Visible Lodge Assessment: The Oyster Field, South Africa
Arriving late within the night, the eye to element was apparent as I glanced across the foyer, taking psychological snapshots of the artwork, décor and structure I wished to {photograph} throughout my keep.
Like stepping onto a movie set, it felt timeless, charming, and so very welcoming, there’s even a resident cat, Skabenga, slinking across the halls.
Heading straight to mattress after the 22-hour journey day from Australia, I settled into the plush pink pillow and set my alarm for dawn. I didn’t need to miss a second of what The Oyster Field’s location promised, in any case, I might already hear the waves as I drifted to sleep.
Waking slowly to the alarm, my thoughts nonetheless pondering it was again at dwelling, it took a second to understand the glow showing throughout framed artwork on the wall was filtering by from dawn over the ocean, in South Africa. As quickly as I related to the place I’d woken up, I jumped off the bed, unzipped my digicam bag and dashed onto the balcony, not even caring that anybody strolling by could get a shock from the smiling zombie stumbling into the scene.
It’s mornings like this that produce these little thrills and moments of awe. When experiencing a brand new vacation spot aligns with pure magnificence, a sprinkle of historical past, tradition and on this case, luxurious.
Capturing dawn because it rose behind Umhlanga Lighthouse, I alternated between utilizing my 40-150mm zoom lens to get near the ocean patterns, and the 12-40mm to {photograph} solar stars peeking from behind the lighthouse. I additionally filmed some brief video clips as a result of I felt they’d do a greater job of showcasing the slowly rolling swell, seabirds in flight, and environment of a coastal metropolis waking up.
A fast espresso from the in-room Nespresso machine, a bit of slap of make-up to look adjusted to the time zone and off I went to breakfast on the ocean terrace.
A day of exploring Durban’s tradition, historical past and artistic initiatives lay forward.
The Location
Sitting above the Umhlanga beachfront, The Oyster Field overlooks the Umhlanga Lighthouse, a brief 15-minute drive from the airport, and central Durban. Its location, views, and historical past make it one of the revered motels in South Africa, the place the ocean breezes circulate by to the ornately curated areas and elegantly orchestrated service.
The Little Luxuries
From the boldly colored pink and white deck chairs giving glamour vibes by the pool, to the vintage interiors, art work, employees, and spa therapies, this lodge is aware of find out how to ship on luxurious. It feels easy really. Whereas this isn’t a notice on the luxurious fittings or experiences, to stroll by to the pool, be warmly greeted by employees and have a dialog that’s pleasant and private, removed from compelled, is typically it’s a rarity in massive motels, however the stability right here is superbly upheld.
Wandering the hallways, the give attention to wonderful artwork and Zulu heritage is apparent. With native artefacts, a curated assortment of daring, vibrant and historic items, to not point out the ceramic and mosaic mural masterpiece by Jane du Randt that was simply exterior my door, it’s like wandering by a gallery.
One particular area reserved solely for friends is The Clock Library, crammed with the form of books you want a lifetime to browse slowly by, and a group of vintage clocks, ticking away within the flickering daylight reflecting from the ocean exterior. This room might be included within the images alternatives part too, as I spent over an hour in right here watching as the sunshine danced throughout the area, illuminating the vintage furnishings and heirlooms.
The Pictures Alternatives
Dawn from the ocean-view rooms at The Oyster Field is to not be missed. You possibly can return to sleep after if it’s too early however set that alarm, brew a espresso, and watch the nice and cozy glow remodel and awaken the coastal metropolis.
Rising to witness the rolling waves shift in color because the solar rises into the sky is such a relaxing solution to begin the day. Pop on a zoom lens and get good and near the crashing waves, sea birds, and surfer silhouettes. With the lighthouse such a hanging function throughout the scene, you may shoot with an aperture of f/14 or above to create solar stars because it peeks from behind the colorful construction.
Remember to wander the gardens, and discover the structure and out of doors areas of the lodge together with your digicam too. I discovered numerous little corners, topics, and particulars to seize, there’s even the odd monkey too, regardless of the motels’ greatest makes an attempt to discourage them with mist, they’re fairly the characters!
Whereas staying at The Oyster Field, we ventured out on safari at Tala Reserve, to the PheZulu Safari Park for dancing and cultural insights, and to numerous native initiatives and museums which I’ll share particulars about in ‘A Fast Information to Photogenic Experiences in Durban’.
The Experiences
As a member of The Crimson Carnation Lodges and The Journey Company, the lodge is dedicated to defending the setting and contributing to native causes and communities. One expertise I used to be grateful to participate in was bringing college provides and artwork gear in my baggage, to donate to native college youngsters. Figuring out such a small token could make a world of distinction to the schooling of little ones felt so particular.
Their curated itineraries mix tradition, neighborhood and wildlife, permitting you to decide between a 6-hour half day tour, or a 12-hour full day journey to St Lucia, the place the biggest inhabitants of hippos are discovered.
We took the half-day choice which included studying about Zulu tradition and dance, sampling a shisha nyama platter, and a go to to Woza Moya, a community-led craft retailer and centre.
To complete up, I’ll circle again round to how the day began, with breakfast overlooking the ocean. The buffet is match for royalty with an array of contemporary fruits and dishes, a condiment treasure chest to swoon over, a full menu with choices like Oyster Mornay or an Indian Breakfast, plus cheese boards, pancake and waffle stations. Don’t even let me get began on the towered truffles I noticed on show for the Excessive Tea,
As with all visible lodge evaluations, it’s time to let the pictures do the remainder of the speaking!
*Please notice, I used to be a visitor of South African Tourism and Journey World, this keep was a part of a press journey itinerary, nevertheless all views, notes and experiences stay my very own. Oh, and pictures, they’re all mine too 😊
For extra details about The Oyster Field, go to their official web site
Proceed Studying:
6 Photogenic Experiences in Cape City
Behind the Lens: Rhino Notching in South Africa
Photographing South Africa’s Marine 5
Trunks, Treasures and the Jabulani Safari Expertise
Whats up! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.
