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It happened at the Oyster Box
02/09/2009
A magnificent piece of architecture is not merely a building, it is a storybox. Sitting grandly on the dramatic shoreline of the Indian Ocean overlooking the iconic lighthouse of Umhlanga, the statuesque Oyster Box represents a treasure chest of stories of the past, present and future of the people of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and beyond. Occupying a special place in the hearts of the countless guests who have enjoyed its warmth, caring service and relaxed elegance since it first opened in 1947, The Oyster Box has become synonymous with some of the best memories of our lives.
On OCTOBER 1st 2009 “the rebirth of a legend” begins when The Oyster Box opens its majestic, welcoming doors once more.
To mark the occasion, a blog has been launched to preserve the special memories of those guests who had the opportunity to experience this legendary hotel in years gone by. Past memories, pictures and videos can be posted and viewed at my.oysterboxhotel.com. What’s more, posts added prior to 25th September will automatically be entered into the ‘It happened at The Oyster Box’ competition.
On the day of opening, The Oyster Box will be delighted to announce the winner of this competition where one lucky entrant will be given the chance to create new memories with their prize of an all-inclusive weekend for two at the hotel.
The competition winner and new guests alike will be struck by how perfectly history has been interwoven with essential modern touches to ensure a truly ‘today’ five-star experience which adds even greater beauty to the hotel’s historical majesty.
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection has gone to extraordinary lengths to preserve the original character and allure of The Oyster Box throughout the three year restoration project.
From the exceptional cuisine to the magnificent array of guest rooms, suites and villas, the impeccable wines, rich collection of artwork and furnishings, exquisite detailing in design and décor, and breathtaking ocean views throughout the hotel, to the exquisitely designed Spa, The Oyster Box is, as always, perfect for personal retreats, private meetings and events of celebration.
If the moment is special, ‘it happened, and now happens, at the OYSTER BOX’
Rates start from ZAR 3,990 inclusive of tax and breakfast based on two people sharing a Classic Double Room, valid from 01 October 2009 until 19 December 2010, excluding the World Cup period 06 June 2010 to 13 July 2010. Reservations can be made online at www.oysterboxhotel.co.za
Accommodation, function and event bookings for the Oyster Box can be made to reservations@oysterbox.co.za or on +27315612233
PREPARED FOR:
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection
www.redcarnationhotels.com
NOTES TO THE EDITOR :
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is a group of family-run five and four-star hotels, representing the best of everything. The South African properties include The Oyster Box, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat.
Blog entries prior to September 25 2009 will be entered into prize draw to win an all-inclusive weekend for two, the winner will be notified by email on or before Friday 02 October 2009. Terms and conditions apply.
About The Oyster Box – Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal: www.oysterbox.co.za
The Oyster Box stands majestically on Umhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, with lush landscaped gardens and direct beach access. The hotel is conveniently situated in relation to the Natal Midlands and the Drakensberg mountain range, as well as world-famous game parks and historic battlefields. The hotel boasts 90 luxurious rooms and suites, each individually inspired to blend colonial charm with modern convenience. The various room types are designed to suit the needs of each and every visitor. The Oyster Box has a variety of superb restaurants and cocktail bars for fine dining or more casual occasions. There are four state-of-the-art conference rooms for business meetings and celebratory events. The hotel also has a spa, exquisitely designed to spoil and to soothe and restore mind, body and soul.
Visit the Oyster Box blog at my.oysterbox.com
About The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa: www.12apostleshotel.co.za
The five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, is located 15 minutes from the city of Cape Town and five minutes from Camps Bay. Situated at the foot of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range in a nature reserve with a marine World Sanctuary directly in front of the hotel, this discretely located boutique property, with its world renowned Sanctuary Spa, has 70 bedrooms and suites. The hotel’s distinct and chic Azure restaurant, with its spectacular sea views, pampers each guest with unobtrusive and impeccable levels of service and attention to detail. This property has a private cinema and state-of-the-art conference and banquet facilities for up to 70 persons.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a proud member of Red Carnation Hotels Collection and was voted Small Hotel Group of the Year 2007/2008 by AA, the UK's leading hotel rating authority.
About Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat: www.bushmanskloof.co.za
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has since its inception in 1996, shown a rare dedication to conservation and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. It is renowned for its rock art legacy of more than 130 ancient Bushman rock art sites, which have been documented in the reserve. Offering a unique wilderness experience at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains (270km from Cape Town), it was named winner of the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy in 2007. The renowned property was also awarded Best Hotel in the World in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (2009); and included in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Best Hotels in Africa & the Middle East (2009); Forbes Traveler 400 Best Hotels (2008/9); and National Geographic Adventure Magazine Top 50 Eco Lodges (2008). Guided rock art walks, evening nature drives and exhilarating outdoor adventures offset an exceptional wellness experience encompassing an outdoor spa gazebo and spa treatments deeply rooted in nature.
About Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery: www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za
Established in 1989 in the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 120km southeast of Cape Town, just outside the coastal town of Hermanus - internationally renowned for whale watching - lies 125 hectares (312 acres) of Walker Bay's prime viticultural land. Bouchard Finlayson vineyard and winery is a small cellar dedicated to the quality production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Ever since releasing their first vintages, the name Bouchard Finlayson has been internationally synonymous with excellence. Today, owned by the Tollman family, and under the leadership of Victoria Tollman and winemaker Peter Finlayson, 19 hectares (47 acres) of the estate are currently under vine, with 50% devoted to the varietal for which Peter is most acclaimed – Pinot Noir. Other cultivars under production include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese as well as a handful under exploration.
