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| Issue 18 |
| Lady in Red | ||||||||||
| Lose yourself in old-world charm at the Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, South Africa | ||||||||||
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The boutique-like hotel may seem intimate--every space and "room" is designed to have an ambience of its own--but actually it has 86 rooms. Another unique feature is the 24-seater cinema with complimentary treats.
The bright red colours reflect the energy and vibrancy and the almost quirky nature of the friendliness of the staff--none of that stiff-upper-lip-how-dare-you-have-fun-in-a-5-star-hotel attitude. So side-by-side with opulence exists this happy, vibrant, almost eclectic atmosphere. My room is a study in finesse and luxury and I dub it the blue room. Swathed in blues and whites, this luxury sea-view room looks out on the, well, sea. The thunderous waves lap furiously and loudly only a few metres away and silently watching over this chaos is the iconic red and white lighthouse which this hotel is famous for. It has all the 5-star amenities you could want--minibar, coffee and tea station, free WIFI, DSTV-channel TV, gorgeous bathroom amenities in the marble bathroom. Amazing red gowns made locally--summer AND winter gowns I'll have you know--as well as adjustable mood lighting. A little treat in the form of four differently coloured macaroons as well. I have a lovely patio with louvre doors and sip my champagne in reverie as I contemplate the furious ocean stretching far beyond and the beach in the late afternoon grey light. The room has an ocean aroma--the one that floods you with back memories from childhood vacations by the seaside. Romance romance romance! The room is just more than $200 per person including breakfast--a bargain at the price.
In terms of environmental concerns, the hotel scores very highly. One of their brilliant initiatives in this area is to donate about $0.10 on your behalf to the Rhino's Without Borders Fund if you remember to hand in your key-card upon check-out. The hotel is located on Umhlanga's beachfront about 20 minutes' drive from Durban city, with direct access to the beach. It has a fabulous history and is considered one of the Grande Dames of South African hotels. It was opened in 1947 and was also recently revamped. The original tile details have remained of the original hotel, a lovely sentiment. Dinner is at the Ocean Terrace Restaurant with its light, airy look and feel and curry is on the menu, very generously organised by the wonderful Public Relations Manager Joanne. Now there are a few words I don't like to use in the same sentence and among those are "Durban" and "curry". Durban is historically populated by Indians who like their curry hot. No. Not hot. Hell-is-a-good-idea-compared-to-this hot. The impressive curry selection, of at least 11 curries daily, includes meat, fish and vegetarian options. From the delicate flavours of the Singapore fish curry, using the freshest fish of the day, to the spicy, hot lamb Vindaloo and smooth-textured butter chicken. Vegetarian options include vegetable Korma and Sugar-Bean curry. I gingerly try the butter chicken and chicken and prawn combination curry, as well as the traditional lamb curry and find it all, well, delicious! Melt-in-the mouth and just a pinch of heat with wonderful flavours. Two Tandoori ovens guarantee authentic, freshly prepared Tandoori chicken, also available from the buffet.
I wake up very early the next morning to the sound and aroma of the ocean with every intention of having a nice long breakfast, but the calm waves lull me back to sleep and I arise in time to realise I’ve missed breakfast. No matter. I go looking for General Manager Wayne Coetzer and he treats me to sushi and delightful conversation. I mention the superb level of service. "Service is one thing--you can train people to provide service but hospitality is how you make people feel. And that ability is what we look for when we hire our staff." And they find it, that's for sure. I meet Joanne for dinner in the hotel's fine-dining restaurant. When it comes to the many legends associated with The Oyster Box, one of its finest gems is the celebrated Grill Room Restaurant. Another is Hendry Pakiri, who has worked at the hotel for 50 years and still oversees this elegant dining room as Maitre'd. With a history stretching back almost 60 years, The Grill Room has always been the epitome of style and fine dining in Durban and I can see why. The menu is a mouth-watering adventure ad my steak and mushroom sauce is made to absolute perfection. I especially love the authentic Gueridon and the classic 1920's Hors d' Oeuvres trolley with an extensive range of 18 appetizers. I find a hand-written note from Wayne in my room that evening with a cartoon painted cover of him. These are the little unique types of touches that make the Oyster Box so very special. The next morning I do experience the breakfast and words almost fail me. It is without any doubt the best hotel breakfast anywhere, Not only is the food absolutely fabulous and fresh, it includes unlimited Method Cap Classic, delicious fresh oysters and a very good cured salmon. There is also a lovely selection of cheeses, cold meats, fresh fruits and nuts, pastry, scones, breads, a crepe and waffle bar and an entire hot breakfast section too.
After breakfast I make my way to Ushaka Marine World in Durban. This world-class 40-acre marine park opened its turnstiles to the general public on April 30, 2004 and has fast positioned itself as a key attraction on Durban's Golden Mile, offering a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness. Entertainment is non-stop, extending from the daytime operations of Sea World, Wet 'n Wild, and uShaka Beach, to the night time festivities of the Village Walk. Dangerous Creatures is an adventure that reptile enthusiasts and adrenalin junkies won't want to miss. I personally am not so taken by such things and make my way to the aquarium. UShaka Sea World?is the fifth largest aquarium in the world, with 32 tanks totalling 17,500 cubic meters of water. The underground aquarium is designed around five shipwrecks, with its entrance through the above ground "Phantom Ship", which contains several restaurants including the "Cargo Hold," with a wall sized shark aquarium visible from most of the dining areas, and the "Upper Deck," with views of the open sea exhibits that surround the "ship". The tranquillity is amazing and the design truly mesmerising as one watches these creatures almost as if in slow motion. . UShaka Marine World is also home to one of the most unique shopping experiences, offering a shoppers paradise in an open air environment, open all year round from 09:00 - 18:00. Entry is free. There are also a myriad of restaurant and fast-food options to cater for all tastes. And of course the water park with all its slides and swimming pools will keep the kids entertained the entire day. Back at the hotel I have already checked out but my flight is only at 8 that evening, so one of the wonderful reception staff take pity on me and allows me to rest in one of their award-winning Spa’s tranquillity rooms. The spa features a Turkish Hamman and shall definitely avail myself of this spectacular service next time. Because there will be a next time. And a next. And a next... The Oyster Box Awards: - VOTED NO. 3 BEST HOTELS IN SOUTH AFRICA By TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2015 - THE WORLD'S BEST PLACES TO STAY SOUTH AFRICA By Condé Nast Traveler (USA) Gold List 2014 - VOTED NO. 1 LUXURY HOTEL SPA IN AFRICA World Luxury Spa Awards 2014 Contact: http://www.oysterboxhotel.com/ http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/ Getting there: There are currently no direct flights from the Chinese mainland to South Africa, but many carriers such as Emirates and Cathay Pacific have one-stop routes. From Johannesburg you can book a low-cost flight to Durban which only lasts about 45 minutes. The Oyster Box provides a complimentary transfer service from the airport. |
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