Birkenhead House: A Clifftop Beach House on the Whale Coast

Birkenhead House stands on the cliffs above Walker Bay in Hermanus, a Royal Portfolio beach house with the exuberant interiors of Liz Biden and the Atlantic breaking directly below. Hermanus is famous as one of the world's best land-based whale-watching destinations, and in season southern right whales come close enough to watch from the terraces.

Dining is a single, focused affair: the Birkenhead House Restaurant, where chef Clive Biggs builds world-class plates around ingredients from the local shoreline, served all day above the glistening bay. With two pools, a spa and a handful of rooms, the house feels more like a private residence than a hotel.

It makes an ideal pairing with the winelands or a Cape Town stay, adding coast and whales to the itinerary.

Dreaming of the Cape coast? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.