The Marine Hermanus
Hermanus, Whale Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
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THE MARINE HERMANUS
HOTEL - HERMANUS, THE WHALE COAST, SOUTH AFRICA
 The Marine Hermanus - where an expansive
seascape meets dramatic mountainscape. Walker Bay has arguably the
best land-based whale watching in the world, and on the towering
mountain slopes one of the World's six plant kingdoms jostles for
space with some of the most southerly vineyards in this hemisphere.
The Marine Hermanus is unique in
its position, perched high atop the cliffs in one of the most beautiful
natural landscapes in Africa. With its understated luxury and sophisticated
décor, the hotel boasts 45 luxury rooms and suites. Spectacular
views can be captured from your bedroom window, including the best
land-based whale watching in the world. Enjoy coastal walks with exquisite views
across Walker Bay, where there is nothing between you and the Antarctic,
other than a few thousand miles of ocean. The "whales-eye" view
of the life on the mainland is of a dramatic mountainscape overflowing
with African fynbos, the indigenous Cape flora.
The Marine has a long history... Walter
McFarlane, who had moved to Hermanus from nearby Elgin in the 1880's,
built the
Marine
Hotel
in 1902. The hotel started off quite modestly with a mere 21 rooms
and over the years the hotel has seen numerous extensions and changes
of ownership. Following the purchase of the Marine by David Rawdon
in the early 1980's and four years of painstaking renovation, thirteen
years of successful management ensued. However a new custodian was required
to take this grand old lady into the new millennium. Liz McGrath became the new owner of the Marine Hotel in March 1998 and
so began the complete makeover of this historic hotel.
As with the sister properties of The
Collection, namely The
Cellars-Hohenort and
The Plettenberg,
the world class quality that has become the hallmark of Liz McGrath
was injected into The Marine. This was achieved by using
exceptionally talented designers to ensure the highest standards of style,
elegance and comfort in both the bedrooms and the public areas of the
hotel.
After a concerted nine-month restoration
period, the Marine reopened in October 1998 as a five star hotel.
In January 2000
the hotel was accepted
as a member of the Relais & Chateaux Association and secured its
position among the finest hotels in the world.
This grand old lady has never looked so glamorous - a fitting tribute
to those who built the Marine a century ago - but now possesses all the
amenities a modern sojourner could wish for.
Accommodation  For
images of The Marine Hermanus, click Marine
Images
The Marine has 45 individually decorated bedrooms
and suites, each with its own private facilities. Commanding views
extend across Walker Bay or over the beautiful internal courtyard,
finely manicured gardens and the Overberg Mountains.
Peel back the silk drapes in one of the
sea facing rooms to reveal the type of view dreams are made of, each
a riot of the freshest,
newest colours and fabrics with a real sense of escape. The bathrooms
are a study in marble, chrome and luxurious deep pile toweling; the
perfect recipe for relaxation amongst the bubbles.
Three exceptionally
talented interior designers have worked tirelessly to ensure the
highest standard of style and comfort in the bedrooms.
The hotel has 45 individually decorated bedrooms and suites - each
with private facilities. Many have commanding views across Walker Bay
or into the beautiful internal courtyards with swimming pool and garden.
Facilities
Stroll
along the cliff hugging path to the golf club and view the miles
of white sandy beach beyond. The sparkling, heated courtyard pool might
beckon, perfect for catching some African sun. Wile away the remainder
of your day in the Reading Room, perfect for quiet contemplation after
a busy day's whale watching... a glass of champagne... or planning
your onward journey.
The Orangery is the place to enjoy
a cocktail or even afternoon tea with nothing between you and the
South Pole - other than 3,000 miles
of ocean, or relax in the Reading Room for warm, cozy fireside evenings
during Winter.
Carefully tended gardens add colour and restfulness to your seaside
experience.
Carchele Health and Beauty Spa
The Carchele Health and Beauty Spa at The Marine is an experience not
to be missed. A comprehensive list of treatments promises an experience
that soothes the body; mind and spirit to leave one feeling refreshed
and revitalised. Facilities include a Steam Room and a Dynamic Hydro
Bath Table for Mud and Gel Body Wrap treatments.
Feel like being daring? Carchele offers
an exfoliation Sea Salt Scrub or a Body Massage next to the Tidal
Pool whilst listening to the soothing
sounds of the ocean. Revive your skin, purify
your body, relax your mind, uplift your spirit . . . treat yourself
to the health and luxury
you deserve in the hands
of Carchele’s experts.
Treatments include:
Decleor Facials - Waxing - Tinting - Manicure -
Pedicure - Paraffin Wax Treatments - Reflexology - Massage - Aromatherapy
- Scalp Therapy - Algologie Spa Body Wraps - Make-Up
Dining
Award winning Marine cuisine - an expression of two very different
styles.
Seafood at the Marine
Seafood at the Marine is a bright new restaurant in the modern idiom
where the only sea view will be on a plate! The atmosphere is informal
and busy but with emphasis on fresh fish and great style from the kitchen
theatre.
The Marine Pavilion Restaurant
The Marine Pavilion on the other hand, with glorious views
of the sea and through the internal courtyard and swimming pool is
more traditional in feel. It serves an array of the highest quality
dishes with hints of Mediterranean and the East, that highlight the
creative talents of Head Chef, Louis van Reenen.
The magnificent wall and ceiling
lamps in this elegant restaurant are the originals which graced
the Bathing Pavilion at Muizenberg!
Activities
About Hermanus
Fernkloof
Nature Reserve has over 40 kilometres of walks in the beautiful mountains which
form an imposing backdrop to the town. Boating activities and sea kayaking
are all popular pursuits or treat yourself to a unique wine tour in
the vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson or Hamilton Russel, two of South
Africa's premier wine estates just minutes away.
Fishing Charters
The fisherman can take his pick - from rocky headlands, sandy beaches,
off shore angling and lagoons, to trout fishing in the De Bos Dam.
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Wine Tours
The wine region lies in the Glen Vauloch Mountains on the outskirts
of Hermanus. Treat your self to a unique wine tour amongst some of
the southernmost vineyards in the world.
Hiking and Fynbos Viewing
Fernkloof Nature Reserve, one of the six floral kingdoms of the world.
Walk on paths that hug the coastline from the new harbour to Grotto
beach.
Beaches
Hermanus has kilometres of pristine beaches, tidal pools and sheltered
coves, as well as excellent waves for the avid surfer.
Bird Watching
A bird lover's paradise. A bird hide on the Klein River Lagoon offers
glimpses of about 130 species.
Old Harbour
A focal point of the village. Take a walk down memory lane with remnants
of old fishing days and the World War One Memorial with canons astride.
Perlemoen (Abalone) Hatchery
Researching the aquaculture of abalone, an edible marine mollusc, which
is dived commercially, mass harvested and exported to the Far East.
Daily Tours.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Divers may explore various reefs, the marine reserve and several wrecks
along the coast.
Sport
Hermanus Golf Club and Arabella Golf Estate boast world class golf.
Bowling, squash and tennis are locally accessible. For the more adventurous
- why not paraglide off the top of Rotary Way. Bicycles are also available
for hire.
Whale Watching
Hermanus boasts some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.
Walker Bay has become the nursery and breeding ground of the Southern
Right Whale from July to November.
Tidal Pool
Perfect for exploring the ocean's creatures.
Air Charters
Available on request for special whale watching and scenic tours of the Walker
Bay coastline.
Arts and Crafts
The market at Lemms Corner on Saturday mornings provides a wonderful selection
of handcrafted goods and artworks. The following are a few of the scenic towns and village within close
driving distance from Hermanus:
Danger Point
This dangerous, rocky peninsula extends about 8km out to sea and the
lighthouse bears testimony to the danger it poses to passing ships.
The notorious Birkenhead Rock, where the HMS Birkenhead met its fate,
can be seen at low tide. Tours to the lighthouse and Birkenhead Memorial
may be arranged on request.
De Kelders
Well known for shore angling, Duiwelgat Hiking Trail and several caves
of archaeological interest that has recently been excavated. The rocky
beaches and awesome cliffs provide some of the best vantagepoints in
Walker Bay for viewing the Southern Right whales.
Dyer Island
This island, 6km off the Gansbaai coastline, was named after Samson
Dyer, who resided on the island collecting guano (bird-droppings used
for fertiliser), years ago. It is at present a breeding colony for
Jackass Penguins and the waters around the island teem with abundant
sea life, as well as the primary feeding ground of the endangered Great
White Shark. Not far from Dyer is Geyers Island, a breeding ground
for seals. Boat charters to Dyer Island depart daily from Gansbaai
harbour.
Onrus
Well-known artists and writers have settled here over the years, giving
the area the status of an artist's colony. Visitors are welcome to
go to the workshops and studios to see them in action or to purchase
a special souvenir.
Stanford
This is a peaceful country village on the banks of the Klein River
just before it meets the sea in a coastal lagoon. Visit the charming
English church, Stanford House and the Birkenhead Brewery.
Betty's Bay
Quaintly named after the daughter of a property developer, this town
is now home to a protected colony of Jackass penguins at Stoney Point.
The awe-inspiring Harold Porter Botanical Gardens lie in the mountains
behind the village, offering hiking trails and paths in the spectacular
surroundings. The gardens are also home to the legendary Betty's Bay
leopard and 60 bird species.
About Cape Town - The most popular places to visit
are Table Mountain, Cape Point and Robben Island, all wonderful experiences.
Spend the day visiting Hout Bay, Camps Bay and the Waterfront, or the
winelands of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Within the Constantia
Valley explore the Groot Constantia museum, Constantia Villiage for
a shopping experience, and then make a visit to the Constantia Valley
wine route, where there are seven of the finest vineyards in South
Africa.
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