Archive for the ‘The Marine Hotel’ Category

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

The Plettenberg, Garden Route South Africa

Members of: Relais & Chateaux Hotel / The Collection by Liz McGrath

The Plettenberg Hotel.

The Plettenberg Hotel.

The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa,  is the creation of Liz McGrath, the owner of some of the most beautiful hotels in the Cape Province.  Overlooking an infinity pool, flowing into the Indian Ocean, with miles of sandy beaches on its doorstep, the warm, friendly service and sophisticated cuisine at the Sand Restaurant makes this a truly exceptional place to stay.

The Plettenberg Hotel & Spa in Plettenberg Bay is a member hotel of the Relais & Chateaux hotel group and form part of The Collection by Liz McGrath in South Africa.

The Plettenberg Hotel.

The Plettenberg Hotel.

Pamper yourself in the luxurious Carchelle Spa and enjoy shopping in the Collection Boutique, without even having to leave the hotel. If you love beach resort hotels and wish to experience this South African gem, please do not hesitate to contact us:

South African Tourism Company
Tel:    +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax:    +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email:   africa@golfing-safaris.com

Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com

Saturday, March 10th, 2012
Relais & Chateaux Hotels South Africa

Relais & Chateaux Hotels South Africa

The Marine Hotel, Hermanus (South Africa)

The Marine Hotel, Hermanus.

The Marine Hotel, Hermanus.

The elegant Marine Hotel overlooks Walker Bay in Hermanus, Western Cape of South Africa, and its various hues of blue – one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Southern Hemisphere.  The five star Marine Hotel is perched on a cliff-top in this small seaside town of Hermanus.

It is a rare treat to discover the Ocean’s great mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and the exotic fish which dwell in this paradise. The Marine Hotel in Hermanus is decorated in contempary style and features charming suites which look out over the ocean.

Contempary style and has charming suites

Contempary style and has charming suites

The seafood at The Marine Hotel offers award winning cuisine with emphasis on delicious ocean fare. Alternatively guests may dine at The Pavillion with its modern South African menu accommpanied by the finest regional wines.  The Marine Hotel forms part of The Collection by Liz McGrath and the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Hotels.

To view the video clip about Relais & Chateaux Hotels in South Africa, please click here: Relais & Chateaux Hotels YouTube.

Should you wish to experience this marine paradise in the company of whales, please contact us:

South African Tourism Company
Tel:    +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax:    +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email:   africa@golfing-safaris.com

Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com

Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Relais & Chateaux Hotels and Game Lodges in South Africa

Relais & Chateaux Hotels and Game Lodges in South Africa

Relais & Châteaux – South Africa’s Hotels & Lodges on YouTube

We are pleased to announce the launch of our online YouTube video clip of South Africa’s prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotels and game lodges.  To view the video, please click here: Relais & Chateaux South Africa YouTube.

Relais & Châteaux – The Finest Hotel Association in the World

For more than 50 years, Relais & Châteaux has remained loyal to the 5 C’s which constitutes the Quality Charter as well as the Soul and Spirit of the Relais & Châteaux Hotels worldwide.

In just over half a century the prestigious Relais & Châteaux brand has established itself all over the world as the ultimate benchmark for charming hotels and international culinary excellence.

The motto of Relais & Châteaux is never to rest on their laurels. Their high standards are also reflected in the strict quality requirements applied to the recruitment of new hotels: in the year 2006, 35 Relais & Châteaux hotels and Relais Gourmands restaurants in 17 countries joined this prestigious group of international hotels and resorts.

Fascinating, relaxed and friendly settings, the member properties of Relais & Châteaux hotels and resorts invite their guests to enjoy, together with family or friends, those extra special moments and to indulge in their favorite pursuits or sports.

In the future as in the past, Relais & Châteaux will invite guests to savour its very unique style of luxury and its ageless charm, the secret recipe which explains the clients fondness of the hotels. The hotel group will certainly continue to build on what makes them so pleasingly different.

Relais & Châteaux properties in South Africa

The following elegant properties are part of the Relais & Chateaux Group South Africa:

- Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, Western Cape
- The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, Constantia / Cape Town
- Ellerman House, Cape Town
- Hotel Heinitzburg, Windhoek / Namibia
- The Marine Hermanus, Western Cape

- Hunter’s Country House
- Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
- Singita Lebombo & Sweni
- Londolozi Private Game Reserve
- The Plettenberg
- Le Quartier Français
- Singita Ebony & Boulders
- Tsala Treetop Lodge
- Tswalu Kalahari
- Gorah Elephant Camp
- Kurland Hotel
- Marataba Safari Company
- Singita Grumeti Reserves
- Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
- Camp Jabulani
- Karkloof Spa, Wellness and Wildlife Retreat

Quote and Booking contact details:

South African Tourism Company
Tel:    +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax:    +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email:   africa@golfing-safaris.com

Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com

YouTube

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Shark Cage Diving near Hermanus, Western Cape / South Africa

Shark Cage Diving in Hermanus

Shark Cage Diving in Hermanus

The Great White Shark is a predator of the ocean and South Africa was the first country to protect them. An important part of the Great White Shark’s diet are Seals and therefore Dyer Island which lies just off the shore in South Africa is an important feeding ground for the endangered shark. It is one of the last places where Great White Sharks still occur in large numbers.

Permits are required for operators of shark cage diving from Cape Nature Conservation and the Sea Fisheries Research Institute to operate in the channel between the two rocky reefs of Dyer and Geyser Islands where the sharks are usually  found. A 6.2 metre monster was accidentally caught in a trawling net near Dyer Island a number of years ago. Its jaws and photographs can be seen in a local fish shop in the Gans Bay harbour. It is not uncommon to see sharks of over 4 metres in this ocean channel.

The best time to film or view white sharks is during South Africa’s winter from May to September when these animals congregate near seal colonies in Dyer Island. It is not uncommon to see a white shark breaching here, its massive body clearing the water, sometimes with a seal in its mouth. The white shark relies on speed and surprise as, once the seal sees the shark, it can often out-manoeuvre it. Immediately after a successful hit the sky is filled with screeching seagulls, clamouring for the bits left by the shark. Nothing goes to waste. Badly bitten seals are a common sight on the island, grim evidence of the seals that managed to escape.  Shark viewing trips are offered by various operators in this region of South Africa.

The Great White Shark

The Great White Shark

Why Shark Cage Diving?

Diving with Great White Sharks was started with the main intention of educating the public.  This is a wonderful thrillling and exhilarating adventure, the adrenalin pumps through your veins. The Great White Sharks are a species which is near extinction due to unscrupulous fishing and killing of them, it is also a known fact that they’re are not predatory towards humans.

Visibility changes from day to day and is weather dependent, so even if the sea is a bit rough you will still have the pleasure of seeing the Great White Sharks from the deck, as they are surface feeders. Shark cage diving  is an awesome experience from both above and below the surface. Getting close to this most magnificent apex predator leaves you feeling exhilarated to say the least.

Should you wish to book this amazing adventure, please do not hesitate to contact us: 

South African Tourism Company
Tel:    +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax:    +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email:   africa@golfing-safaris.com

Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com

Interest Links: 

Overberg & Hermanus Accommodation

The Marine Hotel

Whale Rock Hotel

On The Cliff Hotel

Arabella Hotel & Spa

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

The White Wine Festival – a celebration of new wines, Hermanus

The White Wine Festival

The White Wine Festival

Windmeul Kelder, situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, used to be one of Paarl’s best kept secrets. The now well-known cellar stands proud with several accolades, amongst which the most-recent include Windmeul being named the Wineware Best Producer in the Winemakers’ Choice Awards 2010, having been awarded the most Diamond Awards at this competition.

The White Wine Festival

The White Wine Festival

Date:                     8 – 12 May 2012
Time:                     Weekdays   13h00 – 20h00 / Saturday      11h00 -  17h00
Venue:                   We Sell Wine, 14 Mimosa Street, Hermanus
Entrance:             Free, tickets available at the door OR
Prizes:                   Join us and stand to win super prizes.

028-313 15 14
076-060 38 33
sales@wesellwine.co.za
www.wesellwineshop.co.za

For accommodation in Hermanus, you are welcome to follow these links: 

Hermanus Hotels

Arabella Hotel & Spa

The Marine Hotel

Whale Rock Hotel

On The Cliff Hotel

Monday, February 13th, 2012

One of the most amazing and visually beautiful Nature Reserves

on the Cape Coastline is De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve

This World Heritage site is one of the World’s TOP Whale breeding spots, about 40% of the planets Southern Right Whales come to breed here every year.

World’s TOP Whale breeding spots

World’s TOP Whale breeding spots

The reserve is 36 000 hectares and is a treasure-trove of natural assets protected in a relatively undisturbed state, including its Marine Protected Area, which extends three nautical miles (5km) out to sea & 70km long making it one of the largest protected Marine Areas in Africa.

There are plenty private & secluded beach & swimming spots to relax, picnic and appreciate this untouched beauty.

There are plenty private & secluded beach & swimming spots to relax, picnic and appreciate this untouched beauty.

There are several private and secluded beach as well as swimming spots to relax, picnic.

- De Hoop is home to 1 500 plant species, 86 mammal species, 260 bird species and 7 distinct eco systems
- De Hoop has a range of accommodation options from R 615 p.p B&B
- De Hoop is easily accessible from Cape Town and Hermanus and is a paradise waiting to be discovered

For accommodation, activities as well as information of the Hermanus region, please check the following links:

Overberg Hotels

Hermanus Hotels

The Marine Hotel & Spa

Arabella Hotel & Spa

Hermanus Area Information

 

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Celebrate Valentine’s day with one of South Africa’s finest wines:

Bouchard Finayson Boutique Winery in Hermanus

Celebrate Valentine's day with one of SA's finest wines.

Celebrate Valentine's day with one of SA's finest wines.

Bouchard Finlayson’s award winning Hannibal 2010, which recently received 5 stars in the Platter Wine Guide 2012, is full of promise, richness and the ideal gift to express your love.  Order a single bottle, the new three-bottle box or an entire case of Hannibal and enjoy the beautiful texture, optical allure and inviting aroma of this blend of Italian and French varietals of which the main role players are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Pinot noir.

A complimentary Bouchard Finlayson bottle opener is included with the three-bottle box and the delivery of a case of six bottles is free of charge!  Bouchard Finlayson can deliver, or visit them at the vineyard in Hermanus, South Africa, to purchase your favourite wines and experience this exceptional time of the year with the 2012 harvest and crush.

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Hermanus, South Africa

Bouchard Finayson Boutique Winery

Bouchard Finayson Boutique Winery

A valley named Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven & Earth) is situated near the Southernmost point of Africa and is framed by mountains and within sight of the ocean, with frost free, soft, beneficial weather and the most perfect clay shale vineyard soils…  The Bouchard Finayson Boutique Winery was established in 1989, it is dedicated to the making of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines of outstanding quality.

An hour and a half from Cape Town, this fine vineyard is located in Walker Bay, Hermanus.  It is a 125-hectare property and currently has 22 hectares under vines; the land of the property is mountainous, which is covered by the spectacular indigenous ‘fynbos’ flora of the Western Cape. The vineyard is only a small portion of the farm under vine, therefore Bouchard Finlayson is able to ensure the conservancy of the mountain land.  Renowned as one of South Africa’s top wineries Bouchard Finlayson is attributed to their philosophy and focus to produce wines of the finest quality.

Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate, Hermanus (South Africa)

P.O. Box 303, R320, Hemel en Aarde Valley, Hermanus, 7200
Tel: +27 28 312 3515, Fax: +27 28 312 2317
e-mail: info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za
website: www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za

Should you wish to book accommodation, activities or wish to find out more information about Hermanus, you are welcome to make use of the following links:

Hermanus Hotels

Overberg Hotels

Arabella Hotel & Spa

Harbour House Hotel

The Marine Hotel

Hermanus Area Information

Discover the splendid luxury of the collection of sister properties:

The five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

The Oyster Box Hotel

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

The Marine Hotel in Hermanus, South Africa

The five star Marine Hotel & Spa in Hermanus, South Africa

The Marine Hotel in Hermanus is one of the southern hemisphere’s most spectacular seaside Relais & Châteaux hotels. Perched on the cliffs, overlooking Hermanus’s Walker Bay, The Marine Hotel in Hermanus, South Africa, boasts 42 individually decorated bedrooms and suites.

This unforgettable property overlooks South Africa’s most pristine whale sanctuary, and it is just a stone’s throw from one of the greatest densities of the endangered Great White Shark, and selection of fynbos species in the Cape. The Marine Hotel & Spa offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. From June to September guests are able to view these majestic creatures from the comfort of their beautiful sea-facing bedroom.

The attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of this remarkable owner managed property – from the personal service to the exceptional cuisine which is overseen by The Collection by Liz McGrath’s Grand Chef, Peter Tempelhoff, the perfect-for-sundowners Sun Lounge and the in-house Carchele Beauty Spa. Each piece of The Marine story adds another element to an unforgettable stay.

For more detailed information about Overberg Hotels and Hermanus Hotels, please click here: Hotels in Hermanus.