If you live in KZN and haven’t yet had the opportunity, chances are staying at the Oyster Box Hotel is something you’ve always dreamt of doing. As it is the month of love, we thought we’d share our reasons why we think this iconic, five-star seaside hotel is the ultimate romantic staycation destination.
OCEAN VIEWS AND MAGICAL GARDENS
Very few things are as wonderful as falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean crashing right outside your window, then, lying in bed watching the sun rise over the sea … bliss. Throw in a bird’s eye view of the iconic Umhlanga lighthouse for prosperity and you’ve got pure, seaside heaven. Besides being situated right on the Umhlanga beachfront, the Oyster Box Hotel’s beautifully kept, lush grounds are most certainly worth a mention. If a moonlit walk through these stunning, tropical gardens doesn’t shout ‘romance’, nothing else will.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Elegant, lavish and each with its own unique look and feel, the hotel’s 86 rooms, suites and villas are a testament to the understated luxury and serenity The Oyster Box has always been so proud of. The sea-facing rooms are our favourite, each with its own private balcony overlooking Umhlanga beach, but the garden villa lofts and classic garden facing rooms are just as exquisite. Think luxurious linens, bathrobes and slippers, bespoke room amenities and fresh fruit and flowers … it’s all simply glorious. The rooms include daily breakfast at The Ocean Terrace and also have flat screen satellite televisions with on-demand movies – not that you’ll want to spend much time watching TV!
GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS
There is no shortage of dining options at The Oyster Box, and one can tell that careful thought has gone into all the food and drinks on offer at every one of the restaurants and bars on the property. The Ocean Terrace, where you’ll enjoy your generous breakfast buffet, is best known for its signature candy-striped décor, fresh seafood and the hotel’s famous curry buffet. The Palm Court, situated beneath beautiful waving fans and crystal chandeliers (which were imported from England where they once hung in the Savoy Hotel), is where you can enjoy the hotel’s iconic and incredibly decadent high tea. It is a must for every visitor. By far the most magnificent gastronomic spoil of all though, must be a dinner at the fine dining restaurant, The Grill Room. The service alone makes it worth the treat, but the elegant cuisine, sophistication and attention to detail will ensure that this is a meal – and an evening – you won’t easily forget.
HEAVENLY RELAXATION
What is a romantic getaway without a little pampering? A visit to The Spa at The Oyster Box is an experience unlike any other. We should warn you, though, chances are you’ll be ruined afterwards because no other spa will quite meet the same standard. Hidden amid the tropical gardens, the serenity and luxury this spa has to offer is simply off the charts. There is a tranquillity lounge and a plunge pool … and the bespoke body and facial treatments are quite heavenly. Be sure to have a look at the wonderful couple’s spa packages on offer.
Details: www.oysterboxhotel.com, 031 514 5000
