A national treasure
South Africa’s most cherished hotel stands majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean & the iconic lighthouse.
The Oyster Box
Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal
A timeless icon
Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels, as famous for its remarkable coastal views as the understated luxury and gracious hospitality that have become the hallmarks of this cherished seaside destination.
Set just 15 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box offers an array of individually decorated rooms and suites, an award-winning spa set amid tropical gardens, and a mouth-watering menu of restaurants and bars.
With South Africa’s Covid-19 recovery well underway, we are delighted to once again welcome international travellers back to The Oyster Box.
All the reasons to love The Lodge
The Lodge at a glance
Chic Irish country house
Set in the 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle
Estate activities including falconry, horse-riding, clay shooting, archery, fishing & golf
Overlooking the magical Lough Corrib
Two AA Rosette fine dining in Wilde's Restaurant
Quay Bar and Brasserie serving hearty Irish cooking
Dining options at Ashford Castle including George V, Cullen's at the Cottage & Afternoon Tea
Exclusive-use wedding & events venue
Give the very best
Exceptional dining experiences, overnight escapes and thoughtful surprises... Our vouchers create the perfect gift, from a romantic dinner for two in the award-winning Wilde's Restaurant to exciting Estate activities.
Innovative cuisine
The Lodge offers imaginative cuisine, superb service and a relaxed yet elegant ambience with a fine-dining restaurant, a more informal brasserie and a cosy bar. Discover the finest local and seasonally sourced ingredients.
We care
We are proud to grow many of our own vegetables, fruits and herbs in our kitchen gardens and polytunnels, with sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
Beauty in every detail
Discover individually designed, beautifully furnished and generously proportioned rooms and suites. You’ll enjoy rich deep pile carpets, super king beds with goose down duvets and pillows, and chic furniture and beautiful art. Traditional sash windows allow you to breathe the pure air for which the West of Ireland is famed and all of the bathrooms offer extra-soft towels and luxury toiletries.
The world of The Lodge
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Walking routes in the Connemara
Local walking guide Michael Gibbon shares his favourite routes and explains why Connemara is best explored on foot.
Share your #TheLodgeAC experience
We are always delighted to discover our guests' photos and we love to share those stories and connect in a meaningful way. Nothing makes us happier than when our guests become part of our world...