4 reasons to visit The Marine in Hermanus

More than a day-trip is definitely recommended and if you’re looking for lux accommodation, you can’t beat The Marine.

Here are my top four reasons to visit The Marine:

The views

The hotel offers brilliant sea-side views from certain rooms as it’s only a few feet from Hermanus’ famous cliff path along Walker Bay. Go in season and you might even spot whales from the comfort of your own bed! I loved the fact that we could watch crashing waves against the backdrop of a brilliant sunset as the fresh salty air wafted through the open windows, all while snuggled up in a robe on the comfy beds with a glass of complimentary wine in hand.

The breakfasts

Offering a diverse buffet breakfast option (hello smoked salmon and green juice!) as well as a varied à la carte menu at The Pavilion, one will be spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfasts. To be honest, I am often disappointed by the à la carte options at hotel breakfasts – these menus tend to not adventure beyond fry-ups, omelettes and Benedicts. But not so at The Marine, amongst those staples, you will also find more interesting options such as smashed avo on seed bread, waffles with berry compote, French toast with bacon and toasted pecan nuts as well as a few banting options.

The dinners

The food at lunch and dinner restaurant; Origins was resoundingly great. Head Chef Tronette Diepenaar offers locally sourced South African ingredients and flavours with an Asian twist. I was impressed with each dish and would highly recommend the fresh steamed mussels in fragrant ginger, lemongrass and coconut cream broth or the comforting bouillabaisse seafood soup sauce rouille with gruyere, local seafood and ciabatta toast for starters.

For mains, you can’t go wrong with the decadent pan-seared duck breast with coffee rub, pickled cherry, pea and corn ragout, onion purée and creamy miso white polenta or the intensely moreish and hearty kudu loin with creamy parmesan risotto, wild mushrooms, pearl onions, red cabbage and sultana chutney. Delicious-sounding options such as fish curry, tempura prawns and seared tuna are also offered.

The complimentary minibar

Um hello! I’m sure we have all been hit by exorbitant mark-ups on minibar items, which have you cursing your midnight snackage of peanuts on check out. Luckily, not so at The Marine. Here you can snack and sip away on complimentary treats, soft drinks or beers without the worry of a minibar bill coming back to haunt you.

The Marine also houses the Carchele Beauty Spa, a full-service spa that offers basic and signature treatments and a steam room.

For more info or to make a booking go to www.themarinehotel.co.za.

Ruth Cooper was a guest of The Marine.