Babylonstoren: A Magical Farm Stay in Cape Wine Country Second to None
Babylonstoren in the Cape winelands is nothing less than a utopia. This is an enchanting farm world of vineyards and orchards; ducks, donkeys and a good pecking order of roosters; top of the line gastronomy and fabulous homegrown wines. A Garden of Eden shelters all manner of visual delights and botanicals that heal. Balmy days of endless summers are cooled at farm dams and reservoirs, and on sublime pool decks that bring astonishing views of wine country. Spa pleasures and speciality tasting and shopping experiences provide a sensory extravaganza. For hands-on people, harvesting is the ultimate farm-stay experiential treat. The enchantment of Cape heritage and centuries-old farm buildings combine with the sophistication of a modern, top-tier hotel, producing an experience that is utterly magical, and grounded in all the standards of luxury of a distinguished, world-class hotel.
STAY AT BABYLONSTOREN
The beautiful new Fynbos Cottages are set some distance away from the main hotel amid lush fynbos and with captivating views of the mountains. Golf carts are provided for guests to commute between the accommodation and the hotel’s facilities.Luxurious bathrooms are provided at the Fynbos Cottages. Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.There is an exquisite pool deck for guests to enjoy who are staying in Fynbos Cottages.These are the Farm Hotel Suites and Cottages at Babylonstoren, set along a peaceful, oak-lined avenue on the farm.
In addition to the Fynbos and Farm Hotel Suites and Cottages, the Farmhouse at Babylonstoren houses the handsome Farmhouse Suites, which are centred around a pool, hot tub and sauna area, whilst The Manor House is a distinguished 5-bedroom residence, available for the exclusive use of up to 10 guests vacationing together.
EAT AND LOVE WINE AT BABYLONSTOREN
Babel is the flagship restaurant at Babylonstoren, housed in the farm’s old cow shed. This award-winning restaurant is an exciting mix of historic Cape architecture and state-of-the-art glass walls and contemporary decor. Enjoy outstanding food, prepared with soul from a farm-to-fork philosophy, which ensures that all food is seasonal and absolutely fresh. Reservations are essential and need to be made well in advance over high season. Babel is also the venue for breakfast at Babylonstoren. Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.Shaded by great old oak trees, Greenhouse Restaurant is a tranquil place in the garden to enjoy fresh salads made from seasonal goodies from the garden, light meals and freshly prepared, cooling drinks, such as this homemade ginger beer and wine-and-rose spritzer.Simple and fresh, the food at Greenhouse is presented with farm-style aplomb. Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.
Yet another eating experience at Babylonstoren is Dinner at the Bakery, on Mondays and Fridays at 19:00. There, guests can feast on Italian-inspired dinners featuring antipasti and then wood-fired pizza, and rounded off with dolce and coffee. On Wednesdays a Carnivore Evening celebrates Italian meat with the theme ‘local is lekker’. Red wines and live accordion music add to the experience.
Babylonstoren is a producer of top-ranking Cape wines. The Tasting Room is open daily, and cellar tours start there on the hour between 11:00 and 15:00. Enjoy the superlative Babylonstoren wines throughout your stay – at the restaurants, on the terrace of your suite, or at a beautiful picnic spot on the farm.
GARDEN PLEASURES AT BABYLONSTOREN
The Garden at Babylonstoren is a magical place sheltering a multitude of beauties and delights. Spanning all of 8 acres, this is a uniquely crafted garden that is tended with immense love and purpose. Garden tours start at 10:00 daily. At 11:30 there is a guided walk to discover special collections in the garden, such as the succulent collection, the cycads, clivias, or Healing Garden. At the Healing Garden, a vast variety of plants are cultivated that heal and nourish the body. Some of these are used in tea ceremonies that take place at 9:30 on Tuesdays.
The garden layout was planned by French architect Patrice Taravella. A stream carries water to the garden, which flows through zen-like ponds planted with lotus, lilies and waterblommetjies. The watery spaces in the garden provide cool spaces to offset the heat of day.Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.
TASTE AND SHOP AT BABYLONSTOREN
The Scented Room is a space of pure joy, where guests can take in garden-grown scents such as waterblommetjies, roses, fynbos and more. Unique soaps, candles and bath oils can be purchased. Guests can also get hands-on with scrub making, and learn about the process of producing essential oils.
A mouthwatering array of products are produced on site and are available for tasting and purchase at the Cheese Room, Meat Room, Bakery and Lekker (Sweet) Room.
LIVE THE FARM LIFE AT BABYLONSTOREN
What better swimming pool at a farm hotel than a reservoir? This is the pool to beat all pools, situated in a serene nook of the farm, near the spa, and the farm’s very own milk-white “beach”.Freshly picked, just for you. Find an offering of farm-fresh pickings in your suite.Life on the farm is good and wholesome for children. Farm animals are a delight, and Babylonstoren is surely every child’s most magical secret garden fantasy come true. Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.
In keeping with true farm spirit and hospitality, guests at Babylonstoren can also bake breads with the bakers!
PEDAL, PADDLE & POOTLE AT BABYLONSTOREN
Life on a farm puts you in the good company of a number of farm friends, among them an enthusiastic paddling of ducks. Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.The mirrored waters of the Babylonstoren Dam beg one to do a spot of boating or picnicking, or to cast a line for trout.Inhale clean country air and have a good leg-stretch on the farm, surrounded by beauty in every direction. Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.
Guests staying for two or more nights are invited on a mountain drive, to enjoy the end-of-day atmosphere of the farm. Your guide will share information about the farm’s history, the vineyards, orchards, trees and fynbos.
Live the utopian farm life at Babylonstoren, and be sure to feed the donkeys, do an early morning farm walk, cycle around the farm (bikes are provided for adults and children), walk the prickly pear maze, and collect eggs. There are also hikes to pursue.Image courtesy of Babylonstoren.
Mail us to book your stay at Babylonstoren, or call +27 21 797-7122 to speak to us.
Note regarding images: unless acknowledged as a Babylonstoren image, the images used in this post were taken by Exclusive Getaways.
