Fodor's Expert Review Oyster Box

This iconic multi-award-winning hotel has achieved a perfect marriage between old colonial and African contemporary style in its luxurious accommodations and offers an eye-popping range of services and complimentary extras. Through the mahogany-and-glass doors (gleaned from Durban’s Royal Hotel) the spacious reception area, with lazily turning ceiling fans reminiscent of a tropical plantation villa, leads to the original 1950s carved wooden staircase, lined by cool paintings by contemporary African artists. Upstairs is the red-and-white Lighthouse Bar, where Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene partied before their wedding. Choose a garden room overlooking lush foliage, or face out over golden sands and the famous lighthouse—whichever you choose, the sound of the surf will soothe your travel weariness. This gorgeous hotel is noted not only for its fabulous accommodations but also for its equally fabulous food: fresh oysters in the marine-themed Oyster bar, a sumptuous, diet-defeating Champagne breakfast on the Ocean Terrace, the best curries served in an enviable buffet, a high tea (for vegans too) fit for a queen, and candlelit fine dining in the Grill Room. When you've had enough of the beach, cocoon yourself in the leather-and-book-lined library, or catch a movie in the small movie theater.