The Marine Hotel: A Five-Star Clifftop Stay in the Heart of Hermanus

Sun-drenched days of endless beach time, cliff-path walks along the famed 10-kilometre-long cliff path (with the possibility of spotting whales in winter), afternoon tea by the sea, and bounteous seafood platters… Holidays in Hermanus are the stuff lifelong memories are made of, especially when you’re staying at The Marine! This five-star hotel’s enviable, yet discreet, cliff-hugging location, welcoming restaurant, and wonderful facilities make it a relaxing all-round destination – no matter what time of year you visit.

An iconic Hermanus hotel

Dating back to 1902, the 40-room property has had many revamps and renovations along the way. Today this elegant grande dame (the second-oldest building in Hermanus) is understatedly modern and upmarket but has retained all of its old-world charm and ambience. Restored and revived by the late hotelier Liz McGrath, The Marine is one of three hotels in The Liz McGrath Collection (including The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town and The Plettenberg on The Garden Route), which has become synonymous with culinary excellence, low-key sophistication and warm, professional service.

A golden seaside stay

Whether you’re enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace with panoramic ocean views, dipping in the heated salt-water pool in the sheltered courtyard, or treating yourself to a restoring spa treatment, you feel like you’re reliving the golden age of glamorous 1920s seaside holidays, the original heyday of this iconic Hermanus hotel. There’s the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route on your doorstep, a wealth of outdoor activities in the Overberg, and a buzzy town centre full of quirky boutiques and restaurants, markets, rockpools and beaches.

And the hotel’s grandstand position right on the clifftops makes it a cinch to stroll straight out to explore the spectacularly scenic cliff path that winds its way through fynbos along the Walker Bay coast. Or don’t… without even leaving the hotel you’ll catch sea breezes and refreshing ocean spray, and some of the best whale-watching vistas in the world.

Old-world charm

The Marine is the ideal place to slow down, its signature old-fashioned hospitality evoking the pace of bygone days – vases of fresh flowers in the bedroom, handwritten notes, a quaint internet lounge with coffee-table books, and the warm and genuine welcome from the staff.

Taking its cue from its breathtaking setting, the decor is serene, restrained and elegant. Rooms range from spacious premier suites with private terraces that open onto the cliff path, to luxury seaview rooms and smaller double rooms overlooking the courtyard.

Premier Suites

These 10 sumptuous, individually decorated suites boast panoramic views of the sparkling ocean (and whale-watching from your window in winter). With a separate lounge area and an ensuite bathroom with both bath and shower, they are spacious sanctuaries to sink into, and certain suites also include a private balcony.
Cost From R8 640 per room per night (depending on season )

Luxury Double Rooms with Seaviews

These 10 luxury bedrooms boast awe-inspiring views of Walker Bay below, enabling guests to watch pods of dolphins and whales from the comfort of their bed. There are private balconies in certain rooms.
Cost From R6 615 per room per night (depending on season)

Double Rooms

Each one of these 20 ocean-inspired rooms offers comfort, serenity and understated luxury. Looking out onto the pool courtyard, the gardens or the town, they enjoy fresh ocean air and encourage pure relaxation.
Cost From R6 615 per room per night (depending on season)

In your room

All the amenities you’d expect from five-star establishment (and some thoughtful extra touches) are included with your stay in all the room categories:

• king-size bed (can be made into twins)
• welcome bottle of wine
• complimentary minibar items
• full English breakfast
• tea- and coffee-making facilities
• flat-screen TV with select DStv channels
• complimentary wi-fi
• air-conditioning
• fluffy bathrobes and luxury bathroom amenities
• hot-water bottles during winter
• secure parking
• twice daily housekeeping services

Good to know A sleeper couch is available for children 3 – 12 years old, and a cot can be added for younger children. Small dogs can be accommodated in select ground floor rooms (one per room).

Mealtimes at The Marine

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the serene spoils of this iconic Hermanus destination. Visitors are welcome for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, with head chef Oelof Vorster bringing a delicious versatility to the à la carte menu, which pays homage to local ingredients with bold flavours and beautiful presentation. You can expect the freshest of seafood dishes, from the signature fishcakes to lavish seafood platters; land-based treats such as their classic burgers and steaks; and several vegetarian and vegan options. And their Sunday roast lunches are a time-honoured tradition.

You can also pop in for a more casual bite from the all-day light meals menu in the comfortable Sun Lounge, or grab a table on the terrace. The signature fishcakes feature as well as salads, burgers and gourmet toasted sandwiches, plus scones, muffins and cakes.

Serene spa

The on-site Carchele Beauty Spa offers a wide range of relaxing massages and beauty treatments, including Black Pearl and Decléor facials, waxing, hand and foot therapy, body treatments, and couples massages, among others. There’s also a steam room and DermaLife capsule, with various programmes designed to detoxify, relax and rejuvenate.

Whether you’re looking for an active family holiday, or just to put your feet up and enjoy a touch of old-world hospitality and personalised service, with arguably the best views of Walker Bay, The Marine makes a wonderful base to explore everything that Hermanus has to offer.
Distance from CT 1.5 hours
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (select ground floor rooms)
Cost From R4 025 per room per night (depending on season)
Where to find it Main Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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