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At a Glance

There’s no place like Liz Biden’s hotels, in large part because they all started as her family’s vacation homes. In 1999, the former fashion entrepreneur transformed the Bidens’ property in Thornybush Private Game Reserve into Royal Malewane, and hospitality in South Africa had a new star. La Residence, in the Cape Winelands and Birkenhead House, on the coast, followed. While the properties—and their locations—are distinctive, what’s consistent is the personal touch in both the design of the spaces and the service. The intimate boutique lodgings at Birkenhead House seem as transporting as its location, high on a cliff in the fishing town of Hermanus.

The Standout: The 11-room waterside mansion with its gorgeous views; a walk on Hermanus Cliff Path, which winds for seven miles through rugged terrain—a quintessential Cape experience
Don’t Miss: Seeing humpback and southern right whales breaching from the front patio; spectacular, oceanside meals of local seafood

Indagare Loves

• The vast, empty beaches that are easily accessible from the property
• The stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean easily enjoyed from the property’s infinity pool
• The lovely coastal-chic decor that feels like your stylish friend’s beach house

Birkenhead House Review

Liz Biden–the visionary behind multiple standout South African properties–has become known for her immaculately designed ‘six-star’ hotels, and Birkenhead House is no exception. Originally the Biden family’s beach house, the property is located two hours from Cape Town, in Hermanus, the charming fishing village once called the ‘town of champagne air’ after its delightfully crisp sea breezes.

Visiting Hermnaus feels like you’ve been let in on a local secret. It’s a vacation spot frequented by South African locals looking for a long weekend escape from Cape Town, and Birkenhead captures this vibe perfectly. With just 11 elegantly appointed rooms, Birkenhead House evokes the feeling of staying in a chic friend’s beach house (except, of course, you are treated like royalty). Rooms pay homage to the seaside location with coastal-themed décor, lemon-yellow painted walls and exposed white beamed ceilings, along with Liz Biden’s signature baroque touches and luxuriously large bathrooms. Combining oriental rugs with shell-lined artwork and quirky antique furniture, the designer has a knack for throwing different styles together and somehow making everything work perfectly.

Days at Birkenhead House are spent relaxing by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment (or two), enjoying the gorgeous beaches and, of course, savoring the stupendous views. Active guests may take advantage of hiking, horseback riding, kayaking wine tasting and even shark diving nearby, and the GM is keen to bring guests surfing anytime. Another draw: whale sightings occur between June and November.

Adding to the experience is the hotel’s exceptional cuisine, which, appropriately, emphasizes fresh seafood: There is something quite magical about savoring a plate of just-caught mussels and a glass of bubbly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Who Should Stay

Couples looking for a either soft landing or a relaxing end to a longer trip, as well as travelers who want to feel like locals

Author

• Indagare