The Marine

The Marine enjoys a spectacular location, perched on a cliff overlooking the town of Hermanus and surrounded by some of the most ecologically rich landscapes of South Africa. The hotel dates back to 1902 and radiates a historic, heritage theme in its classically elegant design.

The Marine’s 40 rooms and suites are each individually decorated and designed, with all of them following a traditional, elegant aesthetic which reflects the bright and breezy views of the ocean outside your window. Premier Suites and Double Rooms feature private balconies from which to take in the view, while Luxury Double Rooms with Sea View offer sweeping views over Walker Bay. During whale watching season between June and November, you can spot the majestic mammals from the comfort of your room.

Guests at The Marine are offered a range of dining options. At Origins, immaculately presented international dishes are served up in an informal setting, with the tapas-style small plates inspired by hunting and gathering, based on seasonal organic produce and featuring artisanal cheeses and other products from local producers. At the 1920s-inspired Pavilion, sumptuous breakfast spreads are laid on to begin the day, with fresh fruit, home-baked pastries and hot dishes served up overlooking the cliffs surrounding Hermanus. The Sun Lounge, meanwhile, has a beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere and is a relaxing spot to enjoy a glass of South African wine or a spot of afternoon tea.

The hotel’s green inner courtyard is home to a beautiful saltwater swimming pool, while a range of wellness treatments are on offer at the Carchele Beauty Spa. There is also a boutique, where bags, ceramics and jewellery are on sale courtesy of leading South African designers – the perfect place to pick up a souvenir of your stay.

Lovers of marine wildlife are in the right place here, with South Africa’s most complete whale sanctuary and one of the Cape’s highest densities of great white sharks a short distance away. You can whale watch from the cliffs or even the comfort of your own room, but nothing beats taking to the ocean to see them up close. Adventurous guests can even go cage diving with great white sharks. Back on dry land, also nearby is fynbos, a region of dense shrubland and remarkable biodiversity. The area around Hermanus is known as the Overberg and is famous for its food and wine, which you can explore with a range of tasting tours; the Hermanus Country Market is a great place to sample high-quality local produce. The area’s fishing and whaling history is laid out in the Old Harbour Museum, while the Abalone and Walker Bay art galleries are just two of the local collections of contemporary art.