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Hermanus
Birkenhead House
A heavenly boutique hotel just outside Hermanus with all the mod-cons for a relaxing stay.
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Jonty
Eve
Kristin
4.9 out of 5 stars
Average guest rating
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Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (947 reviews)
About Birkenhead House
As sleek, stylish and eminently cool as a James Bond villain’s hideaway, Birkenhead House is the ultimate Cape escape. Perched high on a cliff just outside Hermanus, the country’s whale-watching hotspot, this boutique bolthole is just the ticket if you’re looking for a tranquil escape away from Cape Town’s hustle. The view from the terrace will leave you speechless, and from June to November, breaching Southern right whales are thrown in for free. And if you can drag your eyes away from the scenery, feast them on Liz Biden’s stunning modern minimalist interiors, guaranteed to make you feel like the ultimate Bond girl….
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From $350 person/night
Hotel
16 Rooms
What you'll love
It doesn’t get much better than sipping chilled champagne in the infinity pool, the ocean shimmering ahead and the Overberg mountains towering in the distance.
Insiders tip
Travel here during the whale season (roughly July to November) for an eventful stay, or in the off season for a relaxing retreat.
Something to think about
Given the slightly-out-of-town location, Birkenhead works best for guests who are self-driving. Otherwise, just ask the hotel to book you a taxi in advance.
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The property
Step into the glass-walled lounge and enter a streamlined world of soothing taupes and cool marble, spiced up perfectly by a couple of chi-chi chandeliers and vibrant rugs. A long, clear pool runs the length of the central courtyard whilst the main infinity pool balances on the cliff top, surrounded by whiter-than-white loungers. The terrace and its stunning views provides the perfect setting for a spot of gourmet cuisine at any time of the day or night, or something chilled from the well-stocked honesty bar.
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The rooms
The 11 suites are romantic, seductive and worthy of every kind of celebration. White walls, fluffy bed linen and buff floors are offset by warm baroque flourishes and a touch of the Cape Cod beach chic makes each feel relaxed and homely. Some have balconies and sea views, others have four-poster beds and enormous bath tubs – we can’t choose a favourite! Expect rose petals on the floor, hot water bottles on chilly evenings and fresh flowers. They really know how to spoil you here….
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Activities
Cultural
Boat Cruises
Fishing safari
Aside from whale-watching and exploring the pretty town of Hermanus, the hotel can also organise scuba and shark diving trips, kayaking, hiking trails and golf. For wine lovers, the Hemel-en-Aarde is on the doorstep and Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are only a short drive away. Eating could also be considered an activity at Birkenhead and we highly recommend leaving a little bit of space (and time) for some of the delicious Asian-inspired cuisine. And if all you can manage is a bit of sunbathing and champagne-sipping, then you’ve come to the right place.
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Reviews
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About Hermanus
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What our guests are saying
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