"As you roll up to the entry, how does Birkenhead House strike you?This sprawling cream-colored villa is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the stunning vantage point is one of the hotel's finest features: Hermanus is known for its rugged natural beauty, and Birkenhead House maximizes that in all directions. Nice. So who else do you spot in the lobby?This hotel draws a sophisticated crowd of mostly couples (many on honeymoon), though there are often multigenerational families booking out several rooms or the entire house. Hermanus is a scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town, and makes for a dreamy add-on to a South Africa itinerary for all kinds of travelers. We'd like to check out the view from our room. How quickly can we get checked in and settled? Every second of the stay is seamless: It's called Birkenhead House, after all, and you really do feel like you've arrived at the beautifully appointed home of someone you (wished you) knew. Do the rooms also feel like someone's impossibly chic home?Owner and designer Liz Biden is a legend in South Africa for her dramatic flair, which she adds to every one of her properties—bold colors, gilded accents, vintage furniture—but it all somehow stops short of being over the top. Each of the 11 rooms here is unique. Room 2 has a bright-pink headboard that manages to avoid clashing with the sexy red armchairs; Room 6 has a zebra-skin mirror; the bed in Room 5 is framed by antique carved wooden buttresses from India; and Room 11 is decorated with antique Chinese vases. Sounds lovely. Tell us a little more about the details that set the rooms apart.There are lots of thoughtful touches, like the Champagne and strawberries as you settle in, the fully stocked mini-bar, and the complimentary inclusion of helpful amenities like laundry. The main perk, though, is the amazing staff—anything you can think of, they'll be sure to materialize. Please tell us there's some solid home cooking available, too.Since this is like a home, you can eat whenever you want, wherever you want—from your room to your balcony to poolside on the terrace. Everything is meticulously prepared and delicious, but you're also close to all the best restaurants and cafés of Hermanus, should you want to eat out a few times during your stay. What were some of the most memorable elements of your stay?You can spy whales from the balcony or while having a dip in the amazing infinity-edge pool—it doesn't get more magical that. Despite the boutique hotel's intimate scale, it has a wonderful spa; you can even request an outdoor treatment with a view. To conclude, can you tell us in a few words why we should make the trip?Hermanus is a lovely add-on to any South Africa trip, and this is the best hotel in the area by far. If you're a serious whale watcher, it's a no brainer: You can't beat these views." - Sarah Khan
