The Oyster Box, one of South Africa’s most lavish hotels, will host a reception for Prince Albert II of Monaco and his new bride, Charlene Wittstock, as they visit the eastern port city of Durban this week.
The five-star hotel is famous for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and a presidential suite that lists for R50 000 a night. The royal newlyweds, who are in town for a meeting of the International Olympic Committee will be throwing a party at the seaside hotel for 400 guests on Thursday. The hotel, which opened in 1947, is famous as one of Africa’s most opulent destinations. It has hosted princes William and Harry, supermodel Naomi Campbell and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, among other notables and celebrities. Located in the resort town of Umhlanga, just north of Durban, it prides itself on its “colonial charm”, a historic lighthouse and oyster beds just offshore that supply the hotel’s renowned Oyster Bar.
Joanne Hayes, chief of public relations for the hotel, said it’s an obvious choice for an event like the royal reception. “We’re thrilled. It’s a great honour. But as far as we’re concerned, when you see the Oyster Box, there is no other choice really,” she told AFP. The Oyster Box was built in 1869 and originally served as a navigationa beacon before being converted to a hotel. It recently underwent a two-year renovation, reopening in 2009. The new owners, the Red Carnation luxury hotel group, sought to blend new furnishings and technology with the original decor of the 1940s and 50s, when the old hotel was in its heyday. Today the hotel has 86 “individually appointed” rooms and suites, including eight garden villas that each have their own plunge pool. The crown jewel is the 450-square-metre presidential suite — a two-level room served by private lift, with a private swimming pool, private study and marble his-and-hers bathrooms.
South African media have reported that the couple are staying in the suite, but the hotel is tightlipped about its guests. The Oyster Box boasts six restaurants overseen by executive chef Kevin Joseph, who trained at Michelin-starred establishments in London. It also has an all-white ballroom adorned with crystal Venetian chandeliers, an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean and a 24-seat movie theater that can be booked for private screenings with dinner and popcorn. The royal reception is expected to spill into the various venues of the hotel, which will be reserved exclusively for invitees that night. The hotel is keeping details of the function under wraps, but Joseph says he is planning a menu that is “seasonal, with a South African touch”.
Source: AFPrelaxnews
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