Head an hour’s drive north-east of Cape Town and you will arrive at Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa. Set in the Franschhoek Wine Valley, this incredible hotel is matched by its gorgeous surroundings. Babylonstoren is an incredibly special place for us and Marketing Manager Grace Wright spent a couple of days relaxing there. She shares what 48 hours is like at this dreamy retreat…
When you first arrive at Babylonstoren, you’re treated to lunch in the greenhouse, which is served on picnic-style wooden benches. You’ll discover that all food at Babylonstoren is served oozing with love and style and here you will get bread wrapped in iconic blue and white Babylonstoren paper – we love it!
Before supper, you will have time to go on the hotel’s guided mountain drive. This is a truly unique experience, where you will learn about Babylonstoren’s history while overlooking some spectacular scenery and enjoying a drink and nibbles. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime memory you will not forget for years to come!
Now, it’s time to enjoy supper at Babel. This is the hotel’s signature restaurant with its renowned farm-to-fork philosophy in a former cow shed. Feast upon the gentle flavours of the current harvest, seasoned with spices and combined with fresh produce straight from the butchery – all for you to enjoy!
Call one of the Fynbos Cottages yours for two nights. The cottages are newly built, open plan and luxury is at the heart of everything. You’ll have access to a shared pool and lounge and bar area, with an honesty bar for you to enjoy. With the mountain backdrop, a little sunshine and the birds tweeting around you, you can really sit back and relax and ease yourself into farm life. The cottages are incredible at any time of year: in the colder months, enjoy a hearty fireplace and books with a glass of red; in the summer bask in the South African sun admiring the sensational flowers.
After a cosy night’s sleep, breakfast at Babel consists of fresh fruit, newly baked bread and an array of juices packed with goodness. It’s the best possible start to the day and you will be guaranteed to leave feeling full and rejuvenated, ready to take on day two of farm life!
Every day, Babylonstoren’s team of brilliant gardeners lead a garden tour starting at 10am. Be sure to wear comfy trainers so you can fully embrace the 3.5 hectares of cultivated fruit and vegetables, along with rare flowers and plants.
Babylonstoren also holds regular workshops, free of charge for hotel guests. One of our favourites is the bread making in the bakery. Get your hands dirty and bake your very own loaf of bread! Whether it is sweet with a pear in the middle or a savoury option like garlic and rosemary, the chefs in charge will ensure you leave with some delicious lunch!
Now it’s time for some R&R, and there’s no better place than the Garden Spa. You can choose from a selection of classic treatments followed by a delicious fresh juice served in the tranquil garden room. If you have time, we highly recommend spending a little time in the relaxing pool which is half inside and half outside.
Enjoy your last night in style, with supper at the Bakery for an Italian-inspired evening. This consists of a four-course menu starting with antipasti and salad, then pasta and, thirdly, wood-fired pizza. You finish off with a strong coffee to wash down the goodness!
