The iconic seaside hotel enters a refined new era, blending heritage, contemporary design and the natural beauty of Walker Bay
One of South Africa’s most celebrated luxury coastal hotels has entered an exciting new chapter. The Marine Hermanus has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment of its ground-floor public spaces, revealing beautifully refreshed interiors that celebrate the property’s rich history while embracing modern luxury.
Overlooking the spectacular coastline of Walker Bay, The Marine has welcomed guests for more than 120 years. The latest transformation enhances the hotel’s signature elegance without altering its historic architecture, ensuring its timeless character remains firmly intact.
Inspired by the Beauty of Hermanus
Designed by HotCocoa Interiors and Design, led by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé, the redesign takes inspiration from Hermanus’ unique landscapes, where fynbos-covered mountains meet dramatic ocean views.
Warm olive greens, earthy textures and bespoke artwork inspired by indigenous flora create interiors that feel intrinsically connected to the destination. Hand-painted murals by artist Tiziana Giardini and her daughter, Felixa Rossi, celebrate local biodiversity, featuring proteas, aloes, pincushions, native birdlife and the rare “Pride of Hermanus” Erica.
“We wanted guests to feel immediately at home while honouring the hotel’s extraordinary heritage and natural surroundings,” says Dickerson.
A Sophisticated Arrival Experience
Guests are now welcomed into a refined new reception space featuring elegant panelling, aged brass detailing, raffia wall finishes and softly curved design elements that create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
One of the most impressive aspects of the renovation is the transformation of the hotel’s 86-metre ground-floor passageways. Once dark transitional spaces, they have become warm, gallery-like corridors illuminated with layered lighting, textured finishes and preserved terracotta flooring that pays homage to the building’s heritage.
The Cocktail Bar Becomes a Destination
The Marine’s cocktail bar has undergone a complete makeover, emerging as one of the hotel’s standout social spaces.
Aged brass finishes, handmade tiles, granite countertops and plush sage-green velvet seating create an inviting setting for sunset cocktails, while the iconic arched windows continue to frame uninterrupted ocean views across Walker Bay.
Nearby, the beloved Sun Lounge has retained its familiar charm, enhanced with updated lighting and furnishings that encourage guests to linger over the spectacular scenery.
The Pavilion Restaurant Receives a Stylish Refresh
Dining has also been elevated with the transformation of the Pavilion Restaurant into a contemporary luxury brasserie inspired by botanical greenhouses.
The refreshed space retains its classic black-and-white tiled flooring while introducing striking glass pendant lighting, green marble accents, rich velvet banquettes and bespoke fynbos-inspired upholstery.
The restaurant flows effortlessly onto the landscaped courtyard, where lush gardens, palm trees, bougainvillea, towering strelitzias and elegant poolside daybeds create a tranquil resort-style retreat leading towards the hotel’s spa.
Preserving an Icon of South African Hospitality
While the interiors have been thoughtfully modernised, every design decision was made with heritage preservation in mind. Original architectural details, historical photography and carefully restored materials ensure The Marine remains instantly recognisable to returning guests.
“This refurbishment marks an exciting new chapter for The Marine,” says Jacqui Elliott, CEO of The Liz McGrath Collection. “We’ve carefully elevated the guest experience while preserving the heart and soul of this remarkable hotel.”
A Timeless Luxury Escape
Originally established in 1902, The Marine remains one of South Africa’s most iconic seaside destinations. As part of The Liz McGrath Collection alongside The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town and The Plettenberg on the Garden Route, the hotel continues to offer world-class hospitality in one of the country’s most breathtaking coastal settings.
For travellers seeking refined luxury, exceptional dining and unforgettable ocean views, the newly reimagined The Marine offers the perfect excuse to return to Hermanus.
