Babylonstoren
Where:Cape Town
Why:Design Tour
When:February 2013
Who:Me and a group of art & design journalists
Golden tree lined walkways separate each building.
Farm Hotel: Open plan glass fronted dining area overlooking the gardens.
Bathroom with free-standing bath with simple yet luxurious features.
Look at the sky! For acres around the blue skies compliment the lush green vistas under Simonsberg Mountain.
Quite literally a green house, here you can enjoy light home made snacks. Everything that comes from the garden ends up at the Green House Café, seasonal salads and freshly baked cupcakes are a delight!
Here is the beautifully decorated Rosewater Cupcake!
I would strongly recommend a tour of their wonderful gardens. The garden keepers are knowledgeable and will make you fall in love with the place.
The shared outdoor pool is right next to the spa, so does make for some excellent relaxi-time.
Their Babel restaurant is only two years old and is already decorated with awards. A restored ‘werf’ it now has glass walls, a feature ceramic wall, Philippe Stack chairs and a mish-mash of cutlery. The food is always seasonal and mostly organic.
Old Dutch Houses dating back from the 17th & 18th Centuries have been wonderfully restored. Pleasantly cool in the summer, the ‘werf’ buildings including restaurants, suites, shop and restaurant.
Highs & Lows
The location of the Winelands could not be more breathtaking. Allow at least three days, as you will not want to leave.
Babylonstoren is an eco/responsible farm hotel, which maintains one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms in South Africa.
Take time to find the chamomile lawn, lay under the sun and take in all the aromas. Yum!
You will need a car or taxi to visit anywhere else in the region.
There is no form of entertainment. Not that you’ll need it really.
Important Bits
- Type
Luxury Boutique Farm Hotel
- Vibe
Elegant, rustic, playful and serene. The kind of place where you can leave it all behind and enjoy nature.
- Location
In the glorious Winelands 45 minutes drive from Cape Town.
- Rooms
17 Suites
- Music
With birds singing and bees buzzing I doubt you'll need it.
- Year Opened
2011
- Designed By
Karen Roos & Partners
- Pool/Gym
Yes, plus spa!
- Restaurant
Babel Restaurant and Green House Cafe
- Bar
No, but Babylonstoren wine is served at both the café and restaurant. You can also purchase bottles from the Farm Shop.
- Wifi
Yes
- Children
If you've got them they would love it here!
- Price
Expensive to stay but very worth it. Food and wine is very reasonable which balances things out.
Visit Stellenbosch
STELLENBOSCH
Close by with many attractions.
Cape Point
paarl
Stunning views and some err...'friendly' baboons.
Paarl
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa
Visit the wine farms.
Babylonstoren
R45, Simondium, 7670, South Africa
In the Area
Hotel Location R45, Simondium, 7670, South Africa
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