Birkenhead House
Location: Hermanus, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa

Address
7th Avenue
Voelklip
Hermanus
Western Cape
South Africa
Overview
Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers' paradise of Walker Bay, is the regal Birkenhead House. Accommodating honeymoon couples in the utmost luxury, this is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of a seaside romantic getaway.
Only an hour and a half from Cape Town, Birkenhead House & Villa are superbly located in unspoilt natural surroundings. The luxury retreats offer everything the discerning sojourner could wish for: from uninterrupted views and diverse activities to the very finest in international cuisine, and richly appointed accommodation enhanced by rich fabrics and antiques.
Birkenhead House is decorated to reflect the beauty of its coastal setting, it is adorned with rare maritime antiques. No expense has been spared in making this the ultimate coastal retreat, a true haven of senses.
The opulently appointed sea-facing suites offer expansive vistas of Walker Bay. From the comfort of the residence, guests can look forward to sighting the majestic Southern Right whales that enter the sheltered waters of Walker Bay every year to calve. There are other marine mammals that inhabit the local ocean, the Cape Fur Seal and Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen. Experience a great diversity of marine wildlife, including African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Great White Sharks and various sea birds from the comfort of your elegant suite.
Other attractions include a gym and treatment centre, and a dual-level swimming pool located in a sheltered courtyard. Not forgetting, of course, Hermanus' two best swimming beaches, which are just a stone's throw away.
The beach lends itself to great bathing; enjoy the vista from the rolling lawns. A picnic basket can be arranged for you to accompany you with a couple of beach bats and balls if you are feeling energetic.
Spectacular mountain trails and breathtaking cliff path walks are also in easy reach from Birkenhead House. Guests can explore the thriving floral kingdom, which has a higher diversity of species than anywhere else in the world.
Dining at the Birkenhead House, Hermanus
At the Birkenhead House & Villa in Hermanus, South Africa, world-class cuisine is a matter of course. Lavish meals and seafood delicacies are served daily, and room service will be happy to oblige guests with a private breakfast in bed.
Activities at the Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House Activities:
- Local wine tasting tour
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Nature walks and hikes
- Bird watching
- Horseback riding
- Day trip to the Grootbos Nature Reserve, largest private fynbos conservation area in the world
- Visit to the seaside resort Hermanus
- Shark cage diving
- Sea kayaking
- Deep sea fishing
- Deep sea fishing
- Scuba diving
- Golf: Hermanus Golf Club, Arabella Golf Estate
- Mountain and quad biking
- Yoga
Birkenhead House Honeymoon treats:
- Honeymoon bath in the suite with blended oils and bubble bath
- Bottle of Champagne with flowers
- Chocolate delights and tropical fruit
- Romantic luxury accommodation in the honeymoon suite
Hotel Group Affiliations & Awards:
The magnificent five star Birkenhead House opened in January 2003. The staff continuously strives to provide their guests with an unforgettable experience of a truly superior nature. This commitment to excellence has resulted in Birkenhead House receiving international acclaim in the form of the following prestigious awards:
- Best Small Hotel, South Africa – African Property Awards 2009.
- Travellers Choice Award for Best Bargain, Africa- Travel Advisor (USA) 2009
- Top 101 Hotels of the Year - Tatler (UK) 2006
- Hideaways of the Year 2005: Grand Award Winner -Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report
- Top Boutique Hotel of the Year 2005 - Top Billing Magazine
- UK Condé Nast Traveller 2003 Hotlist: One of 50 new Hotels of the World
- USA Condé Nast Traveller 2003 Hotlist: 80 Best New Hotels in the World
- Member of the Royal Portfolio of exclusive hotels in South Africa
Room Types
Room 4: Front House Downstairs
Step out onto the balcony and marvel at the beautiful sea view before you. Luxuriate in the plush comfort of the queen-size bed with gold-framed headboard. This magnificent room at the Birkenhead House in Hermanus, South Africa, also features a Shagreen TV cabinet with digital TV, DVD and mini bar, together with a hand-carved antique chair, leather desk and original paintings. The bathroom is decorated with a shell mirror, single vanity table, shower and a freestanding Victorian bath.
Room 10: Back House Upstairs
Feel like royalty in this lavishly appointed room, complete with built-up king-size bed with steps, Venetian headboard, Victorian chair, antique oak half moon tables, pink leather chair and original paintings. The room also features a separate dressing room and a wood & leather TV cabinet with digital TV, DVD and mini bar. The small balcony has a table and two chairs that offer lingering views of the Ocean. The bathroom is extravagantly finished with a stone floor and stone freestanding egg-shaped bath with two separate stone vanities and walk in shower.
Room 11: Back House Upstairs
This room’s balconies offers views of the majestic Overberg Mountain range. The focus of the room is the hand painted king-size four-poster bed, complemented by mirrored desk and bedside table. Adding to the grandeur are black lacquer cupboards, antique Chinese vases, original paintings, antique tub chairs in yellow silk and a mirrored TV cabinet with digital TV, DVD and mini bar. The bathroom also impresses with its freestanding Victorian bath in centre of room, together with two vanities and an open walk-in shower.
Today's Rate:
Single Room: R3660.00
Double Room: R4880.00
Room 2: Front House Upstairs
Decorated with two yellow silk antique tub chairs, Ralph Lauren-inspired glass cupboards and a double bed with striped padded headboard, this room at the Birkenhead House in Hermanus offers expansive views of the ocean. Appreciate the sunshine and scenery on the two petite balconies furnished with table and chairs, de-stress in the glorious freestanding Victorian bath or simply enjoy the flat screen digital TV, DVD and mini bar offerings.
Room 3: Front House Downstairs
Take pleasure in the splendid view of the ocean from the comfort of a private balcony. Curl up in front of the TV cabinet with digital TV, DVD and mini bar or stretch out on the luxurious queen-size, French four-poster bed, draped in crisp whites. Adding to the room’s splendour is a Shagreen desk and various original paintings. The large bathroom’s centrepiece is a magnificent freestanding Victorian bath, complemented by a walk-in shower and two freestanding vanities.
Room 7: Middle House Upstairs
From its elevated vantage point, this room offers very good sea views it’s balcony, which is furnished with a cane table and chairs. Inside you’ll find magnificent décor, including a French gold antique chair, a Shagreen desk, chair and TV cabinet with TV, DVD and mini bar as well as two ¾ beds with padded headboards. The bathroom is fitted with two shell mirrors, two marble top vanities and a marvelous freestanding Victorian bath and opens onto a mountain facing balcony.
Room 9: Back House Upstairs
Doze off in the king-size freestanding bed with leather headboard, surrounded by pure opulence: open ceilings with white tongue-in-groove wood finish, a 2-seater silken love couch, a leather desk, leather TV cabinet with digital TV, DVD and mini bar. Bathe in true style – a step down bathroom features a freestanding Victorian bath, walk-in open shower, antique Edwardian chair and two freestanding vanities. The room also has three balconies with outdoor furniture to enjoy the sea and mountain views.
Today's Rate:
Single Room: R4830.00
Double Room: R6440.00
Room 1: Front House Upstairs
Enjoy magnificent ocean views from any of the balconies at The Birkenhead House in Hermanus. The main decor feature, a king-size Louis Farouk antique bed, is complemented by an 18th century French gold chair, a yellow silk French antique couch and original artworks. Unwind in the spatial bathrooms with a Victorian bath tub, a walk in shower and 2 vanities. If you choose to stay in, stretch out in front of the Shagreen TV cabinet with digital TV, DVD and mini bar.
Room 8: Middle House Upstairs
Enjoy ocean and mountain views from the front or large back balcony respectively. Indoors, luxury abounds with a king-size English antique four-poster bed, two lime green silk high-back chairs and a wood & leather cabinet with TV, DVD and mini bar. In the spacious bathroom you’ll discover a very inviting Victorian freestanding bath with twin freestanding vanities, chaise lounge and an open shower.
Room 5: Middle House Downstairs
Located in the middle of the Birkenhead House, this room offers partial sea views. What makes it special is that it also opens onto a patio and pool area, furnished with a daybed and outside table and chairs. Adding to the room’s opulent atmosphere are the furnishings, incorporating an extravagant king-size four-poster bed with hand-carved antique Indian buttresses; an antique English bureau; an antique gilded French chair and original artwork.
The room also features a Shagreen TV cupboard with TV, DVD and mini bar. In the bathroom, Shagreen lined cupboards with two vanities surround the impressive marble sunken bath and shower.
Today's Rate:
Single Room: R5760.00
Double Room: R7680.00
Room Amenities
Restaurants
At the five star Birkenhead House & Villa, world-class cuisine is a matter of course. In true fusion fashion, the food at Birkenhead House & Villa is a delicate mixture of modern African Cuisine, traditional French techniques with strong Asian and Italian influences. On offer are homemade breads, ice creams and sorbets, as well as tempura strawberries (seasonal) and fresh local fishes ranging from Marlin, Red Roman & Kabeljou to crayfish and mussels. Soups are a treat and guests may enjoy flavours ranging from vanilla butternut to roasted red pepper tomato.
Lavish meals and seafood delicacies are served at Birkenhead House in the guest's choice of setting: the patio overlooking the ocean; the courtyard next to our dual level pool; the glass fronted dining area; or room service will happily oblige guests with a sumptuous meal in the privacy of the suite. The Birkenhead Villa boasts a separate kitchen with a dedicated chef on hand to meet culinary wishes.
In all food preparation only the freshest ingredients are used, dishes are cooked to perfection and exquisitely presented. Menus and meals can be designed to meet guests’ individual palates and dietary requirements. The award-winning chefs have international exposure and all menus are planned on a daily basis.
Address: 7th Avenue, Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Spa
Lavender Room:
Lavender has proven calming, soothing, and sedative effects, inspiring the name for the spacious grand treatment room at the Birkenhead House boutique hotel in Hermanus, South Africa. The Lavender Room is elegantly appointed with a fully equipped bathroom to enhance the spa experience. The tantilising aroma of Lavender, tranquil background music and therapeutic sound of the water feature combine to restore balance and soothe the senses.
Cinnamon Room:
Cinnamon is well known for its warming qualities, which is why the hotel has named the second spa treatment room after this magnificent spice. The Birkenhead House's Cinnamon Room is a beautifully furnished compact space (sans shower), with soothing ambient music and a wonderful odour of the sweet cinnamon spice that boosts relaxation of the mind.
Activities
Lavender Room:
Lavender has proven calming, soothing, and sedative effects, inspiring the name for the spacious grand treatment room at the Birkenhead House boutique hotel in Hermanus, South Africa. The Lavender Room is elegantly appointed with a fully equipped bathroom to enhance the spa experience. The tantilising aroma of Lavender, tranquil background music and therapeutic sound of the water feature combine to restore balance and soothe the senses.
Cinnamon Room:
Cinnamon is well known for its warming qualities, which is why the hotel has named the second spa treatment room after this magnificent spice. The Birkenhead House's Cinnamon Room is a beautifully furnished compact space (sans shower), with soothing ambient music and a wonderful odour of the sweet cinnamon spice that boosts relaxation of the mind.
From May to December, the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) graces Walker Bay with its massive presence. August is the height of the birthing season. Many calves, that are literally a couple of hours old, with their very protective mothers, are seen from the wonderful vantage points at the Birkenhead House & Villa. These magnificent mammals were threatened by extinction and international protection was granted to the species in 1935.
Looking out from the terrace at the Birkenhead House & Villa in Hermanus, guests can see two of Hermanus’ best beaches just a few steps away. The beach on the left is Voëlklip, (Afrikaans, meaning ‘bird rock’). This beach lends itself to great bathing. The beach on the right is called Nanny’s or Kamma Bay. The hotel's curteous staff can pack a picnic basket to accompany you and a couple of beach bats and balls, should one feel energetic.
Grotto beach is the longest strip of white sand in Hermanus, and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Status. This award requires: cleanliness, environmental protection and rehabilitation, full time lifeguards and security. Grotto lies to the left of Birkenhead House & Villa, an easy ten-minute walk away along the world-renowned cliff path.
Discover why Hermanus is world-renowned as South Africa’s premier whale watching destination when you embark on an unforgettable voyage around Dyer Island. Nature lovers can lose themselves in the beauty of the lush mountain trails and walks, study indigenous birdlife, or experience the adventure of deep-sea fishing.
Inquisitive travelers can venture out on tours to 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, shark cage diving is available, as well as quad biking riding, sea kayaking and scuba diving. The Hermanus Golf Course is located in close proximity to the Birkenhead House & Villa.
Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers walkers several trail options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline and the beautiful Fynbos-covered mountains. Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts unrivalled birds-eye views of Walker Bay for those with high energy levels.
Over 1100 different plant species have been collected and identified within the reserve, an area of only 15 square kilometres. This makes it one of the 6 floral kingdom of the world, and compares well with the UK’s total number of 1500 species. 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.
An 8km walk from Birkenhead House & Villa into the centre of town is a perfect opportunity take in all the scenery. The hotel can arrange for guests to be collected after a refreshing drink in one of the cafés overlooking the sea. This walk will take approximately an hour and a half.
Conferences / Events
Facilities
Services
- 24 hour reception service
- 24 hour room service / in room dining
- Airport transfers
- Complimentary access and transfers to a local gym
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity in all rooms and public areas
- Concierge services
- Doctor on call
- Health & Fitness Centre
- Housekeeping service
- Kid's entertainment
- Laundry services
- Luxury transfer service within a 20km/12 mile radius
- Massage treatments
- Porters
- Tours & Transfers on Request
- Wake-up call
- Wellness & Beauty treatments
Location
Driving directions to the Birkenhead House from the Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
about 1 hour 30 mins
1. Head southeast 350 m
2. Slight right toward Ring 400 m
3. Slight right at Ring 130 m
4. Slight right to stay on Ring 92 m
5. Slight left to stay on Ring 400 m
6. Continue onto Airport Approach Rd 1.4 km
7. Take the ramp onto N2 71.3 km
8. Take exit 90 toward R43/Kleinmond/Hermanus 1.0 km
9. Merge onto R43 30.8 km
10. Turn left at Main Rd/R43
Continue to follow R43
Go through 1 roundabout 4.5 km
11. Turn right at 7th Ave 350 m
Birkenhead House
7th Avenue, Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Useful Links
Accreditations
Hotel Group Affiliations & Awards:
The magnificent five star Birkenhead House opened in January 2003. The staff continuously strives to provide their guests with an unforgettable experience of a truly superior nature. This commitment to excellence has resulted in Birkenhead House receiving international acclaim in the form of the following prestigious awards:
- Best Small Hotel, South Africa – African Property Awards 2009.
- Travellers Choice Award for Best Bargain, Africa- Travel Advisor (USA) 2009
- Top 101 Hotels of the Year - Tatler (UK) 2006
- Hideaways of the Year 2005: Grand Award Winner -Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report
- Top Boutique Hotel of the Year 2005 - Top Billing Magazine
- UK Condé Nast Traveller 2003 Hotlist: One of 50 new Hotels of the World
- USA Condé Nast Traveller 2003 Hotlist: 80 Best New Hotels in the World
- Member of the Royal Portfolio of exclusive hotels in South Africa
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