The Marine in Hermanus, one of South Africa’s most iconic seaside hotels, has reopened following the refurbishment of its ground-floor public areas, ushering in a renewed era of understated luxury while honouring the rich heritage that has defined the property for more than 120 years.
The extensive refresh encompasses the hotel’s reception area, cocktail bar, Pavilion Restaurant and connecting public spaces including several long passages, with interiors reimagined by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors and Design. No structural changes were made to the historic building, ensuring that the character and architectural integrity of this beloved landmark remain intact. The result is a sophisticated reinvention that restores the elegance of ‘the grand old lady of Hermanus’, blending timeless design with contemporary comfort that celebrates the quiet luxury for which The Marine is renowned.
‘We wanted to reveal the elegance of The Marine in a special and unique way’, says Dawn Dickerson of HotCocoa Interiors and Design, ‘by creating a setting where guests feel an immediate sense of warmth, sophistication and luxury, as if they have just walked into someone’s home. A feeling of belonging, from the moment they arrive, while remaining true to the building’s history and extraordinary setting overlooking Walker Bay on the one side, and the fynbos filled mountains on the other.’
Her inspiration came directly from the extraordinary natural environment that surrounds The Marine. ‘The colour palette, textures and artwork draw from the fynbos kingdom that is intrinsically part of this area. We wanted every space to feel rooted in Hermanus, with added classic, decorative layers that enhance the timeless elegance guests have always associated with the hotel.’
A defining feature of the redesign is therefore its celebration of the region’s unique fynbos heritage, which creates a visual connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The redesigned entrance hall sets the tone with olive-green wooden panelling and newly introduced cornices and pot plants that frame and celebrate the building’s original arches. Hand-painted murals by artist Tiziana Giardini and her daughter Felixa Rossi, depict indigenous flora and fauna, including proteas, pincushions, aloes and birds, as well as the ‘Pride of Hermanus’, an Erica that is endemic to the area – celebrated for its brilliantly coloured, long tubular flowers that thrives on rocky outcrops.
The hotel passages were key to unlocking the design, as they run from the front door right through the centre of the hotel, linking the hotel entrance, Reception, the lounges and bar, restaurant, pool area, Spa and several rooms. Dawn Dickerson comments: ‘These 86 metres of ground floor passages had no natural light, and were really dark, bleak and soulless spaces. I knew I had to turn them into warm and inviting spaces – and we’re pleased that they have turned into an entertaining journey of some sorts.’
In the wide passages the authentic terracotta flooring has been carefully preserved, providing another link to the hotel’s heritage. A colour palette was chosen that would harmonise with the terracotta floors to make them feel more special – and the mural concept came into being to do this. Carefully considered lighting plays a central role throughout the redesign, with soft illumination diffused behind cornices complemented by statement chandeliers and wall lights that lend a gentle glow to the interiors. Textured stucco wall finishes further enhance the rich atmosphere, adding depth and character.
In the newly created Reception area, guests are welcomed into a private, refined alcove. A feature reception counter with classic panelling, soft curves and rounded bullnose detailing is accented by aged brass elements, while textured raffia wallpaper creates a warm backdrop and a sense of understated luxury.
The hotel cocktail bar has undergone a complete transformation. Aged brass detailing and a grit-blasted granite bar top, Verdigris touches and handmade feature tiles along with plush sage-green velvet bar stools create a refined yet inviting atmosphere. The bar has been turned into a lively place to meet, enjoy cocktails and watch the sun go down. Gazing out towards the sea, the timeless views are framed by the bar’s iconic arched windows, which remain centre stage.
Adjacent, the much-loved Sun Lounge, a signature gathering space overlooking Walker Bay, remains unchanged. Enhancements to the lighting design and wall colour have added a new sense of occasion and intimacy, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly connects with the refreshed interiors throughout the hotel, while new bar terrace furniture invite guests outdoors to linger over ocean views.
The fynbos theme continues down the corridor that leads to the Pavilion Restaurant and guest rooms. These public spaces have been reimagined too in a palette of natural tones, complemented by a stripped-back original staircase leading to the first-floor guest rooms. Freshly framed historical photographs line some of the feature walls, celebrating cherished moments from The Marine’s rich past, while a jewel-box style display area outside the gift shop provides an elegant focal point.
As a main feature of The Marine, the revamped Pavilion Restaurant introduces a refreshingly modern luxe brasserie-meets-greenhouse aesthetic. The restaurant retains its classic black-and-white tiled flooring, illuminated by an impressive new installation of 50 glass pendant lights and masses of botanical greenery. Green marble accents and timber tables with traditional turned legs, curved green velvet banquette seating and elegant upholstered chairs with artistic fynbos printed backs create a welcoming dining space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The restaurant flows naturally onto the wind protected internal courtyard and terrace – newly landscaped to create a lush oasis for resident guests, centred around the sparkling swimming pool. Palm trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus, towering strelitzias and bamboo create a sense of sanctuary, while elegant white planters, sun loungers and private daybeds with canopies complete the resort-like setting that leads to the adjacent Spa.
‘This refurbishment marks an exciting new chapter for The Marine,” says Jacqui Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of The Liz McGrath Collection. ‘While we have carefully refreshed and elevated the guest experience, the heart and soul of this remarkable hotel remain unchanged. Together with general manager Melissa Theron and her team, we are excited to welcome guests back to rediscover The Marine’s timeless elegance, warm hospitality and one of the most spectacular seaside settings in South Africa.’
The Marine has been a defining feature of Hermanus since 1902 and has formed part of The Liz McGrath Collection since 1998. Together with its sister properties, The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town and The Plettenberg on the Garden Route, the hotel is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
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