The Cape & Winelands

Hermanus is renowned as the best destination for land-based whale watching in the world and there is no finer spot to enjoy that than on the patio of Birkenhead House. But if you're serious about whales, then why not go on a whale cruise or even take to the skies, soaring high above these majestic mammals. Learn all about the fascinating behaviour of Southern Right and Humpback whales and gain insights into their extraordinary movements that include lob tailing, spy hopping and peduncling.

Waves splash into the mussel-clad rocks that decorate the beaches immediately below Birkenhead House. Our executive chef will take guests down to Voëlklip Beach and show them how to safely pick these delicious marine treats. Not only that, but he'll show you how to prepare the mussels with a little garlic, cream and white wine so that you can savour the fruits of your labour with a lovely glass of locally produced Sauvignon Blanc.

The Hemel-en-Aarde is one of South Africa's premier, cool-climate wine producing regions and is home to some of the country's finest and oldest estates including Hamilton Russel and Bouchard Finlayson as well as some of the more modern estates such as Creation. Not only are the wines superb, but the landscape is spectacular. Enjoy a guided tour with a knowledgeable expert, or enliven the experience by doing it on horseback or even on quad bikes.

Sea kayaking is a wonderful outdoor pursuit for the more adventurous. It will get you up close to some of Hermanus's fascinating sea life and it's also great exercise. Paddle along the coastline all the way from the Old Harbour in town to the New Harbour under the careful supervision of the local seals.

Hermanus is surrounded on all sides by natural wonder. As well as the marine fascinations, there are two incredible nature reserves in close proximity - Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. For botanists, Fernkloof is certainly one of the most rewarding destinations in the Cape Floral Kingdom to explore the diverse fynbos.

Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve that lies just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The area is also historically significant, with records of Middle Stone Age people (65 000 to 85 000 years ago) living in Klipgat Cave.

Birkenhead House is one of the best spots in South Africa to relax. The beaches and the champagne air make for a heady combination. But no relaxation would be complete without a treatment in the Spa.

Whether you'd like a Swedish massage or a manicure & pedicure, the Birkenhead House Spa is the perfect Sanctuary in which to forget the worries of the world.

Hermanus is a wonderful golfing destination with two excellent courses very close by. Hermanus Golf Club in the centre of town and Arabella golf club just a short distance away. Arabella is consistently voted among the Top 5 golf courses in South Africa. For those looking for an extended golf tour, there are many more fantastic courses along the Garden Route.

Franschhoek is known as the "Food and Wine Capital of South Africa." Despite its tiny size, the town boasts an incredible range of cafés and stylish restaurants with every style of food on offer. From traditional English pub food to classic bistro fare, superb wood-fired pizzas to sumptuous sushi, this gourmet dining town has it all.

If you feel like venturing into the village, a complimentary transfer service from La Residence is available to take you to one of the many, award-winning, Franschhoek restaurants.

Whether you are a connoisseur or an enthusiastic newcomer to the wonderful world of wine, Franschhoek offers exciting experiences for wine lovers. Wine-making has an illustrious 300-year old history in the Franschhoek Valley and there are a number of historic family wine farms worth visiting for their fascintating heritage, quaint architecture and beautiful vineyards.

Explore boutique wineries or enjoy private tastings with expert sommeliers. Alternative experiences include wine safaris on horseback, Harley Davidson tours, cycling or walking tours, and helicopter trips for a bird's-eye view of the beautiful region. A complimentary transfer service is available at La Residence to escort guests to any of the local estates.

For the ultimate relaxation, pamper yourself with a massage in the spa treatment room. The La Residence Spa offers a wide range of treatments and massages including the signature Pinotage treatments which use organic grape products in a variety of beneficial ways.

The Wemmers River is packed with wild brown trout and rainbow trout. La Ferme rents out fly fishing equipment for you to use in the river or in one of their trout dams. If fly-fishing is not your thing, spinning tackle is available to use in one of their bass dams.

South Africa is producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Many of those top rated tipples are produced in remote and spectacular locations as leading winemakers search far and wide for the ultimate terroir. There is no finer way to experience the rich diversity and breathtaking beauty of the Cape winelands than by helicopter. We have carefully crafted three distinct helicopter routes which will allow you to sample the diverse expressions of South Africa’s top varietals:

- The Swartland & The Hemel en Aarde Valley
- Stellenbosch & Elgin
- Constantia & Cape Point

Indulge in the "chocolate experience" at Huguenot Fine Chocolates, a local boutique chocolaterie. The half-hour tour includes the story of chocolate, a chocolate making demonstration, and a chocolate tasting.

Whether you'd like a lazy pedal through the village or a strenuous hike up Mont Rochelle, La Residence is filled with quaint architecture and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Hiking and mountain biking are wonderful ways to work up an appetite for the exceptional local gastronomy.

There is no shortage of art galleries and pottery studios in the Cape winelands. Whether you are looking to purchase, or just to admire, we can direct you to a number of excellent galleries. A notable gallery close to La Residence is located at La Motte wine estate, dedicated to JH Pierneef - one of South Africa's most famous artists.

This is a must for any car enthusiast. The museum is on L’Ormarins wine estate and houses an impressive collection of over 100 collector’s cars from an 1898 Beeston Motor Tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo.

There are numerous world-class golf courses to choose from in the Cape winelands. The renowned Pearl Valley Golf course, host to the South African Open Championship, is a mere fifteen minutes drive from Franschhoek.