In this latest article within an ongoing series, Elite Traveler takes a closer look at the luxury accommodations obtainable in one of South Africa's greatest cities. Listed here are the best luxury hotels in Durban.
The pool at The Oyster Box | (c)RedCarnationHotels
The Oyster Box is not only certainly one of Durban's finest hotels but one of South Africa's. More than that, it is widely considered to be a national treasure. Continuously hosting guests for over 70 years, your accommodation has consistently delivered high-level service regardless of the country's drastically changing social and political environment. Located on the beachfront in Umhlanga, your accommodation offers stunning views out across the Indian Ocean.
One of the hotel's two dining options may be the Grill Room, that is inarguably certainly one of Durban best restaurants. Here, guests enjoy traditional fine-dining fare produced from a number of freshly-caught seafood and local produce. Durban's Indian influences make curry a local specialty and also the Grill Room proudly serves up its very own authentic versions from the dish.
The spa also sets The Oyster Box in addition to the rest. It uses its own line of products, that are produced from African plants, and offers a range of treatments that are true to native KwaZulu-Natal practices.
Top suite: The Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite in the Oyster Box | (c)RedCarnationHotels
Take your own private elevator towards the hotel's two-level Presidential Suite where stunning panoramic views over the ocean are waiting. The view may also be enjoyed around the suite's private patio, in which you will find one's own plunge pool. Take a dip and scout for dolphins out over the horizon. There is enough dining space for eight guests, a personal bar along with a well-equipped kitchen, making it the perfect spot to entertain. Retreat towards the master bedroom where further views from the ocean take presctiption offer or relax in one of two lavish marble bathrooms.
Contact
Website: oysterboxhotel.com
Tel: +27 31 514 5000
Email: reservations@oysterbox.co.za
Related: The 5 Best Restaurants in Durban
Fordoun Hotel & Spa from across the lake
Take the short drive from Durban to experience the stunning KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Fordoun Hotel is just over an hour's drive in the city but seems like millions of miles from an urban environment. From here, you can explore the majestic Drakensberg Park and discover quaint colonial villages. The hotel itself is simply a haven, offering several luxuriously appointed suites with beautiful mountain views. These suites sit from the original farm buildings but an on-site cart ferries guests using their rooms towards the main facilities. Guests dine at the Skye Bistro Restaurant where Chef Lorenzo Giliomee and the team take great pride in preparing all meals with care and attention to detail using fresh and local produce.
Top suite: The Midlands Suite
One from the hotel's superior suites, The Midlands Suite is defined by the large piece of local art over the bed. All of the superior suites boast incredible views over the Drakensberg from the private balcony in addition to all the luxurious amenities you would expect like a king-size bed, separate lounge area along with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights.
Contact
Website: fordoun.com
Tel: +27 (0) 33 266 6217
Email: reservations@fordoun.co.za
The name gives this hotel a lot to live up to. Nevertheless there is no relation using its legendary Californian namesake, The Beverly Hills Hotel Durban follows the same ethos of delivering iconic elegance and gracious hospitality. First opened in 1964, the hotel has played host to some number of notable figures including royalty, A-list celebrities and captains of industry. There is no such thing as basic accommodation here. Each one of the hotel's 89 rooms are beautifully appointed, and are available having a private balcony and uninterrupted views of the ocean. Guests can dine at the popular Sugar Club, that is because the name suggests is better noted for its decadent desserts.
Top suite: Presidential Suites
The hotel boasts two Presidential Suites. Both offer an atmosphere of timeless opulence. Found on the eighth floor from the hotel, the private balcony provides a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. This view is also offered by the spacious lounge through floor-to-ceiling windows. The bed room has a walk-in dressing room and a lavish bathroom.
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Contact
Website: tsogosun.com/beverly-hills
Tel: +27 31 561 2211
Email: beverlyhills.reservations@tsogosun.com
This colonial mansion was originally built in 1928 prior to being painstakingly restored to become certainly one of Durban's best boutique hotels. Located in the residential section of Morningside, Audacia Manor advantages of the relative peace and quiet but still offers beautiful views from the Indian Ocean albeit from a distance. The hotel has just 10 rooms divided between your manor and the coach house.
Although there is no suite to talk of, each of these rooms offers a level of luxury that would suit almost everyone's taste. The graceful mahogany furniture and four-poster beds pay homage to the hotel's heritage. Five of the six Manor Rooms have balconies with amazing views over the city while the Coach House rooms come with use of a private courtyard with jacuzzi spa baths and in-door/out-door showers.
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Contact
Website: audaciahotel.com
Tel: +27 31 303 9520
Email: res@audaciahotel.com
Another certainly one of Durban's outstanding boutique hotels, Endless Horizons can be found within the cosmopolitan suburb of Durban North. Merely a short journey from the King Shaka International Airport, nearby business parks along with a quantity of golf courses, it's a popular haven for busy executives. The hotel may appear overly modest on first sight but you're soon reassured through the first-class service and understated luxury of its rooms. The big wooden deck and infinity swimming pool offers the perfect spot to unwind and works being an al fresco diner. The hotel's restaurant offers a seasonal menu created with fresh and local ingredients.
Top suite: Director Suites
Perfect for the business executive, the Director Suites offer a picturesque 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean and Durban coast line. The spacious rooms come complete with an LCD television, multichannel audio and a range of pampering amenities. Benefit from the hotel's famous room service breakfast while consuming the ocean views from your private balcony.
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Contact
Website: endlesshorizons.co.za
Tel: +27 31 564 0360
Email: info@endlesshorizons.co.za
