“In the style of the Emmy’s and the Oscars, the Oyster Box is enjoying an ‘awards season’ of its own,” says Wayne Coetzer, general manager of the Oyster Box. “In the two years since we re-opened, the hotel has unequivocally re-established itself as a hotel of distinction on every level and we are immensely proud of that.”
Over the past ten days, the luxury five-star Durban hotel has picked up two local and two international awards. Internationally, the Oyster Box walked off with ‘Country Winner: Luxury Hotel’ title, in the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards (WLHA), held in Croatia. According to the organisers, the awards celebrate ‘the world’s finest hotels committed to the highest standards of quality service and congratulates hotels that have taken the extra step by providing their guests with outstanding experiences.’
Over 1000 luxury hotels from 87 countries were nominated to participate in the 2011 awards. A record number of votes were received via a voting poll from international tour operators, travel agents and hotel guests.
In addition, The Oyster Box won ‘Country Winner: Best Luxury Wellness Spa’ in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2011. The prize gives recognition to leaders in the spa industry around the globe, who are ‘setting benchmarks in quality, innovation and service’. The nominees are selected by the Organisation and voting is done by Spa guests.
On the domestic front the Oyster Box took first place, with a ‘Diamond Arrow’, in the PMR Africa KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Survey for 2011. This recognition is given annually to companies and institutions who, over a 12-month period, have done the most in their sectors to stimulate the economic growth and development of the province.
One of only five establishments in KZN, and for the second year running, The Oyster Box scooped a Diner’s Club ‘Diamond Award’ at the 2011 awards ceremony. Recognising those establishments whose wine lists ‘not only provide a balanced range of wines but that
also best complement the food on offer’, the Diner’s Club Awards have for almost 20 years, been recognising those establishments offering the best dining experience for Diners card-holders.
Organisers said that ‘this year’s increased number of entries bears testimony to the value these awards hold for the hospitality industry, in the continued efforts to raise the standards and variety of wines on offer across South Africa.’
