Not only has The Oyster Box officially earned South Africa’s highest hospitality honour - a 5-Star Premium grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) - but it’s also unveiled its heartwarming statue to commemorate its beloved resident cat, Skabenga.
The 5-star grading is a first for KZN, making The Oyster Box the province’s only property to hold this elite status… and one of just 23 in the country. It’s yet another milestone for a hotel that’s long been synonymous with luxury hospitality for decades.
Located along Umhlanga’s beautiful coastline, just 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box has grown from a humble seaside cottage in 1863 to a global icon in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
Its individually styled rooms, lush tropical gardens, and legendary High Tea and Grill Room continue to draw guests from across the globe.
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But nothing quite embodied the hotel’s character like Skabenga, the cheeky stray-turned-celebrity cat who called The Oyster Box home for 19 years.
Known for lounging in the best sunny spots, photobombing guests, and charming snacks from diners, Skabenga became a symbol of the hotel’s warmth and whimsy.
After sadly passing away earlier this year, the hotel recently immortalised Skabenga with a bronze statue created by KZN sculptor Sarah Richards, with his fan-donated collars preserved at the base.
Guests can now visit the statue and even scan the QR code near the statue to donate to the Durban & Coast SPCA, continuing Skabenga’s legacy of love.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape, a sunset cocktail at the Lighthouse Bar, or a photo with Umhlanga’s most famous feline, The Oyster Box is for you!
Visit: The Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga
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