Since 1902, The Marine has stood on the clifftop at Hermanus, making it the oldest hotel in town. Each winter, southern right whales return to Walker Bay below, and from June or July until mid-November, they often surface within sight of the front lawn. It’s a fine reason to linger on the Whale Coast before heading east along the Garden Route.
The late Liz McGrath restored the grand white building in 1998, and her flair for décor still sets the tone. It features in the MICHELIN Guide 2026 Hotel Selection and was ranked ninth in South Africa by Condé Nast Traveler in 2026. At The Pavilion, moss-green velvet and a black-and-white chequered floor frame seasonal menus built around local produce. The Sun Lounge & Bar looks straight across the water, perfect for afternoon tea or a glass of South African wine.
Between meals, swim in the heated saltwater pool in the inner courtyard or book a treatment at the Carchele Beauty Spa. The cliff path runs right past the hotel, and the town’s shops and cafés are an easy stroll away. All of this comes with the polish of a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
ACCOMMODATION
Rooms are dressed in soft coastal tones, each with a king-size bed and air-conditioning, and every stay begins with a bottle of wine and a complimentary minibar. Double Rooms are calm and classic, and some have balconies. Luxury Double Rooms come with either a balcony over the courtyard pool or a view across the bay, with a seating area made for whale spotting. Premier Suites add a separate lounge facing Walker Bay, and two have private balconies. Interleading rooms suit families.
The Marine sits on the famous cliff path in the heart of Hermanus, on the Whale Coast, about 104 km from Cape Town International Airport. Walker Bay stretches out in front of the hotel, backed by the Overberg mountains, and the cliff path follows the rocky shoreline in both directions. Shops, cafés and restaurants are a short stroll away. Grotto Beach, which holds Blue Flag status, is around 5 km away, and Hermanus Golf Club is just 2 km from the door.
Speak to a specialist for availability and pricing.
