This week’s Top Travel Find is the iconic Oyster Box Hotel standing majestically on Umhlanga’s coastal promenade. The Socialite spent a night there and discovered it’s the ultimate in charm and style.

For holidaymakers wanting to explore the city of Durban with a luxury hotel stay as a home base, we highly recommend the Oyster Box Hotel Villa. Here you’ll find uninterrupted sea views enabling you to take full advantage of the impressive views of the coast line.

The oceanfront property fast became one of Africa’s most prominent hotels and it’s easy to see why. The hotel overlooks the signature Umhlanga Lighthouse and Indian Ocean and offers guests sweeping views, the chance to indulge in an award winning spa and has 2 outdoor pools and terrace restaurant.

The Ocean Terraces Restaurant overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers delicious seafood and curry buffet coupled with breath-taking views. The Grill Room offers up the best premium steaks and seafood dishes while the Lighthouse Bar is ideal for sundowners or drinks with friends while you enjoy the impressive coastal views of the city at night. For those looking to indulge in an afternoon of High Tea the hotel offers an extravagant spread and entices guests with decadent desserts and pastries that are anything but calorie-defeating.

The Ocean Terrace restaurant also plays host to an impressive curry buffet which some may say has gone on to become a culinary landmark for both local Durbanites and guests.  The extensive offering ranges from local versions of lamb, chicken and prawn to classic interpretations of butter chicken.

The gorgeous property plays host to some of the latest trends in décor and fuses modern charm with old world elegance and sophistication. There are a variety of rooms on offer when it comes to accommodation ranging from classic sea facing rooms to cabanas to family suites, luxury suites and even superior garden villas.

The Socialite’s Chia Kougianos spent the night in one of the luxurious sea facing suites and experienced the hotel’s warm hospitality and elegant styling first hand. Here the signature red and white lighthouse stood guard over the blue Indian Ocean and classic décor meets contemporary trends were the order of the day. Think panoramic views and serene interiors that are inspired by its nautical surroundings.  It was amazing to discover that the murals, paintings and a few antique furnishings had all been retained in their original glory after the hotel had been lovingly refurbished.

On sunny days you can lounge around the infinity pool which allows you total privacy or if you fancy experiencing one of the Umhlanga beaches first hand you could always take a walk down to the beach which is just a stone’s throw away.

For decades, the Oyster Box Hotel has been a favourite Durban destination. It offers great accommodation coupled with great food in a truly grand setting. It’s cosmopolitan yet traditional and classic yet modern.

Sun, sea and sandy beaches make for a fabulous festive season getaway and at the Oyster Box Hotel guests will be excused for never wanting to leave…