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The idyllic town of Hermanus is beloved by South Africans for its charming downtown and beautiful beaches, and The Marine is in the middle of it all. The hotel is situated directly on the coast, very close to town. It stands whitewashed against the grey mountain backdrop, green sea grasses and the churning blue South Atlantic in the backdrop. Driving-in to the entryway, you’re instantly greeted by the staff as they make their way out of the front door and into the drive to say, “Hello”. In this instant, you feel as if you’re home.
The hotel is always buzzing, but in an elegant and exciting way. The public areas are filled with guests discussing that day’s whale sightings and sipping a glass of red from the nearby Hemel-en-Arde valley, which translates from Afrikaans to English as Heaven on Earth, and that’s exactly what it is. The check-in is easy and you’re led to your room quickly, which is a delight.
The exterior of the hotel features an incredible array of lawns, gardens, pools, fountain and sitting areas. It feels almost as if you’ve stumbled upon a Utopia of relaxation, outfitted with two saltwater pools, spa and private beach baths for hiking around the coast. And, in this Utopia, the only directive is to simply enjoy yourself, soaking-in the salty air and letting yourself get back to nature.
On property, you can enjoy breakfast at The Pavillion, which is one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve seen in a while. The fresh pressed juices, yogurts, baked goods and eggs are all done to perfection. Sitting in the room with a hot cappuccino is pure heaven.
Dinner can be had at the casual yet elegant, Origins. Head Chef Tronette Dippenaar does a fantastic job of assembling ingredients from nearby farms and offering sharing-style tapas, appetizers and main courses – which consist of some of the best South African flavors in the area.I absolutely loved the South African cheese board as well as the fresh muscles sourced from just around the corner.
Carchele Beauty Spa is the perfect place to relax. I did just that and indulged in a much needed massage. The tranquil space is located near one of the pools and evokes a calm with the rumbling of the ocean in the distance.
My room at The Marine was large, with a bedroom, sitting room and private terrace overlooking the sea. The room featured a fireplace, huge bathroom, writing desk and bed so comfortable, it took all of might might each morning to pry myself out of it. I couldn’t help but be taken over by the good energy here, and was able to truly relax. The service was impeccable at The Marine and the staff did all they could to ensure a pleasant stay.
I must admit I love a luxury hotel, but especially one that is authentically warm and cozy. The Marine is it. When planning your trip to South Africa, you cannot overlook its charms.
