Exhilarating cliff-top position overlooking the world-famous whale watching paradise of Walker Bay.
Location
Perched on the cliffs of Hermanus, Birkenhead House offers an immersive seaside setting overlooking the whale-watching paradise which is Walker Bay. Just a scenic 90-minute drive from Cape Town, this coastal retreat provides direct access to Voëlklip and Kamma Bay beaches, making it your ideal base for both relaxation and exploration.
Rooms
Eleven individually designed rooms, each blending contemporary elegance with eclectic charm, will make you feel instantly at home — whether you’re stepping out onto a sunlit balcony to watch the waves roll in or settling into a quiet corner with a book after a day at the beach. These rooms are spread across three separate houses, offering a variety of perspectives—from mountain-facing to beautifully designed sea-facing rooms in the front house with generous balconies and dazzling ocean views.
Amenities
We love the seamless integration of luxury and comfort. Guests can unwind in two swimming pools — one with ocean views and another sheltered from the sea breeze — or indulge in treatments at the on-site spa. The spa offers a sanctuary with four treatment rooms, providing a range of therapies including massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, body exfoliations, and wraps, all personalized to your specific needs.
Dining is a culinary delight. You can savor dishes crafted from ingredients foraged from the shoreline, complemented by an extensive selection of South African wines. Meals can be enjoyed in various settings, including overlooking the ocean, next to the dual-level pool, in the glass-fronted dining area, or in the privacy of your suite.
Activities
Birkenhead House can be your base for a variety of experiences. You can embark on guided cliff path walks, participate in mussel picking and cooking classes, or enjoy surfing and sunbathing on nearby beaches. For the more adventurous, activities like shark cage diving, quad biking, and wine tasting tours in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are readily available.
Sustainability
What we love is the hotel’s quiet commitment to doing things thoughtfully. From supporting local conservation work such as the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Pack for a Purpose, to using eco-friendly practices, it all adds up. You’ll also find real heart behind their community upliftment projects — Pack for a Purpose and various feeding schemes.
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Alistair