The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga on the KZN North Coast is reopening for business on October 1 after an extensive two-year-long renovation and refurbishment programme.

Historic features have been restored, including the original revolving entrance door, a wrought-iron balustrade, original hand-painted tiles and a carved antique marble clock, which once graced the lobby of Christie's of London. The restored patio now overlooks a rim-flow pool and the ocean beyond.  Lightness and spaciousness has been introduced with the use of clear glass and luxurious finishes. Valuable furniture, fittings and artwork have been added. A new art collection comprises works by European and South African artists and the Clock Library houses a collection of antique clocks from around the world. There are 90 rooms and suites, eight garden villas each with a private pool and a 450 sqm presidential suite with its own pool. Facilities include several bars, including a new Lighthouse Bar on the rooftop. A sunken wine cellar caters for small private functions. There are four individually decorated banqueting rooms: The mirrored Pearl room with Venetian chandeliers and the adjoining Shell room together accommodate 170 people. The Durban July and Union Castle rooms house original memorabilia. There is also a new 24-seater movie theatre and a business centre with complimentary high-speed Internet. Traditional High Tea is served every afternoon in the Palm Court, which has chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London. There are a new spa and gym; a second pool; and a Victorian-style gazebo with a small amphitheatre for weddings. Thirty staff have been retained from the old hotel and have undergone extensive training with the Red Carnation Collection in Europe and at local sister hotels. Previous gm, Wayne Coetzer, remains at the helm. Both Coetzer and Chef Kevin Joseph recently spent a month at the world-renowned Raffles Hotel in Singapore.