Virgin Holidays + HIP Hotels Top Picks

The people at Virgin Holidays + Hip Hotels know the most exclusive places to stay worldwide and have selected three of the very best that they think every discerning traveller should know about.

South Africa has far more than football; in fact it has beautiful coastlines and the very special ‘Birkenhead House’ hotel.

Situated on the craggy rocks in Hermanus, an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town the 11 room Birkenhead House offers a luxury retreat in an unspoilt region that is famous for whale watching. Wine connoisseurs can enjoy visiting the region’s various wine farms and for guests who have no fear, shark diving gives travellers a chance to see the mighty Great White up close and very personal. Or if you simply want to relax at the hotel why not take a spa treatment overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ultimate tranquility in the Maldives comes as standard; imagine the most pristine beach, sparkling clear water, fresh Keralan style lobster served in a rustic Alang-Alnd pavilion and you can guess how spectacular Cocoa Island hotel is. The surrounding ocean offers amazing snorkelling and diving and the calm waters are brilliant for a gentle kayak or sailing trip. This Vhip hotel offers guests a rustic holiday free of bling and unnecessary extravagance, understanding that sometimes less is more.

For travellers more inclined to the bright lights of the city then The Clift is smack bang in the cosmopolitan centre of San Francisco. Located just steps away from Union Square the classic facade opens up to an exciting interior designed by Philippe Starck with chairs from Eames and a Salvador Dali coffee table. The Clift is the epitome of elegance fused with a fearless attitude towards unique modern design.

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