702 Oyster Rock: South Africa's Hidden Gem (Unbelievable Photos!)
702 Oyster Rock: South Africa's Hidden Gem (Unbelievable Photos!) – Honestly, It's Almost Paradise (But Here's the Dirt…)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on 702 Oyster Rock. Forget your perfectly polished, overly-filtered Instagram feeds. I'm here to give you the REAL scoop. And let me tell you, the photos don't lie – this place is STUNNING. But is it all sunshine and roses? Hell no. Let's get messy with it.
First Impressions (and the Little Hiccups):
Getting There and Getting In: Okay, so Accessibility gets a mostly thumbs up. I mean, the website says accessible, but I didn't see a ton of info (or photos!) about specific ramps and whatnot. Car park [free of charge] is a massive win – always a plus. They also have Airport transfer, which is clutch after a long flight. Check-in/out [express]? Nah, didn't see it. But the Check-in/out [private] was a nice touch. Less queuing, more swanky. And that Concierge? Gold dust. Seriously, they knew all the local hotspots, even the secret braai (BBQ) spot down the road…more on that later.
Rooms and the Nitty Gritty:
Listen, the rooms are gorgeous. Seriously. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The Wi-Fi [free], believe me, is essential. I spent half my trip Instagramming the bloody view. And the Extra long bed? Bless them. I’m tall, and it’s a gift from the heavens.
BUT… and there’s ALWAYS a but… I wouldn't exactly call the internet speed lightning fast. Internet access [LAN] was also an option, if you're old school - I guess. And although they have Air conditioning in every room, I prefer my own control.
The 'Things To Do' Dilemma:
Okay, this is where 702 Oyster Rock really shines. Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Think James Bond meets Zen master.
The Pool with view? Sublime. Seriously, you could practically live in that pool. I spent a solid afternoon floating around, pretending I was a millionaire. The Spa, I did it, and I swear I came out younger. The Gym/fitness center I gave a miss.
The Sauna and Steamroom? Pure bliss. But… here's a confession… the first time I went in the sauna, I panicked a little. I'm not a "sauna" person. Felt like I was slowly becoming a baked potato. But, hey, I lived to tell the tale!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and My Near-Disaster):
So, the eating situation… Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Basically, you're spoiled for choice.
The Breakfast [buffet] was epic. Seriously, I went back for thirds (don’t judge). The coffee was surprisingly good. The Poolside bar? Dangerous. Too many cocktails, too much sunshine, and suddenly you’re trying to convince a local you're a famous explorer. They have Restaurants, of various styles. Happy hour is a must.
Here's my near-disaster story: I ordered the A la carte in restaurant dinner (a divine seafood pasta, I swear). The waiter, lovely bloke, brought me a bottle of water…but it wasn’t the Bottle of water I'd ordered. It was something else. Now, I thought it was just another fancy brand. But later, I was so sick. It was not enjoyable. Turns out, I'm allergic to something in a fancy water bottle. Lesson learned: always stick to the simple stuff.
Cleanliness and Safety: (They're Trying!)
Okay, let's talk COVID. Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Honestly, they're taking it seriously. You see the Hand sanitizer everywhere, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff are masked. It's reassuring. I did request a Room sanitization opt-out available, as all the chemical cleaning got to me, but the staff were lovely.
Services and Conveniences: (The Good, the Bad, and the Laundry):
Alright, here's the miscellaneous stuff. Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Daily housekeeping - YES! Luggage storage - YES! Laundry service… um, yeah, they have it. Expensive, though. I learned the hard way. I accidentally left a bright pink stain on my favourite white shirt. The Ironing service and a Dry cleaning got me out of trouble.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids):
If you're dragging the ankle-biters along, For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.. 702 Oyster Rock is pretty solid. I didn’t see any raging toddlers, which is always a good sign.
The Verdict:
702 Oyster Rock is a gem. Seriously. Flawed, yes, but breathtakingly beautiful. The staff are genuinely lovely, the spa is amazing, and the views… well, the views are worth the price of admission alone. Sure, the internet could be faster, and maybe I'll think twice before getting "fancy water" ever again. But overall? I'd go back in a heartbeat.
My Honest Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
The Killer Offer:
Book Your Escape to 702 Oyster Rock NOW and Get:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine on arrival (maybe not the fancy bottled stuff!)
- 20% off a spa treatment of your choice (you deserve it after that long flight!)
- Free upgrade to a room with the even more insane view (subject to availability, naturally!)
- Early Check-in / Late Check-out (so you can soak up every last second of paradise)
Use code "ROCKSTAR" when you book directly on their website (that's www.702OysterRock.com – wink, wink). Don't wait; some days, you can find some of the rooms available! This deal is available for a limited time only, so grab it before it vanishes like a cocktail on a hot day!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel L'Isola, Italy - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to wade into the gloriously messy, sun-kissed chaos that is a trip to 702 Oyster Rock, South Africa. This ain’t your perfectly curated Instagram feed, folks. This is the real deal. And trust me, it’s gonna be… interesting.
Day 1: Arrival and That Beach… Ugh.
- Morning: Land in Durban. Ugh, the airport. Always the airport. You know that feeling? Like you’ve been herded onto a giant metal tube with a bunch of other stressed-out people, breathing recycled air and praying your luggage makes it? Yeah. That. Anyway, finally free! Grab the rental car – a slightly-less-than-gleaming, but thankfully functional, compact – and attempt to navigate out of the urban jungle. Google Maps is my only friend.
- Mid-Morning: Drive to Oyster Rock. The coastal road is supposed to be beautiful, but I spent most of the time squinting in the sun and battling my internal monologue of "Did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I lock the bloody front door?" Eventually, coast is beautiful and I realize I need to breathe.
- Lunch: Hit up a roadside shack for some… something fried. Honestly, I can't even remember what it was called, but it was greasy, salty, and utterly glorious. Perfect fuel for the day, right? Also, the owner, a woman with a smile like sunshine, kept making me laugh. "You look like you need a hug, honey," she'd said, which I totally did.
- Afternoon: Check into the Oyster Rock accommodations. Well, "accommodation." It's a self-catering apartment, which means I get to cook (more on that later). The view is… decent. Directly over the ocean. But then, you realize… so close to the beach this is great, BUT… it's windy. Seriously windy. My first thought? "Where's a sturdy umbrella when you need one?"
- Evening: Attempt a beach stroll. Keyword: attempt. The wind is a relentless beast. I lasted approximately five minutes before retreating, hair a tangled mess, and sand practically embedded in my eyeballs. Honestly, the beach was a beautiful but brutal experience that makes me question my life choices. Beach: 0. Me: 0. Maybe I'm just not a "beach person."
- Dinner: Ordered grocery things. I decided to try to cook something. I’m not even going to tell you what, because it was a culinary catastrophe. Burned, slightly undercooked, and probably wouldn’t be allowed in a prison cafeteria. Thank goodness for the emergency stash of biscuits and cheese.
Day 2: The Tide Pool Temptation and a Culinary Crime (Again).
- Morning: The wind had died down. Glorious! Sun coming up over the ocean. So I decided to make the most of it and go explore the tide pools. These are amazing! Little worlds teeming with life. I spend way too long peering into the water, trying to spot something interesting. Found a tiny crab, marveling at its tiny claws – completely mesmerized.
- Mid-Morning: Decide to be a "cultured tourist" and check out a local craft market. I bought a hand-carved wooden giraffe, which I’m already regretting, because I have no idea how I’m going to carry it back, also, I don't have enough room in my apartment for a Giraffe. But hey, at least I’m supporting the local economy, right?
- Lunch: That shack again! Need a hug to get through this day. I made the same mistake of ordering deep fried something. It got me thinking, am I really so lazy, I can't find something else to eat?
- Afternoon: Return to cooking. I make a salad which is probably the only good thing I've made on this trip. I find a cooking channel on TV. The host has a very calming voice. I find the instructions too difficult. I give up.
- Evening: Take a walk. The tides are out. I’m feeling more connected to the ocean. But back in the apartment, the mood drops, and I begin to feel the isolation of being away from home. All the cooking disasters feel multiplied. I give in to the biscuits and cheese.
Day 3: The Shark Tank and The Big Decision.
- Morning: The wind returns. Sigh. I remember about a shark tank near a spot where tourist go and swim. I think I’ll go watch. I can’t swim. I get there and the thought of even being near the sharks makes me sick. It's just as well. I’ve changed my mind. I need to do something that actually thrills me.
- Mid-Morning: I decide to get a massage. It’s amazing and exactly what I need. So much tension. So much of the stress from the trip melts away. I spend the rest of the morning enjoying the relaxed mood.
- Lunch: I decide I will not go back to that stupid shack. I can do this. Cooking won't beat me. I decide to cook a new dish. It's a total failure and ends up in the trash.
- Afternoon: The big decision. Stay or go home. I’m not sure I am having a great time here on my own. I think I want to go back home. At least I know how to cook there.
- Evening: I research flights. I decide to change the flight. It's so easy to change the flight. I feel better. I begin to pack. I am happy.
Day 4 & beyond: Departure… and maybe learning to cook?
- Morning: Pack the giraffe for my flight. That's the only goal.
- Mid-Morning: A final walk. A last look at the coast. I’m not sad to be leaving. But maybe I’ll be back. The wind is still blowing. Ha.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. One last glance at Oyster Rock.
- Evening: Home.
Okay, so Oyster Rock wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. There were moments of pure frustration, culinary disasters, and a whole lot of wind. But there were also moments of pure joy, of connection with the ocean, with local people, and a new perspective on some elements of life. And hey, I survived. And if that isn't a victory, then I don't know what is. See ya later, South Africa. Maybe I’ll see you again, maybe not. Either way, I’ll never forget you.
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702 Oyster Rock: South Africa's Hidden Gem (Yeah, Right...Maybe. Unbelievable Photos, Definitely!)
Okay, so what *exactly* is 702 Oyster Rock? Sounds...fishy.
Alright, alright, settle down. It's not *actually* made of oysters (thank God – I shudder at the thought!). 702 Oyster Rock is a cluster of self-catering apartments in Umdloti, just north of Durban, South Africa. They call themselves "luxury," and... well, the photos are *gorgeous*. Like, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. That said...the "702" part? Purely a telephone number. Don't expect some secret, cryptic, ocean-bound conspiracy. It's just… a place. A pretty place, potentially.
Is it *really* a hidden gem? Or just another place pretending to be?
Ugh, the "hidden gem" thing. Everything tries to be a hidden gem! Look, Umdloti itself is kinda off the beaten path, compared to say, the Vegas-like vibe of Durban. So, in that sense, maybe. But "hidden"? More like well-photographed on all the travel blogs. It's popular. However, and this is crucial, the ambiance… oh, the ambiance! I stayed in Apartment 203 last year (more on *that* later) and it's the perfect setting for a relaxing time, the sound of the ocean at night is just pure bliss, the view. It's not "hidden" until you're experiencing the peace. It's *that* good.
Those photos...they look amazing! Are they, like, professionally done? Should I believe them?
Let's be honest. Yes, they probably *are* professionally done, and probably involve some serious filters! But, and this is a big but (and trust me, I have experience with big buts!), they are pretty accurate. The views are genuinely stunning. The apartments *are* modern, with those big glass panels (just be prepared to clean them, because salt spray is a persistent enemy). The furniture… well, it's nice furniture, mostly. My advice? Temper your expectations a *little* bit. Expect a touch less saturation and a touch more salt. But yeah, the photos are mostly true. I mean, the ocean is blue, right? (Mostly. Depending on the weather, let's be fair.)
What's the best apartment to book? Any insider tips?
Okay, this is where things get personal. I’m going to be honest... I've only stayed in Apartment 203. And, well, it became a bit of a love-hate relationship. The view? Unbeatable. The balcony? Heaven. But, and this is a big but (again), the air conditioning… It made a noise like a dying walrus. It was awful, especially at night. I swear, I could hear every creak and groan. I emailed management, of course. They were incredibly polite and promised to fix it… and nothing happened. So, Apartment 203? Amazing view, questionable AC. Choose wisely, my friends. Ask *specifically* about the AC. I beg you.
Speaking of inside, what about the amenities? Like, does it have things I need?
Alright, here's the deal: the apartments are *self-catering*. Meaning, you're on your own for groceries. There's a fully-equipped kitchen. So yes, It has a fridge, microwave, stove etc. But it's up to you to stock it (there are little stores nearby, which is a bonus). Essentials like towels and bedding are provided, thank goodness. Honestly, apart from my walrus-like AC experience, I'd say they've got the essentials covered. The Wi-fi? It works, sometimes. So, bring a book or two. And a power adaptor. Always bring a power adaptor. I learned that the hard way.
Is there anything to *do* in Umdloti besides look at the ocean?
Well, this is where you have to adjust your expectations. Umdloti is not Vegas. It’s a chill, laid-back beach town. There are a few restaurants. A *very* good coffee shop (seriously, the coffee is excellent). Mostly, it's swimming, sunbathing, and long walks along the beach. Dolphin watching (sometimes!). If you're looking for non-stop nightlife, or extreme activities, go somewhere else. If you want to relax and recharge, 702 Oyster Rock is a fantastic base.
What's the vibe? Is it family-friendly? Romantic? Party central?
Definitely *not* party central. Think more… couples, families, a few retirees. It's pretty chill. Romantic? Absolutely, especially with that balcony view. Family-friendly? Yes, but… it depends on your kids. If they need constant stimulation, maybe not. If they enjoy the beach and some downtime? Perfect. Honestly, it's a relaxing vibe. Mostly. Until the AC starts moaning like a heartbroken walrus (I am not finished with this AC story, truly).
Okay, back to Apartment 203. Seriously, what was it *really* like? Give me the dirt!
Okay, deep breath. 203. Let's break it down: The good: the view. Unbelievable. The sound of the waves. Pure bliss. The balcony. Made for sundowners and watching the sunrise. The not-so-good: the AC (Ahem!) the occasional sound of seagulls. This sounds like nothing but they’re annoying as hell when they start squawking at 5 am. The bathroom could do with a little updating. The biggest problem? That blasted AC. Every time it sputtered and groaned I swear I could feel my blood pressure rising. I spent half the trip plotting its demise. And here’s the absolute kicker: I MISS IT. Yeah, I miss the view. I miss the balcony. I even – dare I say it – sometimes miss the walrus AC. It became part of the 203 experience. And, despite the issues, I'd go back. But if it's still there, I'll request a different apartment. And I'm bringing earplugs, just in case.
Would you recommend it? The big question!
It's complicated! I would recommend Oyster Rock, and I would recommend Umdloti. They’re both beautiful places. 702 Oyster Rock is the perfect "base",Quick Hotel Finder
