Step into a world of refined elegance and unparalleled comfort.

When I walked into The Marine Hotel, it felt like I was stepping into another era — where refined service and timeless beauty created an unforgettable experience. The ambience and impeccable amenities evoke an encounter that is both luxurious and unique for the discerning traveller, so it is no wonder that this iconic establishment is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Front-Row Seats

The Marine Hotel is a beautiful clifftop retreat and a legendary landmark of Hermanus, a popular coastal holiday town about an hour and a half along a scenic drive from Cape Town. This charming town is renowned for being one of the best land-based whale-watching locations in the world, particularly for Southern Right Whales, which visit the area to breed and calve from June to November. With the hotel’s spectacular position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, guests are right in the heart of the action during the whale season.

Even though we were not visiting during the whale-watching season, the hotel makes the very most of its picturesque coastal location. We could see and hear the rhythmic pounding of the waves crashing against the rocks below the cliff, and could watch the sun rising on the horizon each morning. In the evenings, we admired the breathtaking sunsets over the shimmering ocean.

I was excited to discover that the hotel is located directly on the famous Hermanus Cliff Path, overlooking Walker Bay, which hugs the rugged coastline for 12 km. The entire path is protected within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and enjoyed by both walkers and hikers. There are many benches to sit and enjoy watching the whales and the seemingly endless expanse of the ocean.

A Room With a View Is Enduringly Special

Our stay in an exquisite luxury suite was nothing short of spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling windows that created a feeling of immersive space, making the room feel light and airy. There was a sense of grandeur and sophisticated charm with its high ceilings, carefully placed pieces of antique furniture, blue-themed artworks and comfortable armchairs. Every detail — from the plush bedding and luxurious linens to the soft carpets and deep ceramic bathtub with aromatic bath products — has been carefully considered. All rooms have been decorated in a refined, old-fashioned way in fresh white with hues of blue and grey, and have an old English country house feel, enriched with specific ocean influences.

There are three different room categories, the main difference being the size of the rooms and the view. Each of the 40 rooms in the hotel is uniquely decorated, and sea-view front rooms provide the perfect vantage point for spotting pods of dolphins and whales right from your window. I felt that, although all the hotel rooms are beautiful, guests could miss out on half the attraction of this location if they did not book a suite facing the sea.

A magnificent bottle of South African merlot, white flowers, a fully stocked complimentary minibar, and gourmet treats welcomed us to our exquisite room, which also had a charming outdoor patio.

Embracing the Art of Gracious Living

The gorgeous Sun Lounge is an inviting public space that cleverly uses colour, textures, wallpaper, and original South African works of art. Oversized armchairs, ottomans, and inviting sofas drew me in to take a closer look at the focal feature — a collage of a giant King Protea by the artist Olivier, which takes centre stage on fresh wallpaper adorned with a loose protea pattern. Adding further interest are Martin de Kock’s vibrant oil paintings of modern proteas with a twist. The art in the room takes everything up a notch: eye-catching, yet seamless with the many patterns used on the piles of cushions and striking armchairs at the fireplace. This all comes together with fresh greens inspired by the local wildflowers, lifting the spirits of everyone who visits this Grande Dame in Hermanus.

The Protea is the signature flower of the historical hotel, and commissions around this theme were given to three local artists. Throughout the hotel, magnificent vases of vibrant proteas are artistically arranged, creating an elegant and sophisticated presence. These majestic flowers are eye-catching, bold and long-lasting, and have long been regarded as symbols of hope, resilience and strength. They are native to South Africa, particularly the Cape floral region, and I found their abundance in all areas of the hotel a touching welcome to all guests.

Delectable Dining

The Pavilion restaurant features stylish black-and-white decor reminiscent of Art Nouveau style, allowing guests to start and end their days most elegantly. The restaurant offers exquisitely presented and delicious food and delivers an exceptional experience with breathtaking views of Walker Bay. The head chef showcases the impressive bounty of the Overberg region, ensuring that the focus is always on local flavours and fresh ingredients, so the food and wine selection represent the region at its finest.

We could choose to have our meals indoors or on the terrace. For a more relaxed setting, we could settle down for light meals, afternoon tea, or enjoy a glass of bubbly in The Sun Lounge and Bar — the ideal place to unwind. Breakfast is an excellent all-encompassing buffet set up in The Pavilion, with waiters following up with an à la carte menu.

Starters focus on fresh seafood, followed by a section dedicated to a variety of fresh, healthy salads. Main courses are divided into specialities from The Sea and The Land, with each ingredient reflecting our surroundings. Rounding off the menu is a selection of mouth-watering desserts and artisanal cheeses of the region.

Our starter choices — a globe artichoke risotto with tempura artichoke, parmesan and herbs, and Marine fishcakes with egg yolk taffy, lumpfish roe, tomato velouté and kewpie mayonnaise — were works of art and outstanding. Fine South African white wine accompanied our main meal of grilled springbok loin and beef fillet. Everything was well balanced, beautifully served, and delectable.

In the Past

The Marine Hotel is not just a building by the sea — it has a rich history. Originally built in 1902, it has hosted numerous events throughout its history and evolved from a smaller establishment to a prominent venue under various owners and expansions. Originally built as the Golfers Hotel in 1897, it later became the Strand Hotel, and finally The Marine Hotel in 1913. Recent renovations and expansions have enhanced its facilities while maintaining its reputation for quality and service. Built at the turn of the century and restored in 1998 by the late Liz McGrath, the proprietress of a series of luxury hotels in the Cape Province, it is gracefully furnished and surrounded by exquisite gardens. Many of the hotel’s original and historical features have remained intact after several refurbishments, making this hotel truly one of a kind. For example, the hotel still has no lift, and the classic sash windows still provide the charm of a bygone era.

A World Away From the Ordinary

Liz McGrath was instrumental in the restoration and revitalisation of The Marine Hotel in Hermanus, transforming it into a luxury five-star hotel. She took over the hotel in 1998 after it had fallen into disrepair, bringing her expertise in restoration and her passion for hospitality to the project. The Marine, under her stewardship, became known for its exquisite cuisine, its role as a prime whale-watching location, and its elegant ambience. The Marine is one of three iconic hotels in the Liz McGrath Collection that exemplify South African hospitality, sharing the philosophy of creating “a world away from the ordinary”. She is remembered for her passion for hospitality, her eye for detail, and her commitment to creating a world-class experience for guests.

Relaxing

After beach strolls or hiking, guests can head to the Carchele Beauty Spa, which offers a wide range of pampering treatments in a serene setting — from a selection of indulgent massages and rejuvenating facials, to mud treatments and exfoliating scrubs. Excellent spa day packages are also available. Although I did not try the spa myself, I was given a tour of their tranquil facilities and treatment areas.

The hotel features a heated saltwater pool surrounded by poolside loungers and umbrellas in a private enclosed courtyard, and also provides easy access to the large refreshing tidal pool directly opposite the hotel, down the stairs of the cliff path. The closest swimming beach is only 3.6 km away.

If you prefer retail therapy, there is an elegant in-house boutique shop featuring a curated selection of items from acclaimed South African designers. The hotel also features a gym and a newly opened Conference and Function venue, making it an ideal destination for corporate events, executive retreats, and bespoke gatherings.

Exploring Further

Just steps from the hotel, guests can explore Hermanus’ vibrant town centre, discover museums, art galleries, quirky bookshops, boutique shops and cafés. The surrounding Overberg region and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are a haven for wine enthusiasts and adventure lovers, offering activities such as wine tasting, hiking, mountain biking, marine sports, and shark cage diving.

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is ideal for plant enthusiasts, hikers, and family picnics. The town offers both land-based and boat-based whale-watching opportunities, making it a favourite for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. Get closer to these gentle giants — as well as seals, dolphins, and penguins — on a boat tour from Hermanus, or take a magnificent flight over the bay.

The Journey Begins

Your journey to unforgettable moments begins as The Marine welcomes guests of all ages, with tailored family packages and treats for younger visitors, making it a versatile destination for family holidays, romantic escapes, honeymoons, or luxury business events. With its dramatic cliffside setting, it continues to set the benchmark for seaside luxury in South Africa.

Every Stay Is a Chapter of Enduring Legacy

The hotel’s legacy as a social and cultural hub is still palpable today. For generations, this iconic hotel with a breathtaking vista has been home to unmatched land-based whale watching in the world and is a popular addition for exploring Cape Town and the Winelands.

Treat yourself to an escape from the ordinary to a splendid haven of unrivalled tranquillity and elegance — sweeping views and a place where memories are made.

W: The Marine Hotel

Written by Diane McLeish for Luxuria Lifestyle International