Babylonstoren Farm Hotel | Franschhoek
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and a sense of wellbeing.
• A 250-hectare working wine and fruit farm that dates back over 300 years
• A place so beautiful, a welcome so warm and an experience quite unlike any other
• A quiet corner of the Cape that is surrounded by majestic mountains on three sides where the fynbos is home to many wild creatures
• Service that is both sincere and deeply proud of its heritage
• A garden that celebrates biological diversity
• Fresh food with distinct flavours that celebrates the seasons and the bounty of the garden
• A place to escape from the world and reconnect with it as it ought to be
• A sense of purity, simplicity and quiet where life is uncomplicated but where spontaneity and the unexpected are also celebrated
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360 Degrees virtual tour
360 Degrees virtual tour
The pristine Cape Dutch style of our two-bedroom cottages emulate a farm stay experience with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. A contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to the 18th-century structure to house a dining and kitchen area. The interiors continue this contemporary pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Each bedroom also has a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Our cottages are either garden or vineyard facing. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our two-bedroom cottages are serviced daily and come with a king-size bed, and a king or two single beds in the second bedroom.
4 Cottages available
Each of the slightly larger open-plan cottages has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. Into this pristine Cape Dutch style, a contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to house a kitchen area. The interiors continue this pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Suites are either garden or vineyard facing, with access to the garden and the farm. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed and are serviced daily.
3 Cottages available
Each open-plan suite has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel when paired with the modern lines of furniture by international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books while underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom suites come with a king-size bed or twin beds and are serviced daily.
6 Suites available
Comfort is key in the one-bedroom Farmhouse suites where a moody interior theme comprising swarthy four-poster king-size beds, dusted moss walls, luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms and generous walk-in cupboards are paired with contemporary furniture and accessories such as extra-length MDF Italia sofas. In addition to the underfloor heating, each room is fitted with a cast-iron stove. Bookshelves filled with a wonderful selection of books and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our suites are serviced daily.
9 Suites available
At Fynbos Cottages guests can fully immerge themselves in the beauty of the natural plant habitat of the Western Cape’s mountains. The cottages are newly built in the Cape Dutch style and adjoin vineyards and orchards – ideal for our more adventurous guest
Our Cape Dutch Manor House dates back to 1777. This exclusive house has five bedrooms accommodating ten guests. All rooms have a king-size bed, with two of the rooms having the option of twin beds. Rooms are serviced daily and breakfast is included in the room rate, as well as a well-stocked personalised bar fridge. The interior has been beautifully restored to its former glory, but with a definite contemporary touch. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books and the traditional farm kitchen boasts a roaring old wood-burning stove. Guests have access to the garden at all times, with games set up on the private lawn. Curl up in front of the hearty fireplace and admire the architecture, or enjoy refreshments in the garden whilst savouring the exquisite views.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, private pool and courtyard
Up to ten guests are accommodated in five individual bedrooms, each comprising a fireplace and spacious en-suite with marbled tile floors and luxurious freestanding baths to soak away your worries. Leading off the spacious lounge is a contemporary glass cube, seamlessly encompassing a fully equipped kitchen. The heart of the house is the private central courtyard, offering a gathering space for friends and family to share. A crystal pool in the center of the courtyard is fed by a shallow channel, emulating the streams on the rest of the property and providing the tranquil sound of gently trickling water.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card
The days are intentionally unscripted at Babylonstoren, and for our hotel guests, there’s much to do. In addition to exploring our 200 hectares of farm, in season, you can take part in the harvesting of fruit in the orchards or the pruning of our vines. Whatever the season, our garden is an ever-changing tapestry of fruit and vegetable plantings. Hotel guests are invited to join in the harvesting, pruning, planting or picking of our many fruits, herbs, nuts, spices and vegetables. We have maps for five different walks on the farm (available from Reception) and if you’re interested to learn more about the provenance of the garden, do join one of our garden tours that starts daily at 10h00. Booking is essential, so please enquire in advance at Reception.
Our daily guided garden tour starts at the Farm Shop at 10h00. One of our experienced gardeners will be your guide on this tour, during which we encourage guests to pick, taste, smell and touch while walking through our garden. Each of the 300 plant varieties is edible or has medicinal value. The beautiful garden is not only pleasing to the eye, but also provides the restaurants with fresh produce, harvested daily. Our enthusiastic guides will share some of the garden’s special stories with you and give practical gardening tips. We hope you will enjoy our garden and be inspired when you leave to plant your own!
Booking is essential for the garden tour.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat in summer and wellies plus an umbrella in winter. A famous Swedish proverb holds: There ain’t no bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
Entrance fees payable at the gate go to the Babylonstoren Trust for the education of our local children.
Regrettably, no dogs are allowed, as this is a working farm with lots of feathery friends.
Kindly note that all pathways in the garden are gravel and in some areas covered with peach pips.
You can walk or cycle to the dam – it is about 1,5 km. The view from the dam is spectacular and you will be amazed by the abundant bird life. Get a backpack from Reception (see Walk or Run). We have three canoes and life jackets for your rowing expedition – make sure you wear a life jacket. Please note that children have to be accompanied by an adult.
The gym, open from 6h00 to 21h00, is for the exclusive use of adults. We have a great selection of machines to keep you fit. Private yoga sessions are available on request. For more details, please enquire at Reception.
The Tasting Room sits adjacent to the Wine Cellar, offering views of the conical Babylonstoren hill, Simonsberg and the Banghoek Mountains. The eye-catching steel-and-glass creation is a modern link between the two Cape Dutch-style wings of the wine cellar and a perfect reflection of Babylonstoren’s philosophy of embracing both heritage and innovation. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views over the vineyards towards the small rocky koppie from which the farm derives its name, while indoors the striking central bar bedecked in vivid green tiles mirrors the lush vineyards beyond. A range of tantalising snack platters with charcuterie, cheese, pâté and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are on offer. The platters are an ideal light bite while tasting the Babylonstoren range of wines.
The Tasting Room is accessed via a maturation cellar revamped into a retail space, with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings and a statuesque curving wall – a display of antique farming implements and packing crates creating a gentle farm motif in the triple-volume space. For guests with a little more time to spare, informative cellar tours offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the estate’s wines are crafted. The tour includes a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the olive oil production plant.
Come and unwind with us in this perfect spot for wine sipping and cheese nibbling.
The Tasting Room is open daily – from 10h00 to 17h00 in winter and 10h00 to 18h00 in summer.
Daily cellar tours start at the Tasting Room, every hour on the hour, from 11h00 to 15h00.
Booking is advised for groups of 11 to 24 people.
Our wines are best exemplified by the Babylonstoren logo, which consists of the pipe (representing the farmer), the flower (representing the garden) and the bird (representing nature). It is a combination of the very essence of Babylonstoren – keeping things simple and as true to the earth as possible. "It is this that we strive to achieve in our wine," says Charl Coetzee. "Truth to the area we are situated in on the slopes of Simonsberg, and simplicity by making elegant and balanced wines as natural as possible."
You may come across our resident tortises tortoises, our donkeys, the chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and squirrels that all roam happily, or maybe even a wild steenbok. Keep your eyes and ears open – you may be lucky enough to see or hear the fish eagle. We have spotted 58 bird species on Babylonstoren. Guests are welcome to use the bird book in the Butterfly Room for reference.
For a closer look, we also have binoculars available at Reception.
As we are passionate about our garden at Babylonstoren, we welcome fellow gardeners, horticulturists, botanists or those who are interested in learning more about gardening. If you’re happy to get your hands dirty (you'll be planting, harvesting, pruning and mulching) and eager to learn and/or share your knowledge, we'd love to welcome you as a volunteer at Babylonstoren. You’ll work with our gardeners in every aspect of the garden but most importantly get a chance to contribute to the garden in a real way.
The farm is a paradise for children! Our beloved donkeys, Meisiekind and Lulu, live
opposite the Farm Shop. We invite our young guests to help feed the donkeys, to collect eggs and to help harvest fruit and vegetables from our garden, especially for the breakfast table. Kids are also welcome to help our bakers knead and bake delicious farm breads. And don’t forget to go on the scavenger hunt. Please arrange these activities at Reception.
Our outdoor pool is not just another infinity pool! Take a plunge or relax afloat the tractor tube. Diving is not permitted and children must be supervised at all times.
Enjoy bass fishing at the farm dam. Fishing rods are available from Reception.
We have bicycles available for adults as well as children to explore the farm. Bottled still water and helmets are available from Reception, and in your room you’ll find a map.
The map in your room suggests six trails for walking or running. These vary in length, the shortest being a mere 5-minute walk. A backpack with water, sun lotion and a small first-aid kit is available from Reception. Please ask if you need anything else, and then go out and enjoy the abundance of fresh air and country views!
The Tasting Room overlooks our beautiful vineyards and the iconic Babylonstoren conical hill.
We offer five cellar tours a day, every hour on the hour, from 11h00 to 15h00. Let us know if you wish to join the tour – we prefer to keep the tours small and intimate, therefore limited space is available. We depart from the Tasting Room and our first stop is the vineyard, after which the tour moves to the olive production plant where we show you how extra virgin olive oil is made. Next is a visit to the wine production cellar where the details of the winemaking process are explained. We proceed to our underground barrel maturation cellar. Last but not least is an informative yet relaxed wine tasting with your guide. The Tasting Room is nice and cool in summer, with cosy fireplaces for chilly winter days. A choice of four delicious snack platters can be ordered while you taste your way through our range of wines.
Open seven days a week 10h00–18h00 (summer) or 10h00–17h00 (winter). Cellar tours start at the Tasting Room at 11h00, 12h00, 13h00, 14h00 & 15h00 and last approximately one hour. Booking at Reception is advised.
Our two signature treatments are the hammam water ritual and our bamboo massage. In addition, we have a wonderful selection of classic treatments.
To book a treatment with one of our qualified therapists, please contact reception. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your booked treatment time. Late arrivals will be able to enjoy the time remaining on their treatment but will be charged for the full treatment. Lockers are provided for your valuables.
The Garden Spa has a garden-inspired food menu to replenish, revive and delight you. Please note that no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are allowed at the pool. Although we do not serve food or drinks at the pool, we can offer you chilled still or sparkling water from the gym should you be thirsty. If you would like to enjoy other eats or drinks, you can do so at the Greenhouse, which is right next to the pool.
Booking is essential for spa treatments. Open Monday to Sunday 8h00–17h00.
Private yoga sessions are available on request. For more details, please enquire at Reception.
Our Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals but also supplies our shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious local cheeses from our Cheese Room. We grow our own wheat on the farm which is stoneground after harvest. This flour is sold in the Farm Shop but is also used by our own bakers who, under the guidance of our head baker Ernie Beck, make sure we have freshly baked bread early every morning for our restaurants and the Tasting Room. We have a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery, we serve our food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Our Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering. This is followed by wood-fired pizza straight from the oven, to be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We round off the meal with a delicious dolce and our famous coffee.
The Bakery is open Wednesday and Friday evenings from 19h00 to 21h00.
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00.
Priority will be given to hotel guests for bookings.
Please enquire about options for groups. For groups of 13 to 18 guests, a deposit is required to secure the booking. Should you wish to bring a larger group, we have private function venues available.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are roughly surfaced and not intended for high heels.
Nature's medicine chest is an ongoing discovery of old and new herbs tried and tested over centuries by different cultures around the world. Originally collected from the wild, the best plants were selected, cultivated and shared.
Our medicinal garden at Babylonstoren includes a range of beautiful species – some more powerful, aromatic, rare or even dangerous than others but all with an interesting story worth discovering. The central layout of the garden follows the form of a body with herbs to heal from the head, heart, lungs, digestive system, organs, skin, bones and feet. The trees are some of the “giants” in African healing traditions. Herbs along the outer wall follow the seasons, summer to winter, specially selected to heal, soothe and balance the body through the time-honoured pleasure of tea.
We invite you to enjoy this healing garden as a quiet space, slowing down and blending herbal teas as guided by our gardener Gundula. Seated on the floor of the shaded bamboo gloriette, a selection of savoury and sweet confections is served to complement the infusions you create. Only fresh, seasonal ingredients are used and great care is taken in the preparation.
For the ultimate tickle, do not go before dipping your toes in the pond to experience the nibbling Garra rufa fish while reflecting on the moment and aiming to balance pleasure and health.
Tea rituals take place at 9h30 on Tuesdays.
Our Healing Garden is a restful place for quiet reflection and tranquillity. Regrettably, children under the age of 10 years are not permitted.
Reservations are weather dependent and booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00. A deposit is required to secure bookings.
Priority will be given to hotel guests for tea ritual bookings.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are roughly surfaced and not intended for high heels.
Housed in an old cow shed, Babel is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try our tasty yet often unconventional combinations. We have a farm-to-fork philosophy, which means we like to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects our "pick, clean and serve" approach.
Because our menu is guided by what is available in the garden, our food always reflects the season, and so in summer we may serve you a yellow salad of pineapple, gooseberries, granadillas, yellow tomatoes and apricots while in winter a slow-cooked leg of lamb in red wine is more likely. Dessert subscribes to four flavours, namely salty, bitter, sweet and sour. And while our meals are creative, we don't like to tamper unduly with our food. Our meals are always clear in structure, so that fruit and vegetables gathered daily from the garden is often served with its skin on. Helpings are generous and depending on the weather you can take your meal in the glass-enclosed restaurant or under the plane trees in the courtyard.
Breakfast: Open daily, 8h00–9h30
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 12h00–15h30
Dinner: Open daily from 19h00
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00 on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
Hotel guests enjoy priority for restaurant bookings.
Please enquire about options for groups. For groups of 13 to 18 guests, a set menu will be offered and a 50% deposit is required to secure the booking. Should you wish to bring a larger group, we have private function venues available.
The restrooms at Babel restaurant are wheelchair friendly.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are gravel, and covered with peach pips in some areas of the garden.
At the rear of the garden, tucked away between the oak trees, our Greenhouse offers guests the perfect place to rest and enjoy delicious home-baked cakes, coffee, tea and fresh garden juices. We also offer more substantial meals of artisanal breads with handcrafted cheeses and dressed meats, served with our homemade herb oils, chutneys, preserves and relishes, as well as delicious, fresh garden salads.
The 26 metre vintage conservatory in dark green steel was custom built for Babylonstoren in France by Serres et Ferronneries d'Antan. Paired with a collection of brick-red tables and colourful green Luxembourg chairs (the classic park chair design), the Greenhouse is a surprising but thoroughly logical refreshment station for guests who have completed the garden tour.
The Greenhouse menu subscribes to the self-same "pick, clean and serve" philosophy as Babel, with a strong emphasis on honest food with little to no fuss. All our food is served picnic-style in wooden crates with the preserves, jams and salads packaged in weck jars, while fresh bread from our wood-fired oven come wrapped in the iconic blue-and-white Babylonstoren paper.
Despite its obvious aesthetic appeal and its function as a refreshment station, the Greenhouse also performs a vital role in the garden. It is here where plants or varieties are brought when they struggle to make it in the formal garden due to the Western Cape’s winter rainfall or the lack of humidity in summer. And so you'll find that exotic granadillas, ginger, cardamom, pineapples, dragonfruit, vanilla and even a baobab all reside here.
The Greenhouse is open Monday to Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00.
Bookings
There is no need to make a reservation for the Greenhouse. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. We may have a waiting list during very busy times.
Should you wish to bring a group of 13 to 25 guests, kindly make a reservation. These reservations open two months in advance. For even larger groups, we have private function venues available.
Our Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals on Wednesday & Friday, but also supplies our shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious cheeses from our Cheese Room. We grow our own wheat on the farm which is stoneground after harvest. This flour is sold in the Farm Shop, but is also used by our own bakers who, under the guidance of our head baker Ernie Beck, make sure we have freshly baked bread early every morning for our restaurants and the Tasting Room. We have a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery, we serve our food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Our Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering. Main course may be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We round off the meal with a delicious dolce and our famous coffee.
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00 on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
Hotel guests enjoy priority for restaurant bookings.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 29
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Wine
Karkloof Safari Villas | KwaZulu Natal Midlands
Karkloof Safari Villas & Spa is perfectly located amidst the serene wilderness of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands and is conveniently within 24 kilometres from the Pietermaritzburg Airport. Envision a magnificent hidden and untouched paradise, where the local wildlife roam free across a lush landscape adorned with waterfalls and beautiful flora.
Set out on a relaxing journey and seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this magnificent ecological landscape. A collective experience of tranquillity, upliftment and exhilaration awaits guests in this private enclave.
Buffalo and white rhino roam this spectacular terrain, together with various small carnivores and numerous antelope species, including the elegant nyala, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. In addition there are five waterfalls, various dams and three rivers, all located within the reserve, which makes for an amazingly varied landscape. Become consumed by the awe-inspiring beauty as you stroll, hike, mountain bike or safari through this glorious terrain, rich in wild wonder.
Blend these natural assets with the careful attention to detail, personalised service and unfailing standards of African hospitality, not to mention the lodge's superb cuisine and outstanding wine cellar, and you have an experience to be savoured by the most discerning clientele.
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Luxury Boutique Villa
An expansive luxury villa set in the beautiful wilderness features a lush king or twin bed, a private deck to take in the breathtaking views and modern conveniences for the ultimate comfortable and pampered stay.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Skype Phones, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Smoking Rooms, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk
Your Stay
2 Nights
All Inclusive - Bed and All Meals
Your Rooms
The Oyster Box | Umhlanga
Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the historical Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box has long been one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished hotels. This 86-room hotel is renowned for its generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine. The elegant rooms, decorated with antiques, feature private balconies (many with sea views), flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, tea and coffeemaking facilities, and fresh fruit and flowers. Suites add separate lounges; some have private plunge pools. There's a complimentary buffet breakfast, a fine-dining restaurant and multiple eateries/bars. Other amenities include a spa with a hammam, an oceanfront outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. There's also a 24-seat cinema and a kids' activity programme.
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The elegant Classic Garden Facing Rooms, all overlook the hotel’s lush, tranquil gardens.
Each charming Classic Sea Facing Room has a balcony that opens on to uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s historic lighthouse and KwaZulu Natal’s breath-taking coastline. These rooms have a bath or shower and a single vanity.
Our beautifully appointed Luxury Sea Facing Rooms each offer a balcony that opens on to uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s historic lighthouse and KwaZulu Natal’s breath-taking coastline. All rooms offer a double vanity feature in the bathrooms along with spacious separate shower and bath.
These beautiful Junior Cabanas are located on the lower ground level with stunning sea views and leading out onto the grassed area in front. All rooms consists of a four-poster king bed with an en-suite bathroom offering a shower and single vanity.
The stunning Sea Facing Cabanas present gorgeous king size Four Poster beds and are all located on the lower ground floor, boasting individual spacious balcony terraces and exceptional beachfront views.
The Oyster Box is designed for the absolute comfort of each family. There are 5 private Sea Facing Family Rooms, each with not only a master bedroom, but an additional room or loft for the younger members of the family.
Individually decorated, all of the striking and eclectic Sea Facing Suites comprise of one well-appointed bedroom with a lavish separate lounge
Individually decorated, the Sea Facing Deluxe Suites comprise of one bedroom with a luxurious separate lounge. The Deluxe suites are located on the lower ground and boast their own private plunge pools and terrace.
These spectacular Superior Garden Villas are nestled in the hotel’s lush gardens and all have an inviting private plunge pool, terrace, gorgeous lounge, complimented by a bar and an opulent spacious bathroom. 4 of the 8 villas can be converted into a 2 bed-roomed villa by reserving an additional Garden Villa Lofts.
Our pretty garden-facing Garden Villa Loft Rooms are available as separate accommodation or, with the combination of a Superior Garden Villa, ideal for the out-and-about visitor. Each room is individually and superbly decorated. All Garden Villa rooms offer a 4-charming king size Poster Bed and ample space.
The epitome of indulgence; this grandeur and stylish Presidential Suite is split over two exquisitely decorated levels and boasts a private elevator. The extravagantly decorated master bedroom includes a relaxing seating area and an intimate personal study. There are two lavish marble bathrooms – his and hers. Unparalleled sea views complimented by opulence and tranquillity beyond compare. Other incomparable features of this gracious suit include a private rim-flow swimming pool, an elegant lounge, and a tasteful dining room with seating for 8 guests, complimented further by a bar and a beautifully equipped kitchen. There is also an additional bedroom. This unrivalled décor incorporates white timber floors and marble and white Caesar stone.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Gym, Internet Access, Kiddies Club, Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle, Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
If you’re a foodie looking for something a little ‘out of the ordinary’, need a unique event menu, or are keen to impress somebody special - then don’t miss the opportunity to take a front row seat with Executive Chef Kevin Joseph and his ace Team, for an extraordinary dining experience at The Chef’s Table in The Kitchen at The Oyster Box.
Your evening begins in the elegant Oyster Bar with pre-dinner drinks and live music from our resident musician, before being taken ‘behind the scenes’ where your culinary journey begins, with a tour of the working kitchen and your amuse bouche of Champagne and Canapes.
As the drama of this busy kitchen in ‘full service’ mode unfolds, watch as the Chefs prepare a delicious 5-course paired menu before your eyes. The Chef’s Table is available for groups of between six and 10 guests, from from Monday to Sunday for Dinner only.
Direct beach access to a swimming beach
Children between the ages of four and 12 years, have access to the supervised Holiday Club during their stay. .
Other vacation activities include story-telling, face painting, art and craft activities, pizza-making and movie screenings. Special programmes are offered during peak periods such as school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year.
The Holiday Club is open daily from 10h00 to 19h00
For a more intimate dining experience, the Wine Cellar, with its glass ceiling, is sunken just below the Oyster Bar and is unique for dinner parties, corporate functions, tastings or special events and offers a Chef’s Table for up to 10 guests.
Bespoke menus are created for every occasion and the resident Sommelier will present a selection of wines from the Diners Club Diamond award-winning wine list, which boasts the finest selection of South African and international vintages.
An intimate, 24-seater cinema/screening room is available to hotel guests. Each month a new schedule is set, running a new movie five times a day (10h00, 14h00, 18h00, 20h00 and 22h00).
24 hour access
We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.
The Spa at The Oyster Box uses a variety of internationally-recognised treatment products as well as its own exclusive, signature range of all natural, body-care products and professional spa treatments B|Africa. This deluxe range combines indigenous African plant extracts and the natural goodness of West Coast Atlantic sea-salts.
B| Africa uses sustainable harvesting practices on renewable indigenous species, such as oil from the baobab tree, marula oil, avocado butter, honey, rooibos, Mongongo nut and Ximenia kernel oil. In addition, the range includes carefully-crafted B|Africa Spa treatment packages.
Our state of the art, 24 hour complimentary Business Centre, located on the first floor adjacent to the cinema, is available to all hotel guests. There are two desks, each with a computer, printer and a refreshment station offering thoughtful details such as dried fruit and mineral water, as well as tea and coffee on request. The Business Centre offers complimentary internet and the entire hotel has complimentary wireless Internet if you prefer to work from your room. The Business Centre also has a fax, black and white photocopier and secretarial services as available on request. Shipping and packaging, laminating and binding can be arranged directly with our concierge deck at an additional cost.
Clock Library
The legendary Grill Room has been renowned for its fine dining and outstanding cuisine for almost 70 years.
The menu is an inspired combination of classic favourites, created by Bea Tollman, president and founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the restaurant’s Signature Dishes and contemporary creations, inspired by current global trends.
Classic Grill Room touches include the authentic Gueridon service, where food is prepared and presented at the individual diner’s table and the Classic 1920’s Hors d’ Oeuvres Trolley, with an extensive range of 18 ‘old world’ appetizers.
The beautiful Ocean Terrace restaurant, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, serves a Bistro-style menu and is perfect for casual, al fresco and family dining. With something to suit every palate favourite dishes include freshly baked pizzas from the wood-fire pizza oven, sustainably sourced seafood and a host of perennial favourites such as fish and chips. The Ocean Terrace also serves a delicious English Breakfast daily, as well as an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
Also on offer in the Ocean Terrace, the incredible Curry Buffet, including authentic Tandoori Chicken, continues to attract fans from far and wide. Using delicate hand-blended combinations of spices and fresh herbs, the extensive selection of Curries includes, meat, fish and vegetarian option - making each curry a masterpiece!
The Ocean Terrace is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed sundowner overlooking the rim flow pool and sea.
Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, colonial architecture with four magnificent tole and ceramic chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London, natural sunlight and towering Palms, The Palm Court is the venue for the legendary High Tea each afternoon. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for casual dining and the ideal place to enjoy the Evening Indulgence treat.
High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music a welcome addition to the occasion. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by executive pastry chef, Joanita Venter and her team. The high tea table is a visual and taste spectacle of sumptuous treats, with everything from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes, to finger sandwiches and savouries.
Richly inviting with its dark wooden panels and details in leather, crimson and gold, the Lighthouse Bar has a large terrace for spectacular views of the iconic lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. With live music, delicious light snack meals and exotic cocktails, this is the hottest bar in KwaZulu-Natal.
Overlooking the infinity pool and Indian Ocean, the stylish Oyster Bar specialises in Champagne and Oysters, freshly harvested from our own Oyster beds and also offers a light menu, delicious cocktails and live music.
This authentic old world bar is full of charm and character. It has remained a firm favourite with the locals for over 40 years, serving delicious hearty snacks and the finest selection of whiskeys, beers and cigars.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
No. Rooms: 86
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Golf, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Relaxation, Shopping, Watersports, Wine
