The Crush.
From its stunning clifftop position in the town of Hermanus, Birkenhead House enjoys exhilarating ocean views and close proximity to the beach. Breezy beach house style is mixed with contemporary artwork and opulent furnishings to create an elegant and inviting environment.
Guests can enjoy the chic onsite restaurant and bar, the elegant spa, as well as the bay-view lounge, deck and infinity pool. While Birkenhead House is a five star hotel with all the services and amenities that you would expect, the hotel is characterised by a laidback and easy-going atmosphere. Whether you are seeking a rejuvenating retreat or an adventure filled beach holiday, Birkenhead House is the ideal destination.
Rest Easy.
Eleven suites with either sea or mountain views offer the height of comfort and luxury: balconies, underfloor heating and huge bathtubs allow guests to make the most of their stay, whatever the weather. The 11 suites are individually decorated by the stylish wand of owner Liz Biden. The rooms are located in three different houses which make up Birkenhead House.
A Few of our Favourite Things.
Beaches.
Looking out from the terrace at Birkenhead House, two of the finest Hermanus beaches can be seen just a few steps away. The Hermanus beach on the left as you face the ocean is Voëlklip, (‘bird rock’ in Afrikaans) which lends is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach on the right is Nanny’s or Kamma Bay. The team at Birkenhead House will pack a picnic basket for you complete with beach bats and balls to take to the beach for a relaxed day on the sands.
Nature.
For the more adventurous, explore the rich flora and fauna of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve with numerous hiking and mountain biking trails.
Over 1100 different plant species have been collected and identified within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, an area of only 15 square kilometres. This makes it one of the six floral kingdoms of the world and compares well with the UK’s total number of 1500 species.
Whale Watching.
Hermanus is renowned as the best place for land based whale watching in the world. And Birkenhead House is privileged to enjoy the best vantage point in Hermanus – standing proud on the clifftop above Voelklip beach. From the main deck at Birkenhead House you’ll see pods of dolphins splashing playfully past the front deck as well as Southern Right and Humpback Whales. On rare occasions you might even see a Bryde’s Whale. There is a telescope in the main sitting room as well as numerous sets of binoculars for our guests to get a good look at these fascinating and calming creatures.
The best time for whale watching is from July to December but the optimum time seems to change a little each year.
Spa.
This Hermanus spa offers two treatment rooms and a comprehensive menu to choose from. Delivered by a network of highly qualified therapists, the wide range of therapies include body exfoliations, massages, body wraps, as well as beauty and grooming treatments. When the weather is fine, massages and other spa treatments can also be enjoyed in the open air, overlooking the ocean.
Wine.
It’s no coincidence that the Afrikaans name Hemel-en-Aarde translates directly to Heaven-and-Earth.
This is one of the most wonderfully scenic destinations in South Africa. Famous for its uninterrupted views over the valley and coastline, the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route boasts a diverse array of wine farms and award-winning restaurants. The entire valley is just a short drive from Birkenhead House in Hermanus.
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl tend to dominate the headlines when it comes to the Cape Winelands, but the Hemel-en-Aarde valley produces some of the most iconic wines in South Africa. In this cool, coastal climate, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc thrive
The Location.
Hermanus is renowned as the best land based whale watching destination in the world.
Aside from being the best place to view whales on the planet, Hermanus is renowned for its wild beauty, artisanal food producers and its proximity to the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route. The town was originally called Hermanuspietersfontein, but the name was shortened because it was too long for the postal service.
Full of quaint boutiques, markets and galleries, the town is a popular South African tourist destination for local and international visitors. The town is a scenic 90 minute drive from Cape Town.
Because of these very reasons it also means it is the perfect location from which to delve in to the world of wellness or feast on our top epicurean experiences. Intrigued to know what your city and wellness experience may comprise of? Click here and wonder no more!
Our Epicurean Highlights.
• Bounty from the Sea
• Guided Walking Food Safaris
• South Africa’s Best Food & Wine Pairing
• Coastal Foraging
• Braai Master Class
Our Wellness Highlights.
• Cliff-side Massage
• Private Yoga Classes (indoor and outdoor venues)
• Waking up to the Sound of the Ocean
• African Calabash Treatments
• Local Tsama Body Wrap & Exfoliation
Satori Favourites.
• A Sunrise Walk Along the Coastal Cliffs
• Whale Watching with the Whale Crier
• Walking Through the Fauna & Flora
• Exploring the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley
• Searching for the Elusive Cape Leopard
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