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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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….
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.
Travel here during the whale season (roughly July to November) for an eventful stay, or in the off season for a relaxing retreat.
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.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Birkenhead House can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Birkenhead House or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Birkenhead House start from around $530, or US$530, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
It’s famous for whale-watching, but the wine is also worth a taste in this laidback coastal town.
