With its exhilarating cliff-top position overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House in Hermanus provides luxury hotel accommodation for those seeking an extraordinary coastal experience.
Watch surfers carving through the waves and, for several months each year, witness Southern Right and Humpback Whales breaching just metres from the shore. The hotel’s contemporary décor is an artful mix of beach-house and quirky opulence.
While Birkenhead House is a five star hotel with all the services and amenities that you would expect, the hotel is characterised by a laid back and easy-going atmosphere.
Whether you are seeking a rejuvenating retreat or an adventure filled beach holiday, Birkenhead House is the ideal destination. The all-inclusive rate means that guests never need to leave the comfort of Birkenhead House, where all meals and drinks are included.
The 11 suites at Birkenhead House are individually decorated by the stylish wand of owner Liz Biden.
The rooms are located in three different houses which make up Birkenhead House.
This lavishly appointed room has a built-up king-size bed with marble steps, Venetian headboard, Victorian chair, antique oak half moon tables, and original paintings.
There is a separate dressing room. A cosy balcony with table and two chairs offers the room an inflow of natural light and fresh sea air.
Birkenhead House offers beautifully furnished suites with vistas of either Walker Bay or the towering Kleinrivier mountain range.
Decorated in bold and original styles, the suites at Birkenhead House are all equipped with air conditioning, television, DVD player, complimentary wifi and a complimentary minibar.
From zebra-print upholstery to shell-framed mirrors, there are plenty of surprising and delightful touches in each of these magnificent suites.
Each room is unique and individually decorated. Amenities in each of the four room categories are the same, the difference is in the size, orientation and views.
Situated in the middle of the House, this suite opens onto a patio and pool area, furnished with a daybed, table and chairs.
In the bathroom, shagreen-lined cupboards with double vanities surround the marble sunken bath and shower.
This room’s balconies offer majestic mountain views. The focus of the room is the hand-painted king-size four-poster bed, complemented by mirrored desk and bedside table.
The bathroom impresses with its freestanding bath, double vanities and walk-in shower.
At Birkenhead House, world-class cuisine is a matter of course. In true fusion fashion, the food is a subtle mixture of modern African Cuisine, Cape seafood, and traditional French techniques with strong Asian and Italian influences.
On offer are homemade breads, ice creams and sorbets, as well as delicacies such as tempura strawberries and fresh local fish and Cape seafood ranging from Marlin, Red Roman and Kabeljou to crayfish and mussels.
Soups are a treat with flavours as unusual and exotic as vanilla and butternut.
Only the freshest ingredients are used for lavish meals served in your choice of setting: overlooking the ocean; next to the dual level pool; in the glass fronted dining area; or simply enjoy dining in the privacy of your suite. Menus and meals can be designed to meet guests’ individual palates and requirements.
At Birkenhead House, world-class cuisine is a matter of course. In true fusion fashion, the food is a subtle mixture of modern African Cuisine, Cape seafood, and traditional French techniques with strong Asian and Italian influences. On offer are homemade breads, ice creams and sorbets, as well as delicacies such as tempura strawberries and fresh local fish and Cape seafood ranging from Marlin, Red Roman and Kabeljou to crayfish and mussels.
At Birkenhead House guests can go foraging with the Executive Chef for edible Fynbos species along the coastal shoreline. Chefs will then prepare a five-course dinner incorporating those hand-picked ingredients while each course will be paired with wines from the nearby Hemel and Aarde Valley.
No coastal experience would be complete without picking mussels from the rocks below Birkenhead House. Chefs Ziyaad and Pinkie will share their knowledge with the guests and explain which mussels to pick and how to pick them. They will then provide a ”Master Class” on how to cook them on an open fire.
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.
When the weather is fine, massages and other spa treatments can also be enjoyed in the open air, overlooking the ocean.
All treatment rooms provide an ideal place to unwind, restore and to invigorate the body, mind & spirit.
With a medley of massage, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments, there is no more relaxing way to round off a leisurely day.
Aside from whale-watching (from May to December), a myriad of activities is possible on both land and sea in Hermanus, making this an extremely popular destination for a beach holiday in South Africa.Embark on an unforgettable voyage around Dyer Island.Lose yourself in the beauty of the lush mountain trails and walks, study indigenous birdlife or experience the adventure of deep-sea fishing.
Inquisitive travellers can venture out to the charming village of Stanford, local wine farms and townships, while others can relax with a round of golf, yoga or a leisurely bike ride. For those who crave a more adrenalin-filled experience during their Cape beach holiday, shark cage diving is available, as well as quad-biking, riding, sea-kayaking and scuba diving.
Looking for a venue for a carefree beach wedding in South Africa, suffused with the salty tang of fresh sea air? Against the restless beauty of the ocean, Birkenhead House is ideal for a beach wedding venue.
Birkenhead Villa makes a family beach holiday a truly effortless, child-friendly experience. Safe beaches are within easy reach but there is also a pool and garden at the Villa which adults and children alike can enjoy.
Looking out from the terrace, two of the finest Hermanus beaches can be seen just a few steps away. The Hermanus beach on the left is Voëlklip, (‘bird rock’ in Afrikaans) which lends itself perfectly to bathing. The beach on the right is Nanny’s or Kamma Bay.
Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers visitors the ideal hiking experience. The surroundings offer walkers several trail options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline and beautiful Fynbos-covered mountains.
Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sand beneath your feet. Drink in the sea air. Then wander back up the path that winds its way to Birkenhead House in Walker Bay, Hermanus. There you will find an irresistible beach vibe that makes for a supremely relaxing and easygoing time.
Forget about all your problems swimming in Birkenhead luxury Pool.
Birkenhead Villa makes a family beach holiday a truly effortless, child-friendly experience. Safe beaches are within easy reach but there is also a pool and garden at the Villa which adults and children alike can enjoy. Staff are on hand to play games and assist with fun, child-friendly activities whilst the chef will be only too happy to discuss your children’s food preferences to ensure that delicious meals are prepared and served when you wish.
The layout of Birkenhead Villa means that children can be accommodated in rooms close to their parents which makes for ease, convenience and peace of mind on your family beach holiday. There is a ground floor sitting room with TV, games, toys and DVDs aplenty so there is just as much to do indoors as out. All in all, this is the ultimate way for every generation to experience the beauty and adventure of the coast.
BIRKENHEAD HOUSE
Cnr 11th Street and 7th AvenueVoelklip, Hermanus7200, South Afrika