HOTEL INSIDER: The Birkenhead House, South Africa
Beyond the city vibes in Cape Town and the wine tasting in the famed Cape Winelands, the Western Cape is home to the stunning seaside town of Hermanus. An independent property with just eleven rooms and a distinct personality that’s apparent through its very design, the Birkenhead House takes personalization and luxury to the next level.
DESTINATION: HERMANUS ??
Hermanus captures the essence of coastal chic, with bookstores and art galleries lining the streets of town. Situated on the coast about 45 minutes from Cape Town, it’s a town that feels worlds away from the city, with opportunities for nature walks and whale watching alongside shark diving for the more adventuresome traveler. The seaside landscape is stunningly rugged with blankets of wildflowers that’ll keep you wandering for hours on end.
Imagine the lifestyle of a very wealthy and rather eclectic best friend who owns the perfect coastal beach home in South Africa. Add in an all-inclusive menu that will make your jaw drop and unlimited South African wines, plus service that’s instantly personalized while maintaining an air of laid back luxury. That’s the Birkenhead House personified. Rooms are individually designed with uniquely curated pieces, and the lobby feels like the luxe – but livable – great room of your dreams. Those that yearn for activities can head out on shark diving or whale watching excursions or opt for something more low-key like an impromptu South African wine tasting in the sitting area or a day out foraging alongside the chefs.
The hotel is an all-inclusive done right, which means every meal, snack, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail is included (with the exception of a few high-end champagnes and wines). Breakfast is a spread that’ll leave you spoiled for choice with fresh-baked pastries, towers of fresh fruit, hot specialties to order and fresh pressed juices to pair with your morning bubbles. In the afternoon, the hotel puts out a freshly baked nibble (think fresh scones and hot-from-the-oven muffins) to pair with coffee, tea, or your choice of spirits, available through the staff or at a serve yourself bar. Lunch and dinner include options that change daily with a focus on local ingredients. With a restaurant that caters only to in-house guests, you’ll be utterly impressed with the quality and quantity of options. Never once did we feel the desire to dine off property, plus the congenial community feel of the space makes it easy to socialize with other guests staying on site.
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?? Book a Stay at Birkenhead House in Hermanus
