This farm dating back to the 1600’s lies in the Drakenstein valley between Paarl and Franschoek. Babylonstoren aims to provide an authentic holistic experience in all that it has on offer. The highlight of the farm is its organic garden and produce from here is served in the farm restaurant. This place oozes history and charm and it’s well worth a visit by all who venture into the cape Winelands.
The Farm Hotel at Babylonstoren
Think thick whitewashed walls and authentic farm-style accommodation. Fireplaces for cosy winter evenings and fantastic and genuine service is the order of the day. Babylonstoren farm owner Karen Roos had the vision to create something special and super authentic.
For those who want to immerse themselves in this garden of Eden in the Winelands the hotel at Babylonstoren offers luxurious replicas of old farm workers cottages as accommodation. Of course, hotel guests will explore the gardens and dine at the farm restaurants whilst sipping on the estate’s fine selection of wines. The hotel oozes style and attention to detail and is lavish but at the same time understated.
Guests will be enthralled by the incredible three and a half hectare garden that supplies the three restaurants on the farm. Definitely take a guided tour to understand better how significant this garden has become. There are mountain bikes, rowing boats and endless miles of country roads to explore in your time on Babylonstoren.
The Garden Spa at Babylonstoren is set in a glade of bamboo and offers world-class treatments. So whilst staying at the hotel indulge yourself in a day of pampering bliss!
Babylonstoren Garden
The garden stands out as the farm’s main attraction and pays homage to the company gardens in Cape Town and its importance in supplying ships rounding the Cape of Good Hope. There’s a daily guided tour and literally kilometres of paths to discover what’s being grown and what’s in season. There are over three hundred varieties of trees and everything grown here is edible and used in the two farms to fork restaurants or has medicinal properties. From vegetables to fruit, ducks and chickens to beehives – it’s all there for you to discover. The whole garden is fed by gravity flow water and it’s a masterpiece of diversity, design and engineering.
There’s also a spice garden which is housed in a domed conservatory and is full of the spices associated with the spice trade. So visualize nutmeg, turmeric and ginger as you explore this special space that pays homage to the spice trade and its importance to the Cape. Private functions can also be hosted in the Spice Garden Dome.
Babel Restaurant Babylonstoren
Eating at Babylonstoren is all about freshness. Homegrown seasonal produce is used by local chefs to create dishes themed by colour, texture and flavour. The main restaurant Babel is located in an original restored cowshed and mirrors Cape Dutch style and architecture. Menus in winter will be slow-cooked and comforting, whilst in summer expect a zing of freshness and pizazz!
Greenhouse Restaurant at Babylonstoren
For simpler and lighter fare head to the Greenhouse Restaurant for some no-fuss food. The bakery provides fresh artisanal bread and these combine perfectly with local cheeses and cured meats. A comprehensive range of salads is also available daily.
PER PERSON SHARING PER NIGHT