With a heritage dating back to 1692, no-one could have predicted Babylonstoren’s exhuberant rebirth after its restoration - or the fact that the experiential traveller would respond so emotively to its holistic ethos, which has very little to do with wine tasting, and more to do with soothing the soul, healing the mind and feeding the senses. It’s this mindfulness and intelligent vision that has redefined and rebranded the wine estate experience forever, by celebrating the simple pleasures of farm life but with designer cred that is layered through and through. Seven of the 13 rooms have glass-walled kitchens leading into the kitchen gardens, designed by French architect Patrice Taravella and featuring traditional hanging gardens, chamomile lawns, a walled bee garden, and even outsize bird nests to retreat to. Guests mingle, exploring the estate’s many delights, whether it’s a meal in the award-winning Babel restaurant with its farm-to-table menu, or a taste of charcuterie, cheese and wine in the farm shop. Tea in the elegant Conservatory in the gardens is as much a ritual as the ancient cleansing treatment in the marble hammam or a refreshing swim in the reservoir-style pool.
This historic Cape Dutch farm has been elegantly renovated and features a garden full of fresh produce used in the restaurant. Babylonstoren also contains a spa with a massage service and Turkish bath.
Each of the air-conditioned apartments retains historic details, such as wooden farm doors, fireplaces and thick stone walls. They are also equipped with modern kitchens, designer bathrooms and cable TVs. Free WiFi is provided.
A fresh breakfast is provided daily and guests can order a packed lunch to explore the area on a bike, borrowed for free from Babylonstoren. The property also offers tea rituals, available via reservation at a surcharge.
There is an indoor pool as well as an outside pool featuring a sun terrace with views of the mountains.
Babylonstoren offers free private parking and a shuttle services can be arranged at a surcharge upon request. Cape Town International Airport is 50 km away.
