The Oysters

Why I loved it

The Oysters is an upmarket apartment residence that shares its address with one of Durban's landmark hotels, The Oyster Box. From the balcony you look straight over the hotel's red roofs and its lighthouse to the Indian Ocean, and on a clear morning the sun rises right in front of you, with the ships waiting out at sea.

A short trot down to the Oyster Box terrace for sushi, a morning stroll along the Umhlanga promenade, and a quick walk more puts you on the famous Umhlanga strip, with dozens of incredible restaurants to choose from. This location is everything.

The apartment

The living area is open plan, with marble floors, ceiling fans and a full wall of sliding glass that opens onto a wide covered balcony. Out there you'll find a hanging chair and a mosaic table for four, which is where I had every coffee.

The main bedroom also opens onto the balcony and has its own air-conditioning and a sea view from the bed. The bathroom has a walk-in rain shower and a double trough basin. The kitchen has a breakfast bar, plus a washing machine and tumble dryer for longer stays.

The residence

Downstairs, the building sits in landscaped gardens with a pool and loungers under the palms. It's private and quiet, with Umhlanga's best beach, shopping and restaurants a few minutes away.