but it was at The Oyster Box in 1952, that the dream of one day owning the property was first conceived.

Stanley and Bea, who both lived in Johannesburg at the time, each found themselves in Durban for the weekend. At dinner in the dining room (now the elegant, award-winning Grill Room), Stanley asked Bea if she’d like to taste an oyster. Keen to try the delicacy, which she’d never eaten before, she promptly spat the first mouthful on the floor! Not very ladylike, she admits, but this evening marked the beginning of a love affair that has spanned 60 years.

Today, The Oyster Box buzzes with a renewed energy and vitality. Accommodation includes 86 individually decorated rooms, suites and exquisite villas, as well as a magnificent split-level Presidential Suite offering the ultimate in luxury.

Renowned for generous hospitality, passionate service and excellent cuisine, guests have a choice of six venues for wining, dining and relaxing. Try the casual Ocean Terrace, serving pizza from a wood-fire oven, the finest seafood and an authentic curry buffet, to the legendary, fine-dining Grill Room offering a menu inspired by the combination of enduring signature dishes and new creations and flavours garnered from around the world.

The Palm Court is where a lavish traditional high tea, with live piano accompaniment, is served daily. And for a more intimate dining experience the magnificent Chef’s Table in the sunken wine cellar is ideal for hosting select private dinners for up to 10 guests.

The stylish Oyster and Lighthouse Bars are essential pre-dinner or sundowner stops where you can enjoy chilled champagne, freshly plucked oysters from the hotel’s own oyster beds, and enchanting sea-views while listening to live music.

The Pearl, Shell, Durban July and Union Castle Rooms are the venues of choice for weddings, functions and events, and a 24-seater, inhouse cinema showing classic and current releases, is a quirky addition to an-all round line-up of services and facilities.

In the lush gardens you will find the highly-prized Spa at The Oyster Box. Reflecting and celebrating the intricate tapestry of KwaZulu-Natal’s rich heritage, offering all of the amenities expected of a wellness facility of this calibre, The Spa is a haven of healing and tranquillity.

There is no doubt that time spent at The Oyster Box will leave you with magical memories to last a lifetime.