One of South Africa’s best-known seaside hotels has entered a new chapter after completing a redesign of its ground-floor public areas. The renovation refreshes the guest experience without altering the historic character that has made The Marine a Hermanus landmark for more than 120 years.
TM Entrance/Supplied
The project focused on the reception, cocktail bar, Pavilion Restaurant and connecting public spaces. Designed by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors and Design, the refurbishment introduces a softer, more contemporary aesthetic while preserving the building’s original architecture.
Rather than reinventing the hotel, the design team aimed to enhance what already made The Marine special.
“We wanted to reveal the elegance of The Marine in a special and unique way,” says Dawn Dickerson. “Our goal was to create a space where guests immediately feel warmth, sophistication and comfort, while remaining true to the building’s history and extraordinary surroundings.”
Nature played a central role in shaping the new interiors. The colour palette, textures and artwork draw inspiration from the Cape Floral Kingdom, with indigenous fynbos woven throughout the design.
Guests are now welcomed by olive-green panelling, restored arches and hand-painted botanical murals created by artist Tiziana Giardini and her daughter, Felixa Rossi. The artwork features indigenous plants including proteas, pincushions and aloes, alongside local birdlife and the endemic ‘Pride of Hermanus’ erica.
One of the biggest design challenges was transforming the hotel’s 86-metre-long ground-floor passages.
Previously dark and lacking natural light, the corridors have been reimagined with carefully layered lighting, textured wall finishes and preserved terracotta flooring that reflects the property’s heritage. Historical photographs displayed throughout the passageways also pay tribute to The Marine’s long history.
The reception has been redesigned as a more intimate arrival space, featuring classic panelling, aged brass details and textured raffia wallpaper that adds warmth without overwhelming the room.
TM Bar/Supplied
Meanwhile, the cocktail bar has received a dramatic update. Granite countertops, handmade tiles, brass finishes and sage-green velvet seating create an inviting setting for evening drinks, while the hotel’s signature arched windows continue to frame uninterrupted views across Walker Bay.
The adjoining Sun Lounge remains largely unchanged, with subtle improvements to the lighting and décor enhancing the atmosphere while preserving one of the hotel’s favourite gathering spaces.
The Pavilion Restaurant has also been refreshed with a contemporary brasserie-inspired look. Original black-and-white tiled floors remain, complemented by green marble accents, botanical décor and an installation of 50 glass pendant lights. Curved banquette seating and fynbos-inspired upholstery continue the botanical theme throughout the dining space.
TM The Pavilion Restaurant/Supplied
Outside, the internal courtyard has been landscaped into a lush retreat centred around the swimming pool. Palm trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus and towering strelitzias create a tranquil setting, while new loungers and shaded daybeds invite guests to relax between spa visits or afternoons exploring Hermanus.
Jacqui Elliott, CEO of The Liz McGrath Collection, says the refurbishment represents an exciting milestone for the property.
“While we have carefully refreshed and elevated the guest experience, the heart and soul of this remarkable hotel remain unchanged. We look forward to welcoming guests back to rediscover The Marine’s timeless elegance, warm hospitality and one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside settings.”
Established in 1902, The Marine has long been one of Hermanus’ defining landmarks. The hotel joined The Liz McGrath Collection in 1998 and, together with The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town and The Plettenberg on the Garden Route, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
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