OUR TEAM

Melissa Theron has returned as General Manager to The Marine Hotel in Hermanus, after the last year at the reigns of sister-hotel The Plettenberg on the Garden Route.

Theron has an impressive track record that spreads over more than a decade with The Liz McGrath Collection, which she first joined in 2013 as Sales & Reservations Agent in Cape Town.

Her career in luxury hospitality first started as Functions Co-ordinator at the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel before she caught the travel bug and gained 18 months of international experience, working at country clubs in Palm Beach and Chicago (USA). Upon her return to Cape Town Melissa was appointed Reservations Agent for the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, quickly working her way up to Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator, before she took the career opportunity to join The Liz McGrath Collection.

Her career blossomed at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel and during the course of 2013 she was promoted to Guest Relations Manager and later Front Office Manager. In 2017 she moved to The Marine Hotel as Assistant General Manager, followed by her successful appointment there as General Manager in 2020. Two years later she was transferred to The Plettenberg where her duties as GM included the re-launch of the hotel restaurant, Amelia’s at The Plettenberg, before her return to The Marine where she is taking up her duties at the end of October (2024).

Oelof Vorster has joined The Marine as Head Chef. Armed with a diploma in culinary arts and professional cooking, he comes with nine years of experience as chef, the last three spent at Leeu Estate’s Le Chêne Restaurant, after stints at Pieneef à La Motte, Le Petite Colombe and Jordan Restaurant. He also notched up invaluable international experience gained at Stora Hotellet Bryggan in Sweden. His dedication to the craft, alongside a passion for the upskilling and development of his team, sees him taking the reins to lead the culinary experience at The Marine to even greater heights.

Before her move to Hermanus, Heloïse notched up more than 22 years’ experience in management positions at other top establishments in Cape Town. These include as Deputy General Manager at Mandela Rhodes Hotel & Spa and Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, as well as Operations Manager at The Hyde Hotel, The New Tulbagh Hotel and Hotel Verde. Known as a problem solver, she has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in supporting the GM in the successful management of the hotel.

With over twelve years of hospitality experience, Verlin brings a passion for exceptional service and operational excellence to The Marine. His career began at Asara Wine Estate and Hotel, where he spent over five years honing his hospitality skills before moving to Cape Town to manage large-scale corporate food and beverage operations.

Over the years, Verlin has built a reputation for elevating dining spaces—including transforming a prominent Cape Town venue into a premier rooftop destination—while maintaining immaculate service standards. Dedicated to fostering a culture of mentorship and excellence, Verlin oversees the daily food and beverage experiences at the hotel, ensuring that every guest enjoys seamless, memorable, and world-class hospitality.

With over two decades of luxury hospitality experience, Bianca brings a wealth of expertise to the guest experience at The Marine.

Her career began with hotel training in 2004, paving the way for leadership roles across some of the most prominent properties—including a ten-year tenure at The Cape Grace Hotel, where she was the Director of Rooms.

Bianca oversees daily front office, concierge, and guest services operations with a focus on excellence. She takes immense pride in anticipating guests’ needs and ensuring that every person who steps through our doors feels welcomed.