With a private strip of beach and a pool that is almost in the sea, Birkenhead House brings you total luxury in a spectacular setting overlooking Voelklip Beach near the whale-mad town of Hermanus.

Rising from a rocky promontory, Birkenhead House is an unassumingly modern cream-coloured construction with classic lines and elegant interiors. Colonnades, French doors, massive windows, polished floors, Persian rugs, crystal chandeliers, antique artworks and furniture- with every closer look, the unassuming house turns into a regal mansion.

The 11 suites have been furnished with individual but similar old money elegance: crystal chandeliers, antique furniture and marble floors; the bathrooms are luxurious sanctuaries with twin vanities, sunken baths and plate-sized shower heads. Stand-out amenities include a fully stocked mini bar, home entertainment system, Molton Brown toiletries and Ralph Lauren linen.

You don't pay for a cup of coffee at home nor do you sign for your salmon croissant in the morning. Thus at Birkenhead, everything barring premium important drinks, is included in the price. It almost goes without saying that the quality of the food, wine list and service is excellent.

Facilities include a restaurant, lounge, bar and deck, spa treatments, a gym, a mini-theatre, a lounge with fireplace and card table and two swimming pools - the front one almost in the sea it's so close; the back pool is well sheltered from the natural sea breeze.