🌼 The Marine Leads the Way into a Bloom-Filled and Festival-Ready Week

👋 Good morning, Hermanus!

Whether you’re sipping tea by the fire or watching whale calves at Sieverspunt , we’re back with your weekly fix of everything local, lekker, and worth knowing.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Hermanus Scoop - your go-to guide for stories that matter, views that wow, and events you’ll actually want to attend.

This week, we’re serving up:

🌊 A closer look at The Marine Hotel, where heritage meets hospitality on the edge of Walker Bay

🌼 An exclusive gallery of Canola fields in bloom, painting the Overberg in golden light

🎉 A reminder that Kalfiefees is almost here - and we’ll help you plan for it

📅 Plus, handpicked local events and specials to keep your calendar buzzing

Let’s get into it.

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. If you have any friends or family that are keen to also be in-the-know send them to our free subscription page and get them to sign up today 🙃

🏡 Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

Charming 3-Bedroom Home in Prime Sandbaai Location

This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Sandbaai combines comfort, convenience, and captivating mountain views. Perfectly situated in a sought-after cul-de-sac, the property offers a peaceful setting just a short stroll from Curro Hermanus and the Whale Coast Mall. Designed for modern living, the open-plan kitchen, dining, lounge, and living areas provide a seamless flow, enhanced by a scullery for added convenience. A dedicated study offers the perfect space for work or hobbies.

Two of the bedrooms open directly to a spacious entertainment area with a built-in braai, making this home ideal for hosting family and friends. The north-facing lounge features three doors leading to a covered patio, where you can relax and soak in the stunning mountain views. The fully enclosed garden, accessed via an automated gate, is perfect for children or pets, while the double automated garage provides direct and secure entry to the home.

View the property in full here.

🌊 The Marine: Where the Ocean Speaks and Hospitality Listens

This week’s local business spotlight is on The Marine Hotel.

Some places feel discovered. Others feel destined. The Marine, perched elegantly on Hermanus’ cliff path above Walker Bay, is one of those rare coastal sanctuaries that feels both.

Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, The Marine is a five-star hotel with sweeping sea views and an enviable whale-watching perch. But beyond its grandeur and heritage lies something quieter, and perhaps even more enduring: a commitment to heartfelt hospitality, stitched into the soul of the place by the people who run it.

One of those people is Melissa Theron, the hotel’s General Manager. Originally from Durbanville, she’s spent most of her adult life orbiting great hotels, but something about The Marine pulled her in and held her.

“I thought I’d come for a short stint, learn what I needed to, and head back to Cape Town,” she says with a smile. “But Hermanus has a way of surprising you. It’s not just the natural beauty, it’s the rhythm of the place, the people, the sense of belonging. Five years later, I’m still here and now leading this incredible team.”

A Grand Old Dame with a Soulful Heart

The Marine’s story spans over a century, from its early days with just 21 rooms (and two flush toilets per floor) to the elegantly restored landmark it is today. It has hosted royalty, survived renovations, and evolved with the times. But for Melissa, it’s not the timelines or the architecture that define the place.

“It’s the people. The ones who work here and the ones who return year after year,” she says. “You walk through the lobby and sense a kind of grace, not stiff, but considered. It’s the kind of space where everything has been thought through, but nothing feels forced.”

That ease is hard-won. Melissa credits a team of deeply dedicated individuals, many of whom are locals, for the seamless warmth guests experience.

“There’s a sense of pride here. Not just in the uniforms or the service standards, but in knowing that what we do uplifts the town. Our guests don’t just stay at The Marine, they explore Hermanus. They support local restaurants, art galleries, and tour operators. That ripple effect matters.”

The Hotel as a Living Tapestry

Inside, The Marine balances old-world elegance with contemporary comfort. Think crisp linen, soft lighting, curated artworks, and windows that frame the sea like a moving painting. But it’s never just about what’s seen, it’s about what’s felt.

“Our aim is to create a sense of arrival, not just check-in,” Melissa explains. “Guests often arrive slightly breathless from life. We want them to exhale here.”

That ethos extends to every touchpoint: from the signature turndown service to the carefully crafted menus, from the gentle welcome at reception to the hush that falls over the courtyard in late afternoon.

And while The Marine may be best known for its location, its real luxury is time. Time to breathe. To listen for whales. To linger over coffee. To rediscover quiet.

A Lighthouse in the Local Landscape

The Marine doesn’t stand apart from Hermanus, it stands with it. Employing a wide cross-section of the community, it’s both an employer and a training ground. And for Melissa, that’s personal.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing someone grow into their potential,” she says. “We’ve had staff members begin in junior roles and rise to management. It’s not just about running a hotel, it’s about nurturing a community.”

When asked what she loves most about Hermanus, Melissa doesn’t hesitate.

“It’s the harmony. Nature and people, old stories and new beginnings. Running a hotel here means more than checking boxes, it means making memories that matter.”

A Stay That Stays With You

At its core, The Marine offers more than hospitality, it offers presence. A chance to reconnect with the sea, with yourself, and with the soft, slow rhythm of a town that knows how to breathe.

“It’s not about being flashy,” Melissa says. “It’s about being sincere. That’s the kind of luxury that lasts.”

In a world chasing the next big thing, The Marine reminds us of the quiet power of place. And in Melissa Theron’s hands, that place feels like home.

For Melissa and her team at The Marine, it is important that ‘Hermanus locals’ feel welcome at the hotel. ‘The Marine is not only for overseas tourists - they really value the support from our community. Especially outside of peak season it is lovely to see the Hermanus residents use their beautiful facilities - popping in for a coffee (and a whale-shaped biscuit) in the lounge, enjoying a drink on the terrace, having a leisurely breakfast on weekends, or celebrating birthdays or anniversaries over lunch, dinner, or Afternoon Tea. During the winter months we offer some great deals with our Winter Warmers menu and run a couple of special events which are very popular, such as our Bottomless Bubbly events on the first Friday of the month, and our Wine Lunches on Saturdays.

Upcoming events

• Winter Warmers - the whole month of August

• Woman’s Day Afternoon Glee and Tea - 9^th August

• Springfield Wine Lunch - 30 August

• Bottomless Bubbly - 5^th September

Quick-fire questions with Melissa ​

• ​Favourite annual Hermanus event or market? Hermanus Whale Festival & Hermanus Country Market

• Best-kept secret in town? Fernkloof Nature Reserve's upper trails and waterfalls, especially the less-traveled Three Dams and Lemoenkop trails.

• Favourite beach or swimming spot? Marine Tidal Pool

• Place in Hermanus that always makes you smile? The Famous Cliff Path

• One word you’d use to describe Hermanus - and why? Alive - In Hermanus, everything feels vibrant: the ocean is alive with whales, the fynbos-covered cliffs are alive with color and scent, and the town itself hums with a mix of locals & artists.

To keep up to date on all things happening at The Marine follow them on their Facebook Page.

🌼 Canola Fields in Bloom

The Canola fields in the Overberg are currently in full bloom, offering a vibrant yellow spectacle.

These fields, particularly along the N2 highway between Bot River/Hermanus and Mossel Bay, are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike seeking to witness the beauty of nature's "colour blocking". The canola flowers typically bloom from late July to mid-October, with peak viewing often occurring in August and September.

Our resident photographer took a few of these over the weekend on the road to Greyton - we hope you enjoy them!

🐋 Kalfiefees kicks off this Friday

The festival for young and old alike is almost here!

Drama, comedy, music, dance, children’s theatre, book talks, art and lifestyle - there’s something for every festival goer’s taste. The Kalfiefees offers artists from across the country the opportunity to come together and entertain audiences from all walks of life.

• Get your festival guide here

• Buy your tickets here

• For more information you can contact the festival management here: Telephone: 061 520 9041 & Email: [email protected]

A few highlights to look out for:

Let’s all support local art together and enjoy the festivities as a community during this time!

🍷 Wine of the Week

We’ve teamed up with a few mysterious ghost writers who know their way around a wine glass. Each week, they’ll be sharing a local wine review straight from the heart of the valley.

What’s In Your Glass(31.07.2025) 

Lomond Syrah 2022

I have been a long-time fan of Lomond wines - even since the early 2000’s when they were in n joint-venture with one of our nation’s wine giants, the then, Distell. The farm was developed in conjunction with a viticultural team from Stellenbosch. Legend has it that the pedantic winemakers from the Bergkelder even insisted that the grapes arrive in refrigerated trucks.

Fast forward to where we are today, and the farm has seen many changes. The one thing that remains unchanged is the sort-after grape growing conditions and the specific style of wines produced from this Cape Agulhas producer.

This week, I found myself in a local establishment and was looking for something soothing to go with my pizza. The Lomons Syrah caught my eye, and I though, why not give it a go! (I have to be honest - I am more familiar with the two single vineyard Syrahs, named Conebush and Cat’s Tail.)

The wine was smooth from entrance to finish, barely touched sides and was neatly made. It is not a showstopper, but great value (as per the sticker on the bottle!) and was the perfect fit for my pizza.

Sometimes the quality of the wine is relative to the situation, and this little gem nailed it!

91/100

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

The last week of the month has a lot to offer:

Friday | World Marine Protected Area Day 🦈
🗓 Friday, 1 August · 07:30 - 14:30 📍 Old Harbour Museum, Marine Drive - Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a marine research lab? Now's your chance! Join us for our Open Day in celebration of Marine Protected Areas Day. www.sharkconservancy.org

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 2 August · 08:00 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 2 August · 08:00 📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus - Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 2 August · 09:00 - 14:00 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club - Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Saturday | Local Community Market – Onrus 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 2 August · 09:00 - 13:00 📍 De Wet Saal, Onrus - Pop by the De Wet Saal in Onrus for a vibrant community market filled with local crafts, food, and fresh produce. A great way to support local and enjoy a relaxed morning out!

Around the Corner | Watershed Live 🎵
🗓 Thursday, 7 August · 18:30 - 22:00 📍 The Bistro @ The Wine Glass - Acoustic Show & Dinner. A fantastic evening of superb wine, delicious dinner and exceptional live music by Watershed. Your ticket price includes a live acoustic concert, a welcome carafe of wine as well as a main meal - R400 per person. Tickets available here.

Special Mention | Call for Volunteers - Hermanus Animal Welfare Society
🗓 Deadline, 11 August: HAWS are looking for four dynamic people to join their volunteer team. Role would be educational and include teaching, facilitating fun and interactive lessons. Four hours per month time commitment. Interested applicants can email your bio to [email protected]

🎓📚 School Term Update

Some quick highlights from across our schools:

• The hockey teams of Curro Hermanus are proud to welcome Panarottis Whale Coast as their official sponsor.

• Hermanus Primary Headmaster JG Giliomee will celebrate his birthday on the 6th of August - an early happy birthday from everyone at the Scoop!

• Shoutout to Heinrich and Werner Kuchar for both reaching the milestone of 100 hockey matches for the Hermanus High School first team - this after playing in the team for the fourth year running is an incredible achievement!

🌬️🌦️ Hermanus Weather Update: 31 July - 6 August

The Overberg sky continues to write in changing moods - soft grey lines give way to clear golden stretches, with a whisper of rain never too far off. Expect a week of unexpected warmth, gentle breezes, and the kind of light that turns everyday errands into quiet little moments.

Here’s what the days ahead look like:

⸻

Thursday 31 July

Clouds with character. 🌦️ Expect more rain (10 mm total), but moments of sun may slip through. High of 13°C and low of 10°C, with strong gusts up to 17 m/s. Not ideal for hairdos. Perfect for hearty stews.

Friday 1 August

Breaking open. 🌤️ A mild and promising day - 15°C at its peak, dipping to 9°C. Wind slows to 8 m/s. Sun makes a slow but sure return.

Saturday 2 August

Golden all the way. ☀️ Clear skies and crisp edges, with a high of 20°C and low of 7°C. Winds stay light at 7 m/s. This is the day for cliff paths, farmers’ markets, or a picnic you’ll talk about later.

Sunday 3 August

Blue above, bright within. 🌤️ Another 20°C high, this time wrapped in a softer mood. Low of 14°C and wind at a relaxed 8 m/s. A Sunday for open windows and afternoon dozing.

Monday 4 August

A pause in the glow. 🌧️ Cooler air returns with 8.9 mm of rain. Temperatures rest between 15°C and 10°C, winds at 10 m/s. Time to bring out the kettle again.

Tuesday 5 August

A scattered shuffle. 🌦️ A patchy day of light showers (6.2 mm), breezes at 8 m/s, and a temperature range of 12°C to 9°C. Wear layers, make loose plans.

Wednesday 6 August

A quiet close. 🌤️ The skies settle with just 0.1 mm of rain. Mild and fresh with a high of 14°C, low of 7°C, and winds drifting at 5 m/s. A gentle bow on a week well lived.

So whether you’re riding the glow of Saturday or dancing between raindrops on Thursday, just remember: Hermanus doesn’t do ordinary weather - it gives you atmosphere with feeling.

Here’s to soaking it all in.

🦐 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay warm, stay dry, stay curious and we’ll catch you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Got a story, sighting, or scoop to share? Drop us an email at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.