HOTEL INSIDER: Birkenhead House, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

HOTEL INSIDER: The Birkenhead House, South Africa

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at the Birkenhead House, Hermanus, 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.

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at the Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa

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.

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Hotel Bristol, Vienna

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at the Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa

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.

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Hotel Bristol, Vienna

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at the Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa

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.

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Hotel Bristol, Vienna

HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at the Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa

Planning your getaway to South Africa? Here’s some inspiration for your trip!

?? Book a Stay at Birkenhead House in Hermanus

THE WANDERLUST EFFECT: HOTEL INSIDER

Number of Rooms: 11
Cost Per Night: R4800 – R8900
Must-Try Eats & Drinks: Enjoy a South African red during sunset overlooking Walker Bay, and experience a luxurious breakfast with housemade scones and omelets made to order.
Hotel Highlights: Personalized service, with a staff that will know you by name from the moment you walk in.
Worth the Investment? Absolutely. As with many experiences in South Africa, a stay at the Birkenhead House represents exceptional value for money.
Points Perks: None.

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.