The Oyster Box Hotel

Last night was the official kick off to the Durban Day Tripping Adventures at The Oyster Box Hotel's Lighthouse Bar just up Durbans North Coast in Umhlanga! We started off in style, with cocktails and BIG glasses of wine. It was absolutely Fabulous Darling!

The vibe is relaxed but classy, with ladies dress being smart casual and men in long pants and in closed shoes. For a first timer you can't help not staring at all the lavish decor. The bright red couches and bar chairs immediately catch your eye as you walk in. The 180 degree Views of the sea and light house are spectacular. It got quite noisy inside with the live music and all the people, so if you're looking for a quieter spot to have a chat, there are lovely little couches and tables and chairs outside on the balcony. Live music is played on from Tuesday to Friday nights.

Beverages on offer include exotic cocktails, good selections of spirits and beers and the wine list is great with each cultivar being offered by the glass. Drinks are a bit pricey with the average glass of wine being around R38, the average cocktail being around R40 and a draught around R20 for R25 for imported beers. Snacks of peanuts, roasted corn and pop corn are automatically brought to your table. If you prefer something a little more filling, dinner is available in the Grill Room, which is a fine dining experience of note and the Ocean Terrace downstairs from the Lighthouse Bar. I do know, although not from my own experience, that the pizza's that the serve in the Ocean Terrace are great. They also serve more casual meals here, perfect for families. You can also book at the Palm Court Restaurant for a posh High Tea! But make sure you phone a week or two before hand and book, as i know this is essential for avoiding dissapointment.

Everything started getting a little quite arounf 10:30, i think everyone goes off in search of louder music and a dance floor! Great place to start your evening off! For us(my boyfriend Gareth and our friends Jen and Mat), we needed food, and as all the kitchens closed around 10, we drove off to gateway for Mug and Bean as that was the only non fast food place open that we knew of. (Bit of a let down especially after what we were used to at the Oyster Box! A lifestyle I could seriously get used too!)

Tonight is a great old Durban Favorite. Rugby at the Absa Stadium (Also known as Kings Park)! The Sharks are playing the Auckland Blues from New Zealand. Starts at 5pm and then a few of us are having a Braai afterwards in the practice fields. Perfect Durban Tradition! Thanks to Jen and Mat for the Idea and tickets!