The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the hotel offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world from June to November each year.
Guests are even able to view these majestic creatures from the comfort of their own sea view room.
HISTORY
Hermanus first came into existence as a summer grazing area for livestock – before becoming famous for its fishing opportunities. Word then started to spread about its healthy sea air, which led to the opening of several hotels.
The Marine was one of them – read on to find out more about its fascinating history.
Rawdon decided to begin the search for a new custodian for this grand old lady, to bring her into a new century. In 1998, Liz McGrath graciously accepted this responsibility, after having garnered international acclaim for her restorations of The Plettenberg and The Cellars-Hohenort.
There was no one better suited to oversee the restoration of the oldest hotel in Hermanus, and the second-oldest building in town.
After a busy eight-month restoration period, The Marine was reopened in October 1998 as a five-star hotel. The Marine was bought by David Rawdon, who subsequently closed it for four years for renovations. It reopened in 1985, and over the following 13 years regained its former fame and glory.
The hotel again changed hands, when Mr Hinder of Cape Town’s Arthur’s Seat Hotel bought it. He developed the San Marino on the adjacent plot. San Marino, which is still a part of The Marine, was established on the land of The Hermanus and included additional rooms, a casino and a ballroom.
Continental Hotels and Restaurants bought The Marine and under the guidance of the General Manager at the time, Eric Colbeck, also purchased several cottages adjoining the property. The Hermanus was built on the land once occupied by the cottages.
After a few years of post-war euphoria, however, business began to wane. The Marine was expanded to include more bedrooms, a bathroom block and a larger kitchen.
The popularity of the hotel grew along with its reputation for hosting grand affairs in its ballroom for the wealthy and well-known. Among them was Sir William Hoy, who stayed at the hotel annually for many years.
Pieter Johannes Luyt (fondly known as P John), son-in-law of Beyers came to manager the Marine for this father-in-law. After a few years he bought the hotel from Beyers for £5 000. In 1908, Luyt bought another hotel, the Riviera.
Walter McFarlane and his brother-in-law Valentine Beyers bought land from Willem Hoffman to establish The Marine. Though modest, the hotel was much grander than their first property, the Victoria.
The Marine had just 21 rooms and no running water or electricity in the bedrooms; it did however, boast modern amenities – two flush toilets on each floor.
A sanatorium was built in the late 19th century by General Jan Smuts’ brother-in-law, Dr Joshua Hoffman and his brother Willem, which led to the notion that Hermanus’ ‘champagne air’ was able to cure a number of ills. This was converted to the Windsor Hotel at the turn of the century.
Originally a summer grazing area for livestock in the early 19th century, the area gained popularity as a place for local shepherds to live off the fresh fish easily caught from the expansive Walker Bay, where the town is now situated.
Word spread and by mid-century a small fishing village, named Hermanuspietersfontein, for the shepherd who had found the area, was established.
Fishermen and travellers were quick to follow with news of the incredible fishing opportunities in the area, and soon accommodation in town was at a consistent capacity.
Several hotels came into existence in the following years, starting with Walter McFarlane’s fishing cottage, which later became the Victoria Hotel.
A beautifully decorated bedroom with en-suite bathroom is made all the more comfortable with air-conditioning and under-floor heating throughout.
Two of the Premier Suites also feature private balconies with views over Walker Bay.
Each Premier Suite encompasses a separate lounge with flat-screen TV, Satellite TV channels and DVD Player.
In addition, two of the Premier Suites include fireplace – the ultimate home accessory during chilly winter nights.
Each of these comfortable guest rooms comes with an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and under-floor heating, as well as a king size bed – which in some rooms can also be converted into a twin bed.
The Double Rooms at The Marine all offer signature décor and uncompromising style. In addition, several of the Double Rooms open out onto private balconies.
Luxury Double Rooms with Sea View are perfectly positioned for watching pods of dolphins and whales as they swim in the bay below. The panoramic views over Walker Bay have inspired the décor of each of the rooms, with blue featuring as a dominant colour.
A comfortable seating area makes for the perfect vantage point for spotting the gentle giants below while enjoying a glass of wine.
In addition, several of the rooms feature a balcony with breathtaking views of the ocean.
King size beds, spacious en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and under-floor heating throughout ensure the ultimate comfort.
At the heart of hotel's Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff’s food philosophy lies the continuous exploration and re-imagination of South African food. His aim is to lend distinctive, memorable personalities to each of The Collection’s restaurants, without overcomplicating matters in the process – if an ingredient is not fresh, local and seasonal, you won’t find it on the menu.
Each restaurant is unique as the food is influenced by the individual Head Chefs, with Peter taking their personal vision into account before creating the menu in a joint collaboration.
As a result, guests are able to enjoy exceptional culinary experiences at each hotel – be it The Cellars-Hohenort’s African fables-inspired menu at Greenhouse; or the fresh marine bounty served at SeaFood at The Plettenberg.
At Origins at The Marine, Peter and the Head Chef have crafted vibrant menus, encouraging relaxed social dining in the comfortable surrounds of a modern, kitchen-focused restaurant.
Whether you feel like tapas, natural wines and craft beer, or a more elegant dining experience, you will find it at Origins.
Small Plates, including the signature Parsnip Crisps with Buchu salt and goat’s cheese, pays tribute to the social act of sharing; while Shoots, Stems & Leaves takes inspiration from the earth; local, seasonal produce delivered as complex, delicious salads.
Hotel's mains and sides are Hunted and Gathered, each ingredient reflecting hotel surroundings. Desserts with local flavour bring The Sweetness, with artisanal Cheeses of the Region rounding off the menu.
In addition, hotel's ‘Chef’s Blackboard’ introduces at least three new dishes every day, to reflect the season and allow team to champion the exciting fresh produce sourced by the kitchen team.
The soulful menu highlights ‘everyday’ favourites, prepared with an Asian twist by the Head Chef and the kitchen.
The Head Chef works closely with Group Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff to showcase the impressive bounty of the Overberg, ensuring that the focus is always on local flavours and fresh ingredients.
The spacious dining room allows guests to observe the chefs in their element in the open kitchen, while a separate restaurant section with magnificent ocean views is perfect for small group bookings.
Whether you prefer tapas, natural wines and craft beer or a full sit-down dining experience, you will find it at Origins. The ‘Small Plates’ menu section pays tribute to the social art of sharing. ‘Shoots, Stems & Leaves’ takes inspiration from the earth; local, seasonal produce delivered as complex, delicious salads.
Restaraunt's mains and sides are ‘Hunted’ and ‘Gathered’; each ingredient reflecting the surroundings. Desserts with local flavour bring ‘The Sweetness’, with artisanal ‘Cheeses of the Region’ rounding off the menu.
12.00h - 14.30h
19.00h - 21.30h
The Pavilion serves as the picturesque breakfast room at The Marine. The restaurant features an edgy black-and-white décor reminiscent of the roaring 1920s, allowing guests to start their day in the most elegant of ways. The breakfast buffet is set up each morning inside the Pavilion’s main dining section.
Guests can sit inside or take their pick from two al fresco options, either in the courtyard by the pool, or on the outside pavilion overlooking Walker Bay.
A mouthwatering spread of fresh fruit and freshly baked pastries are laid out each morning, together with cereals, a selection of local cheeses and cold cuts, and delicious Franschhoek Smoked Salmon Trout, while hot breakfast options are served à la carte.
Hotel's indulgent Walker Bay Breakfast Specialties include Spanish Omelette with haddock, cherry tomato, cream cheese, capers, onions and rocket.
Waffle with berry compote, vanilla ice-cream and maple syrup and French Toast with crisp bacon bits, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar and toasted pecan nuts.
Apart from serving as the breakfast room, The Pavilion can also be booked for exclusive lunch and dinner functions.
Breakfast07.30h - 10.30h
The Sun Lounge and Bar is the perfect place to relax throughout the day – from a quick coffee in the morning, to High Tea, a glass of bubbly or sundowners. Overlooking the incredible Walker Bay, The Sun Lounge and Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy drinks and snacks while searching the waters for resident and visiting marine life.
The warm and inviting colour scheme not only tempts guests and visitors alike, but also provides a comfortable setting to while away a few hours.
The relaxed sophistication of The Sun Lounge is complemented by a wide variety of South African wines, sparkling wines, signature cocktails and delectable eats.
A visit to The Sun Lounge is ideal for afternoon tea or early evening drinks, enjoyed with the views of the surrounding cliffs and bay.
11.00h - 23.30h
Overlooking South Africa’s most pristine whale sanctuary, The Marine offers guests the opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. That is not all however – the hotel also provides the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy a host of other activities. From nature walks, hikes and mountain bike trails, to arts & crafts and festivals & markets, you can expect an exciting, invigorating holiday for the whole family.
Hotel is only a stone’s throw from one of the greatest densities of the famous, endangered Great White Shark, as well as Cape Agulhas and the Winelands.
The region around Hermanus, known as the Overberg, is an area of natural contrasts, from the deep green apple orchards of Elgin to the sweeping canola fields of Caledon, and the rugged mountainous coast where marine life flourishes.
Be it a small, exlusive celebration, special family get-together, or all-out corporate gig, you are sure to find the perfect indoor or outdoor location within the beautiful grounds of The Marine.
This harbour clings to the cliffs in front of the town centre. The Old Harbour Museum doesn’t really have a lot going for it, but outside there’s a display of old fishing boats.
The Overberg is an area of natural contrasts, from the deep green apple orchards of Elgin to the sweeping canola fields of Caledon, and the rugged mountainous coast of Hermanus where marine life flourishes.
Your culinary adventure begins at The Marine, where Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff has created a restaurant offering that showcases the impressive bounty of the Overberg.
The Marine provides a unique location for the most memorable day of your life – whether you are planning a small ceremony or large reception, bespoke destination wedding or blissful honeymoon.
THE MARINE HERMANUS
Main RoadHermanus, 7200South Africa