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Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean overlooking the historic Umhlanga lighthouse, the 86-room Oyster Box Hotel, with its landscaped tropical gardens and direct beach access, first opened in 1954.

The two year restoration project is designed to preserve the original character and style of the hotel, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and facilities for 21st century travellers. The hotel will have 78 brand new garden and sea-facing rooms and suites, several with balcony; a new presidential suite; 8 Garden Villas featuring private plunge pool, terrace, lounge and bar; a new Grill Room, restaurant and bar area; an amphitheatre with a garden gazebo offering the perfect setting for romantic weddings; 2 heated swimming pools, including an ocean-facing infinity pool; a leading spa with 6 treatment rooms and including a Hammam; a fitness club; a Kiddies club; and a 24-seat cinema/screening room.

The Oyster Box Hotel is part of the Red Carnation Collection which has several award-winning boutique hotels in South Africa and around the world.

Ranch Rider (01509 618811) has a range of family ranch holidays for parents who are looking for more than just a kid’s club in 2009, such as agri-tourism, wildlife rides, cultural excursions and overnight camp outs for Brave Buckaroos (aged 5+).and upwards).

• For example, kids can saddle up with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation tribe at the Elkin Creek Ranch in British Columbia. One child goes free for every two paying adults in August - save £649 on a 7-night stay. Return flight from £499pp. Car hire from £330. (Full ranch stay price for two adults and one child under 13 years £2,739 less discount of £649pp).
  
  
• On a ranch that puts families first, the Colorado Trails wranglers never fail to make kids passionate about the great outdoors. Older children who don’t want to have their style cramped by their younger siblings can ride the range with their peers, as there are three separate kid’s programmes, including "Buckaroos" for 5-8’s, "Rough Riders" for 9-12’s and "Teens" for 13 to 17 year olds. Horseback rides, nature hikes and power tubing down the Vallecito Lake are some of the activities included in the price, and there’s an overnight camp out for "Brave Buckaroos" and upwards. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,319pp (based on two adults sharing) and £1,055pp (5-12 years). Car hire from £187. Return flight from £495pp.
  
  
• The Bitterroot Ranch is a homestead that raises its own cattle. The ranch is situated in a remote valley in Wyoming's Absaroka Mountains and features a small farm complete with sheep, llamas, ducks, geese, chicken and peacocks. Six nights from now until 30 August costs £1,452pp based on two sharing (save £160pp) including gratuities. Children are £809pp (save £400pp) (4-16 years) including gratuities. Car hire from £187. Return flight from £499pp. (Full ranch stay price £1,612pp (adults) less discount of £160pp/£1,209pp (4-16 years) less discount of £400pp).
  
  
• At the Elk Mountain Guest Ranch in Colorado all the activities are included in the price, including horse riding, white water rafting and trap shooting. 7-nights £1,083pp (based on two sharing), £824pp (children 8-12 years), £758pp (children 3-7 years). Departures from now until 13 September. Includes full board accommodation, free transfers, gratuities, all ranch based riding and activities. Return flight from £405pp.

Ranch Rider offers flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50-£60pp supplement.