I had visited the Oyster Box in Durban before, but that was some time ago and it was only to grab a quick sunset cocktail. It was during a December holiday about 3 years ago and it was so busy that my friend and I merely hopped in the lift and made our way to the bar without really stopping to look around. This time however was different…
Knowing that I was there to stay, I didn’t rush, and took everything in. From the moment I walked into the reception foyer it was if time had stopped. It is almost quite difficult to put into words. There was a calm that washed over me which I knew would set the tone as to what the rest of the experience would be like as well as an old world charm which grabbed me when you I entered. I felt, in fact, as if I had stepped back in time but not because it hadn’t been modernised since my last visit, it most certainly has been, and I’ll get into that shortly, but because It felt as if I had just stepped into the most regal hotel, where I was aware from the first interaction with a staff member that the service which awaited would be you will be nothing short of that fit for a king and queen (okay in my case just a queen, but I took it).
I grabbed a complimentary glass of bubbly before being escorted to my room. It was then, as I walked through the hotel and started to take it all in that I realised that I may never want to leave. Once I opened the door to my room, I knew for sure that I never wanted to leave.
The big four poster bed was quite something to behold, but what got me was the deep blue ocean which would be my view. I quickly headed for the arched double doors to open them and breathe in the sweet smell of the sea, and fresh air and sunshine. And yes, I really believe I could smell the sunshine…and that’s because it shines in Durban, even in winter.
Then I did what I always do when I’m in a hotel room, I jumped onto the bed (and no, not in a rock ‘n roll super star kind of way, although the thought did cross my mind) I merely just lay there in a state of complete gratefulness for getting to experience this.
Not wanting to waste too much time I decided that it was time to take myself on a tour of this incredible place. I wanted to lose myself in the corridors and between the lush green vegetation which occupies the outside walk ways. All of the outside passages made me feel as if I was in some lost paradise, which I suppose I was, not lost, but in paradise. And Durban’s tropical climate perfectly suited to this landmark establishment and the style it exudes.
Back in the hotel the newly re-vamped roof detail, which covers the large conservatory area, is finished with beautiful wooden paddle fans which add to the aesthetic appeal of the space. It may seem like a small detail, but for me it is always in the details. The carefully thought out, seemingly small things, which are actually integral to the overall experience. There is a library, conference areas, a cinema, the most beautiful wedding venue room with exquisite views, and then there is of course the Lighthouse bar, but I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Although a “work trip” there was no way I was going to miss spoiling myself at the spa, and it is world class. I happen to be quite fussy about spas, and with good reason. It is never an inexpensive exercise and so you want to be made to feel like it was worth every penny, however many pennies that may be. You want to slip into an almost nirvana like state where you don’t have to wonder if the therapist knows what she is doing because she’s doing it so well you really do drift off…and this happened to me for the first time in a long time. Where my head just let go and I was able to fully immerse myself in this indulgent experience. The facilities are beautifully relaxing and the chill room afterwards is a must where you can perch yourself on a Bedouin type bed and pull the curtains closed around you. Bliss. Pure bliss.
Moving onto food, and my, oh my, there is food, my favourite thing, and there are no shortages of what one can indulge in at The Oyster Box Hotel. There are four eateries on site to choose from and each so different in look, feel and which cuisines can be indulged in. There is the fine dining “The Grill room”, which hosts dinner and dance evenings. “The Palm Court” – which serves a legendary and sophisticated high tea, which is a leisurely affair with treats that I cannot even begin to describe, scrumptious is the word that comes to mind.
There is the “Oyster Bar”, which features a private chef’s table set in a wine cellar under the glass floor…and there is also the most elegant long bar at which you can perch and enjoy world class sushi made by a master of her craft, or if sushi is not your thing then grab a prawn taco, or other light snacks, I did say Oyster Bar, so for me most apt is to grab a few of those creatures of the sea, sit back, relax, and indulge in a wine with bubbles.
Deserving a mention all on its own is the laid back “Ocean Terrace” restaurant with the most incredible views of the crystal blue pool, the ocean and the iconic Umhlanga lighthouse. This is where breakfast gets served in the morning and it is a spread like none I’ve seen before. Oysters and champagne, a selection of cold food items, full hot service breakfast and if that wasn’t enough there is a dedicated pancake and waffle bar…with toppings to satisfy your hearts biggest childhood desires. Yes I had cold, and the hot and oysters and a waffle. I did. And I am not ashamed. You would too. Trust me. But this is not all that is served in this dining area. Come lunch time and the curry buffet is laid out. It features at least 11 curries each day, with so many sides I was simply mind blown; not only at the selection but at the flavour explosion that occurred in my mouth with everything I tasted. There is lamb, fish, beef, vegetarian and the chef’s signature butter chicken to name but a few. This is where it gets difficult to complete this post because all I can remember is what an impact those lovingly prepared curries and their accompaniments had on me. Every single mouthful was to me what food should be. Packed with flavour, perfectly balanced coupled with different textures and all infused with passion. Probably the most important ingredient.
I will never ever, did I make that clear? NEVER EVER forget my incredible stay, nor those that made it possible.
A time and experience that will live in my heart forever.
Thank you Oyster Box hotel, I think it’s safe to say that I love you.
