Birkenhead House

Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus overlooking the whale watchers’ paradise of Walker Bay, accommodates guests in the utmost luxury and is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living. Meals and sundowners can be enjoyed from the terrace which overlooks a number of beautiful beaches.

There is a luxurious selection of suites in Birkenhead House. All eleven rooms are spacious and most rooms have their own balcony and spectacular sea views, one room even has its own private pool and patio area. The rooms are luxuriously furnished and provide all the comforts you need during your stay. Bathe in the dual-level pool located in the sheltered courtyard or take a dip in the ocean off Hermanus’ two best beaches, which lie just below the rim-flow pool on Birkenhead House’s front patio. Birkenhead House offers world-class cuisine as a matter of course, and you can look forward to delicious dishes prepared by the in-house gourmet chef. From May to December the Southern Right whale (Eubalaena australis) graces Walker Bay with its massive presence. Several species of whales use the bay, as well as other marine mammals such as the Cape Fur Seal and Bottlenose Dolphins.

Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers walkers several options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline or the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains. Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts unrivalled birds-eye views of Walker Bay for those with high energy levels. For a more sedate walk, the relatively flat cliff paths that trace the coastline of Hermanus from one end to the other afford enjoyment of rugged scenery and some excellent whale watching.

The Hemel n’Aarde Valley is one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. The valley boasts four amazing wine vineyards, award winning wines and breath taking scenery. This rather spectacular valley, which runs 50km from the ocean in Hermanus to the famous wheat growing town of Caledon, is home to one of the worlds top 10 Chardonnay’s, an award winning Pinot Noir and also produces South Africa’s most expensive export wine.

There are two golf courses in the area – The ‘friendly’ Hermanus golf course located between Birkenhead House and the centre of town or the more sophisticated and manicured course at Arabella Country Estate which is about half an hour out of town. This internationally known Golf Estate boasts 18 holes in a magnificent environment, which has been earmarked to become a “World Heritage Site”.

Birkenhead House Spa graciously offers our exclusive guests an exciting range of Spa treatments. Sufficiently and suitably staffed, out health practitioners offer an extensive range of massages, body exfoliations, body wraps, aromatherapy and specialized skin care treatments. The Spa is quietly decorated in an Eastern theme and well complimented by our product of choice Dermalogica.

Allow your body the time it deserves to peel away the past (the exfoliation of the full body using Dermoligica’s Hydro active mineral salts), and we shall assist you by gently renewing your mind, body and soul (an intense hydrating and detoxifying body wrap and a holistic massage in one of our indoor treatment rooms) or choose to have a Birkenhead Reflexology treatment on our poolside deck whilst watching the seasonal Southern Right Whales politely entertain you.

One of the Garden Route’s most celebrated and best-loved hideaways, Birkenhead House is as dramatic as it is cozy and private. The white-pillared hotel is set atop a craggy cliff; between July and December, you might even glimpse a passing whale (for an even closer view, take the tour departing from Kleinbaai Harbour). From here, it’s easy to visit the Hemel en Aarde Valley, known for its amazing vineyards and jaw-dropping scenery. The area is home to some of South Africa’s finest examples of pinot noir and chardonnay. Rooms are as decadent as they come; ask for the one with a romantic clawfoot tub set in the middle of the bathroom.