The Oyster Box in Umhlanga has taken the number one spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of Top 5 Africa Resort Hotels as part of the publication’s World’s Best Awards.
Following The Oyster Box is La Residence in Franschhoek.
‘This year’s list of the best resorts in Africa captures the thrilling variety of experiences on offer, whether you’d like to tip back Syrah in the South African winelands, swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, or gaze down at the vertiginous drop of Victoria Falls,’ the publication says.
Travel + Leisure asks their readers to rate their experiences at hotels based on its facilities, location, service, food, and overall value.
These two SA hotels excel in all of the above.
In another win for South Africa, Singita Kruger National Park has been named the number one Safari Lodge in Africa as well as number nine in the ‘Top 100 Hotels in the World’ in the same awards.
The Oyster Box
‘Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us, it really means a lot, especially during these exceptional times,’ the hotel posted on Instagram.
The hotel is known for its superb luxury, inside and out. ‘This 86-room beach resort marries coastal preppiness with cottage coziness,’ Travel + Leisure said.
Read: The Oyster Box is the cat’s whiskers
The Oyster Box falls under The Red Carnation Hotel Collection that has another one of it properties awarded number one in its region. Ashford Castle was named ‘No. 1 Resort Hotel in the United Kingdom and Ireland’.
The Oyster Box is open for limited business with The Ocean Terrace Restaurant and The Spa welcoming patrons back.
La Residence
Situated in the peaceful Cape winelands, the hotel exudes tranquility.
‘The view alone would warrant a trip: strolling the grounds with the picturesque ridge as backdrop feels like stepping into the canvas of a Romanticist painting,’ Travel + Leisure said.
Singita Kruger National Park
Set in the remote southeastern region of the iconic Kruger National Park, this group offers two contemporary retreats.
‘Both properties share unfettered access to Singita’s 33,000-acre private concession, a thicketed patch of Kruger ecosystem where you’ll round a bend and find yourself face-to-face with a tower of giraffes gorging themselves on acacias,’ Travel + Leisure said.
The publication notes that this year’s voting closed on March 2, before most countries started implementing travel restrictions. ‘The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be,’ they add.
Image credit: Instagram/The Oyster Box
