South Africa: Birkenhead House, Hermanus 

Birkenhead House is the pinnacle of South African luxury perched on the jagged coastline in the Western Cape. The flagship property from The Royal Portfolio, this five-star hotel offers honeymooning couples the opportunity to discover the magic of the ocean, including Africa’s often overlooked ‘marine big five’. Situated just above the raw, untouched beaches, pierced by the jagged rocks where sea and land meet, from the hotel guests can effortlessly wander along the shoreline, which is a part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, or take a dip in the sea. For us this included a very special morning walk where my boyfriend bent down on one knee to propose, affirming a personal connection to this magical South African setting.

Situated just above the raw, untouched beaches, pierced by the jagged rocks where sea and land meet, from the hotel guests can effortlessly wander along the shoreline, which is a part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, or take a dip in the sea. For us this included a very special morning walk where my boyfriend bent down on one knee to propose, affirming a personal connection to this magical South African setting. Hermanus is widely known as the best destination (certainly in South Africa) to spot whales from land. This was confirmed that morning whilst revelling in our newly engaged status when a humpback whale breached from of the waves to congratulate us. Whilst seated within the hotel and enjoying our breakfast, this was a sensational experience, making Birkenhead House an exceptional place to engage with marine life year-round.

With just 11 rooms, Birkenhead House is luxurious and boutique too. Offering honeymooners a refined and elegant setting, owner Liz Biden’s stylish eye has thoughtfully designed each room; certifying the hotel to feel more so like her private home, and a haven for interior design aficionados. Our suite, dressed in opulent furnishings, striking artwork and colourful detailing throughout was a sumptuous oasis. Taking advantage of the oceanfront setting, many rooms are cast elegantly over the vast ocean through chic white shutters, inviting you to start and end your day greeted with the salty Atlantic air.

This small, exclusive hotel has just one dining room for beautiful breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and fine-dining dinners. Perfectly positioned on the sea-facing side of the property, enjoy fresh juices and plates of hot eggs each morning, followed by smart but relaxed lunches which include classic favourites from Caesar salad to steak and chips with green beans. As evening rolls around, take a seat at your white-clothed dining table with a personalised menu that profiles the flavours of the ocean, this includes mussels which Hermanus is known for having some of the finest. Celebrating natural, delicate flavours, a menu of coastal cuisine is served with exquisite wine from The Royal Portfolio collection’s sister property La Residence, lovingly produced in the country’s wine oasis of Franschhoek.

As the golden sunset illuminates the sky and sea, romantic dining experiences at the hotel include private oceanfront dinners for just two, accompanied simply by the exciting marine life, rolling waves and sea air. The picturesque valley located behind the property is known as Hemel en Aarde. Translating as ‘Heaven and Earth’ the valley embodies Birkenhead House’s ethos for discerning couples. A dramatic region of the country where ancient mountains meet with the Atlantic Ocean, Hermanus is not only a destination for incredible on land whale watching, wildlife and seafood, it also contributes to the famous South African wine route.

This gorgeous location is a fantastic option for a destination honeymoon for couples to celebrate in true South African style. Whilst residing in one of the romantic suites, finished with freestanding Victorian baths and English antique four-poster beds, the team at Birkenhead House are also on hand to execute unforgettable weddings. Set against the exciting energy of the Atlantic Ocean, the clifftop hotel offers stylish, yet relaxed celebrations amidst nature’s spectacular beauty.

Down on the sand, guests are invited to gather among the rocks (often home to an array of birdlife and seals) for speeches and photographs with the ocean breeze dancing in celebration whilst the vows are exchanged. As the Birkenhead House team pop the champagne or their finest South African sparkling wine (I’d personally recommend Graham Beck), wedding guests at the hotel are invited to feast on their selection of fresh seafood paired with innovative fusion cuisine beside the pool and around the dining room.

Turning our attention inland, Birkenhead House is also conveniently found near some of South Africa’s best wine farms. Among the rolling hills of the valley in and around Hermanus are 15 farms, of which most feature in the official Cape Wine Route. With swathes of award-winning wines to sample alongside the farm’s specialised canapés, dishes and desserts, the team at Birkenhead House know the valley inside out. Curating tailored tours of the valley, visit the vineyards they feel you’ll love the most. Here you’ll learn about the region’s proximity to the ocean and its cooler climate, helping to produce some of the country’s best wines, the perfect celebratory toast.

To book your romantic stay visit: www.theroyalportfolio.com/birkenhead-house/