Luxury Holidays At Birkenhead House

Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, the truly wonderful Birkenhead House offers a sophisticated, intimate house party-style' atmosphere and attentive, friendly staff. It also boasts an incredible bird's-eye-view of one of the world's most famous whale-watching locations, Walker Bay, which is home to Southern Right Whales from May to December watch them from the hotel's lovely clifftop, infinity-edge plunge pool, the expansive terrace, most of the eleven luxurious guest bedrooms and through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in the splendid lounge. The world-class cuisine served in the stylish dining room is sublime - combining Cape seafood, the freshest ingredients and African, French, Italian and Asian flavours - while guests who enjoy pampering will relish the thought of a relaxing treatment in one of the two treatment rooms.

Beyond the hotel, nature-lovers will relish the local reserves, coastal walks and fabulous swathes of beach, while for gourmands, there are four amazing vineyards nearby, whose award-winning wines include one of the world's top ten Chardonnays.

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Property Highlights

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Romance

The beautiful scenery that surrounds Birkenhead House is ideal for couples escaping for a holiday of romance in South Africa. This intimate and chic beach house, perched on the rocky cliffs above a lovely beach, is beyond perfect for couples or has part of a honeymoon taking in the Garden Route and Cape Town. The elegant property only accepts children over ten years, ensuring a more sophisticated ambience. There is no better place in the world to enjoy a glass of wine or breakfast as you watch majestic Humpback and Southern Right Whales in the bay from the hotel's clifftop terrace (in season). After a day of luxury, take a trip to the bijou spa and relax with a fine range of treatments, then dine in the most spectacular setting as you enjoy world-class cuisine and fine wines.

Wildlife Encounters

From May to December you may be able to spot Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay - and there are some wonderful vantage points to do this from at Birkenhead House. Alternatively, a half-hour drive east will bring you to Gansbaai, where you can experience a boat-based, guided whale-watching trip, which will also take you out to Dyer Island to see the Cape Fur Seal and African Penguin colonies, passing through 'Shark Alley' on the way. If you're lucky, you might see a Great White Shark, too. Close encounters with Southern Right Whales are virtually guaranteed from July to December.

Spa Breaks

Much like the rest of Birkenhead House, the spa treatment area is super stylish. There are just two treatment rooms, offering beauty treatments and oceanside massages overlooking the bay. Treatments are beautifully simple, with techniques inspired by nature and practices from across the globe, while luxury Dermologica products are used to promote health, vitality and wellbeing.

Luxury Beach

For those who prefer dry land, there are some wonderful coastal walks to enjoy, directly from Birkenhead House (an 8km walk will take you into the centre of Hermanus), while there are also three fabulous beaches within walking distance; two directly below Birkenhead House and the Blue Flag-awarded, Grotto Beach which is a ten-minute walk away along the cliff path. It is possible to horse-ride along the beach, while directly in front of Birkenhead House, it is also possible to surf. The area around Birkenhead House is also famed for its terrific, award-winning wines, so do visit some of the nearby vineyards to sample them.

Scuba Diving

NAUI training certification courses are available, ranging from day snorkelling trips to instructor courses. Boat dives, shore-entry dives, night dives, deep-dives, gear rentals, air fills, underwater photography opportunities, crayfish chartering or boat charters are all available.