High Tea at The Marine
Afternoon Tea by the Sea
A Grand Hermanus Tradition at The Marine
There are few pleasures in life as refined and restorative as a classic afternoon tea, and in Hermanus, we are truly blessed to have this experience elevated to an art form at the historic Marine Hotel. Perched above the sparkling Walker Bay, The Marine is not just a hotel-it is a living chapter of Hermanus’ story, its gracious walls echoing with the laughter and footsteps of generations of guests, including royalty and luminaries. Today, it stands as a beacon of elegance, offering locals and visitors alike the rare opportunity to indulge in high-class excellence at a price that is as inviting as the ocean breeze.
A Feast for the Senses: The Afternoon Tea Menu
Afternoon Tea at The Marine is a celebration of both tradition and innovation, where each item on the menu is a lovingly crafted masterpiece. The experience begins with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine-a fitting toast to the good life and the good fortune of being in Hermanus.
Savoury Delights
- Selection of Crustless Sandwiches: Imagine the delicate interplay of caramelised onion and brie, the smokiness of chicken paired with roast pepper, and the continental flair of Italian salami with chevin goat’s cheese. Each bite is a journey, a reminder that the simplest pleasures, when executed with care, can be utterly sublime.
- Smoked Snoek Vol-au-Vent: A nod to the Cape’s culinary heritage, this flaky pastry encases the rich, smoky essence of snoek, transporting you to a place where sea and land meet in perfect harmony.
- Confit Lamb Neck Croquette: Tender lamb, slow-cooked to perfection, encased in a golden crust and served with herbed aioli-this is comfort food for the connoisseur.
- Spinach and Feta Miniature Quiche: The classic combination of spinach and feta is elevated here, each quiche a tiny, savoury jewel.
Sweet Temptations
- Marine Freshly Baked Scones: No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and The Marine’s are the stuff of legend-light, warm, and served with whipped cream and preserves. They alone are worth the visit.
- Lemon Cheesecake: Tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced, this cheesecake is a bright note that lingers on the palate.
- Assorted Macarons: These colourful confections are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste, each one a little bite of Parisian joy.
- Gâteau Opéra: Layers of sponge, ganache, and buttercream come together in a symphony of textures and flavours, crowned with a glossy finish.
- Seasonal Fruit Tartlet: Fresh, vibrant fruit atop delicate pastry-a sweet ode to the bounty of the Overberg.
And, of course, tea and coffee are included, ensuring your cup is never empty as you while away the afternoon in the company of friends, family, or the sea itself.
Generosity on Every Tier
One of the best-kept secrets of The Marine’s Afternoon Tea is that the servings are more than generous-ample enough to more than satiate two hungry souls. Whether you come ravenous or simply seeking a leisurely treat, you will leave feeling both indulged and utterly content.
The Historic Grandeur of The Marine
The Marine Hotel is not just a venue; it is an institution. Since its earliest days in the late 19th century, it has welcomed the world’s elite and everyday adventurers alike, its grand halls and ocean-facing terraces a testament to the enduring allure of Hermanus. Restored to five-star splendour, The Marine remains the grande dame of the Whale Coast, where every guest is treated like royalty.
Practical Details: Price, Booking, and Contact
Afternoon Tea by the Sea is offered from Thursday to Saturday, between 14h00 and 17h00. At just R335 per person, this is an experience that delivers world-class indulgence at a price that is accessible-a rare luxury in today’s world.
Booking is essential.
Contact The Marine:
- Phone: +27 (0) 28 313 1000
- Email: bookings@themarine.co.za
- Website: themarinehotel.co.za
Hermanus is fortunate indeed to have such a treasure in its midst-a place where history, hospitality, and haute cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Don’t miss your chance to create memories and connections over an afternoon tea that is truly second to none.
Contact:
THE MARINE
Tel: +27 28 313 1000
Email: reservations@collectionmcgrath.com
Become a fan of The Marine on Facebook
Enjoy a journey of wine and food pairing evenings at The Marine Hotel
The Marine Hotel in Hermanus will join forces with some of the region’s most prestigious wine estates to offer a series of gourmet wine and food dinners during the upcoming months. Head Chef Olof Vorster will prepare a special 5-course menu paired with wines to be presented by the winemaker at each event, hosted in The Origins Restaurant.
The series kicks off on Saturday 27 April with Idiom Wines, presented by winemaker Reino Thiart. The owners of Idiom, the Bottega family, are proud of their Italian heritage, which is celebrated in the Italian grape varietals planted on the estate and expressed in the Cape terroir.
On arrival, a Russian blini canapé will be served alongside Idiom Bianco 2022, a Pinot Grigio with flinty minerality on the nose. It is followed by two courses of hors d’oeuvres, starting with Pan-grilled catch of the day and enjoyed with the complex, barrel fermented Idiom Semillon 2020; and a Roasted lamb cutlet perfectly paired with Idiom Zinfandel (Primitivo) 2019.
As main course, Beef shin ragout ravioli with truffled mushroom velouté will be a perfect match to Idiom Barbera 2020, a distinguished wine with aromas of dark cherries, plums and leather with delicate hints of raspberries. The gastronomic event ends on a sweet note with a delicious Almond butter shortcake dessert with elements of blueberry and dark chocolate, enhanced by the flavours of intense blackcurrants and rich berries of Idiom Imperium Black Gold.
This event is the first of five gastronomic food and wine experiences to take place at The Marine until August. Diners are invited to continue their culinary journey through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley with Hamilton Russell wines on 3 May; Bouchard Finlayson on 7 June; Creation on 5 July; and Newton Johnson to conclude the series on the 2nd of August 2024.
Bookings are now open for the Marine Wine Dinners (starting at 18h30), at a cost of R745 per person. Tel 028 313 1000 or email bookings@themarine.co.za. Diners may also enquire about the best available rate to spoil themselves with a stayover in the luxury of this 5-star hotel, a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Relax, Rejuvenate & Breathe In The Champagne Air.
INTRODUCING WELLNESS AT THE MARINE
The Marine Hotel has introduced a Wellness Escape, inviting guests to the coastal town of Hermanus to relax, rejuvenate and breathe in the champagne air. After a long summer and a busy festive season, the package provides the opportunity to kick back and start a wellness journey, enjoying the cooler weather whilst cocooned in the luxurious comfort of The Marine’s 5-star facilities.
A member of The Liz McGrath Collection, The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on the famous cliff path overlooking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. During whale season, from June to November, guests may even be lucky to view these majestic creatures at play, from the comfort of their own sea-view room.
Hotel facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and a new gymnasium, as well as the Carchele Health & Beauty Spa. Included in the Wellness Escape package is a 45-minute Back, Neck and Shoulders Swedish Massage, as well as a 60-minute Body Wrap spa treatment that includes exfoliation, a scalp massage and a Vichy shower in the DermaLife capsule. A choice is offered between Detoxifying clay; Firming, soothing and hydrating gel; or an Energising and revitalizing Body Wrap.
Outdoors, a myriad of activities provides thrilling adventures in and around Hermanus, including marine sports, hiking and mountain biking to get the blood pumping and the heart rate going.
The Wellness Escape at The Marine includes a complimentary fresh Green Juice on arrival, as well as breakfast and a 3-course dinner (excluding beverages). Served on the terrace or in The Pavilion restaurant, a wide selection of culinary options are available, including vegetarian dishes such as Plum Tomato Tartare of heirloom tomatoes with basil mousse; or Chilled Gazpacho with root vegetable crisps. In addition to the regular menu, a Vegan Small Plates menu presents light and tasty options that include Tandoori Cauliflower Steak served with a pineapple lentil curry, cumin mushy peas, coriander and coconut chutney; Carrot & Mung Bean Salad in a rice paper roll, with sprouts, citrus, radishes, basil, chili, avocado and a Vietnamese dressing; or Shitake Risotto with Edamame beans, nutritional yeast, baby spinach and broccoli.
The overnight Wellness Escape package is available at R8000 per night for 2 people sharing, including breakfast, dinner and the two spa treatments per person. Valid between 1 April and 30 September 2025. T’c and C’s apply.
Contact:
THE MARINE
Tel: +27 28 313 1000
Email: reservations@collectionmcgrath.com
Become a fan of The Marine on Facebook
Connect with The Marine on Instagram
Visit The Marine website
THE MARINE TO LAUNCHED NEW CONFERENCE AND FUNCTION VENUE IN JULY 2023
The iconic Marine Hotel in Hermanus is launching a brand-new Conference and Function venue in July (2023). With awe-inspiring views of Walker Bay and exemplary service, the versatile new event space at the Marine boasts beautiful natural daylight to make the most of its unique setting, and complement its world-class offerings.
The light and airy event space is perfectly suited to corporate events and executive strategy meetings and getaways. It also lends itself to hosting intimate, exclusive weddings and other private events and celebrations. Half- and full-day conference packages are available for groups of up to 60 delegates, promising excellent value with the inclusion of audio-visual and conference equipment suitable for in-person and hybrid events.
Head chef Oelof Vorster is set to take conference breaks to another level with tailor-made offerings to suit the requirements of every individual event. Adjacent to the new venue, a dedicated restaurant will cater for meetings, conferences and events exclusively, seating up to 48 guests for meals or cocktails. The Pavilion Restaurant is also available for conference dining when booking the hotel on an exclusive-use basis, seating up to 80 diners.
Michel Bouic, GM of The Marine says that The Liz McGrath Collection has paid heed to the requirements of the growing business community of Hermanus and the greater Overberg region for a world-class meeting venue that offers excellent value, with warm hospitality and service to match. ‘The venue is however also designed as an attractive option for executive meetings and smaller conferences from Cape Town and upcountry. Within 100kms from Cape Town Airport, we present a unique out of office work environment in this magnificent seaside setting on the famous Hermanus cliff path. At The Marine, conference breaks can be truly memorable as there are few places where one can breathe the champagne air and stretch your legs while watching dolphins and whales frolic offshore as you gather your thoughts for the next work session.
As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, we take pride in our accommodation that is spacious and luxurious, offering delegates a choice of 40 hotel rooms and suites to choose from, some with sea views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.’
Less than 90 minutes from Cape Town, the seaside town of Hermanus offers a host of exciting experiences. For downtime and out of conference excursions, the area boasts a great variety of activities and attractions, from cold water swimming in the Marine tidal pool, to wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, and sightseeing boat cruises, to name but a few. ‘At The Marine we promise successful conferencing with a good dose of Vitamin Sea – a holistic experience set to stimulate the senses and sharpen the mind’, Bouic concluded.
Michel Bouic is the new General Manager of The Marine Hotel - Hermanus
It was a true honour and definitely a remarkable pleasure to meet Michel Bouic. You know that warm feeling you get when you meet someone who is grand without being ‘precious’. Michel has a lot to be proud of in his career! Do not let his youthful appearance fool you. He emits the sort of self confidence that is not intimidating, it is simply easy, welcoming and lovely.
I especially love his approach to excellence, staff, locals and eco-environment. Some examples to help you see the heart of the man. One of the first things he implemented was to improve staff lunches. In December alone, he arranged for 900kg of wet waste to be used as pig food, rather than to just dump it. This is very impressive. He is passionately immersing himself into a new life in Hermanus and holds Hermanus locals in high regard. We can expect his support and participation from a soulful place.
Congratulations to the Liz McGrath group. You appointed a rising star winner!
Born as a blue-eyed French Mauritian, with a chef as a father, his passion for food and the hospitality industry sprouted very early in his life.
Over more than fifteen years, Michel studied at the International Hotel School and spent the first two years of his career as Hospitality Trainee at the renowned The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town. He completed his training at Bushmans Kloof and was appointed as Assistant Front Office Manager.
Appointed as the General Manager at The Marine Hotel in 2022, Michel is sure to keep up the high standards which recently earned the establishment the placement as one of the top 15 hotels in all of Southern Africa. Earning an impressive 13th place in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards
Thank you Janie van der Spuy of Five Star PR for the invitation and thank you to all involved at The Marine for excellent food and wonderful service.
Michel Bouic GM at The Marine
Michel sharing tips on how to photopraph food.
Celebrating Spring with Afternoon Tea!
The Marine Hotel in Hermanus will celebrate the arrival of Spring with the launch of a brand-new Afternoon Tea offering to be served in the elegant Pavilion restaurant overlooking the ocean. ‘The Marine Afternoon Tea by the Sea’ is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 14h00 and 17h00 at R295 per person, and reservations are essential.
Prepared by Head Chef Oelof Vorster and Executive Sous Chef Lesley Corneilse who heads up the Pastry division, the decadent feast starts with a complimentary glass of Villiera Brut Rosé to accompany the savoury selection. These include dainty, crustless Finger sandwiches, handmade Chicken and mushroom empanada and Confit lamb shoulder croquette with herb aioli. Vegetarian options are available with prior notification.
No Afternoon Tea is complete without freshly baked Scones, and here at The Marine the tradition continues, served with whipped cream, preserves and Boerenkaas.
The delightful afternoon treat may be enjoyed with freshly ground coffee, or a pot of Dilmah tea, ranging from a choice between Supreme Ceylon, Single Estate Darjeeling, Rose with French Vanilla, and Natural Infusion of Blueberry & Clove, and Green Tea with Jasmine Flowers or Pure Chamomile Flowers.
The indulgent sweet selection offers Macaroons and Choux puff with Chantilly and chocolate glaze that steal the show, presented on elegant cake stands and served on Jenna Clifford’s delicate Green Floral crockery by Lavish’d. The classic French cake Gâteau Opéra, with crème anglaise, Italian meringue, butter cream, ganache and Joconde sponge is another highlight of the Afternoon Tea, as well as a picture-perfect Raspberry Pavlova.
My expialidocius afternoon tea experience at The Marine.
The Marine in Hermanus is now offering “Tea by the Sea”!
Enjoy a decadent Afternoon Tea by the Sea featuring savoury treats, including an array of sweet delights. Served Thursday to Saturday between 14h00 and 17h00 in the Sun Lounge & Bar.
Initiated by the lovely acting General Manager, Joanne Scott. Prepared by Head Chef Oelof Voster and Executive Sous Chef Lesley Corneilse, who heads up the Pastry division.
Price: R 295 per person, including tea or coffee.
The setting is opulent and calming. The service is friendly and elegantly engaging but not intrusive. The trays are filled with ample delights to satisfy both your savoury and sweet tooth. I had the Dilmah Darjeeling and highly recommend this experience! I do suggest that you also order a bottle of MCC or the magnificent Fynbos Cuvée which consists of a glass of MCC and a tot of fynbos gin. After which you can soak up the beautiful views, atmosphere and ambience with your tea or coffee until you are fit to drive! (Unless of course, you are on such a high that you can just lift off and fly home! : )
Main Rd, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
About The Marine
The Marine, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection, is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world from June to November each year. Guests are even able to view these majestic creatures from the comfort of their own sea view room. The Overberg region is also a must for adventure sport seekers, offering a host of activities – including hiking, mountain biking and marine sports.
Back at the hotel, guests can indulge in exceptional culinary delights created by Executive Chef Rudi Blaauw : from breakfast at the 1920’s-style Pavilion restaurant, to lunch and dinner at Origins at The Marine, as well as High Tea and sundowners in the Sun Lounge & Bar.
The 40 elegantly appointed rooms and suites include 10 Luxury Doubles with Sea View and 10 Premier Suites – both categories are perfectly positioned for watching pods of dolphins and whales as they swim in the bay below. Guests may take a refreshing dip in The Marine’s pool, located in the hotel’s tranquil courtyard, or in the Tidal Pool, which can be accessed from the cliff path.
THE MARINE
Tel: +27 28 313 1000
Email: reservations@collectionmcgrath.com
Become a fan of The Marine on Facebook
Connect with The Marine on Instagram
Visit The Marine website
The Marine Hotel in Hermanus has been a must-visit since the early nineteen hundreds as the oldest hotel and the second oldest building in Hermanus. (More about the History of The Marine Hotel)
Hermanus is a magnificent getaway town. Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this bustling seaside village/city is known for its breathtaking scenery, art scene, great restaurants and, of course, excellent whale sightings in season. More than a day-trip is definitely recommended and if you’re looking for an uber-sumptuous, luxury experience and accommodation, The Marine Hotel Hermanus should be your first choice.
The hotel is located at the top of the cliffs on the famous Cliff Path overlooking Walker Bay and thus offers brilliant sea and mountain views.
In season you might even spot whales from the comfort of your own lush bed while your senses will be soothed by the crashing waves against the backdrop of magnificent sunsets as the fresh and renowned champagne air breezes through the open windows. Snuggle up in a lavish robe with a glass of complimentary wine in hand and marvel at the rising moon, casting a path of light across the Atlantic Ocean. Look at some of the spectacular offers at The Marine Hotel.
RESERVATIONS
+27 (0) 21 794 5535
reservations@collectionmcgrath.com
bookings@themarine.co.za
HOTEL
+27 (0) 28 313 1000
Main Road, Hermanus, 7200,
Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa
