Situated on a cliff edge overlooking Walker Bay, the Marine Hermanus is a stunning 5-star boutique hotel and a member of Relais & Chateaux.
The Marine is one of South Africa’s oldest and grandest hotels. Constructed at the turn of the 19th-century, it clearly had the pick of the best locations in Hermanus, and from its clifftop position enjoys absolutely marvellous views of Walker Bay and, in the opposite direction, the Overberg Mountains. Whale-watching is for many visitors the main draw of Hermanus, and the Marine Hotel is perhaps better positioned than any other hotel for whale sightings, with its sea-facing rooms enjoying a direct view of the Bay.
Imposing from a distance, once inside you’ll find the Marine to be a wonderfully hospitable place to stay. It’s a large home but it has a very intimate atmosphere. Renovated in 1998 by the designer and current owner, Liz McGrath, the Marine is, like other hotels in the McGrath collection, rather stately, if not a little old-fashioned, but the overall ambience is warm and inviting.
Accommodation
The Marine Hermanus offers 40 guest rooms, some with views of Walker Bay, others of the courtyard and Overberg Mountains. The rooms are painted in creams and whites and are lavishly furnished, with silk drapes, marble bathrooms, cosy lounges with fireplaces and dark wood furnishings. Those who prefer their hotels sleek and modern may find the Marine a little too old-fashioned, but others will love the period style and vintage furnishings.
We recommend paying extra for a suite facing the sea—the location is such a large part of the appeal of the Marine, that it would be a waste not to do so.
Dining
The Pavilion overlooks Walker Bay and offers breakfast and dinner menus incorporating a variety of flavours. Seafood at the Marine serves the very best local fish.
The Sun Lounge is a stylish cocktail bar.
Facilities
- Heated swimming pool & tidal pool
- Courtyard garden
- A selection of restaurants
- Reading room
- Spa & beauty salon
- Cocktail bar
- Internet lounge
- Orangery
Activities
Available locally (mostly at an additional cost):
- Dyer Island Cruises (domain of the Southern Right Male)
- Numerous mountain biking and cycling routes
- Hot springs
- Hiking
- Bird watching
- Balloon flight
- Fishing
- Wine and cheese tasting
- Horse riding
- Game drives
- Golf
Child Policy
The Marine Hermanus accommodates children of all ages. Children under the age of 15 pay half the adult rate if sharing with a parent.
