The Marine
With a clifftop setting, The Marine is a pristine seaside hotel in the town of Hermanus. It’s famous for being one of the best locations for best shore-based whale watching in the world. Staying here puts you right at the heart of the action; travellers can watch southern right whales breaching and splashing in the ocean below from July to November.
The Marine has a choice of 40 luxury rooms and suites with sea views, and standard rooms with garden views. During the whale season, it’s recommended to book a sea-facing room that allows guests to watch whales directly from their room or private balcony.
Located in the heart of the town of Hermanus, guests can explore the restaurants, bars and bustling shops on foot. If they prefer to stay indoors, The Marine has a few dining options available that’s overseen by Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff. The Pavilion is a modern black-and-white 1920s restaurant. Origins at The Marine, on the other hand, has a relaxed and social atmosphere. And finally, The Sun Lounge and Bar is perfect for a quick coffee or a glass of champagne at sunset.
Activities are plentiful in and around Hermanus. Directly in front of the hotel lawn, guests can stroll down the pretty Cliff Path with its sea-facing benches. Golfers can play golf at Arabella (one of South Africa’s top golf courses) that’s only a 15-minute drive away. The wine farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley include the famous Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Ataraxia and Hermanuspietersfontein.