Editors' Picks

Babylonstoren

Contemporary, zen, farm

babylonstoren Franschhoek south africa

27 (0) 21 863 3852

See Website

At a Glance

The massive property, with a working farm and acres of gardens, embodies a new generation of eco-travel.

Indagare Loves

  • The chic, minimalist aesthetic of room interiors
  • Babel’s farm-to-table culinary delights
  • The hotel's focus on sustainability and ecotourism

Review

On the foothills of the Drakenstein, this destination hotel–cum–rural utopia put the South African Winelands in the spotlight when it opened in 2010. The massive property, with a working farm and acres of gardens, embodies an innovative new generation of eco-travel.

Guests stay in minimalist one- or two-bedroom suites in white-washed, 17th-century Cape Dutch–style farm buildings. There, visitors are completely immersed in the sublime natural setting: days include fishing and canoeing in the property’s water reserve; exploring the resort’s numerous hiking and biking trails; or touring the gorgeous gardens with Babylonstoren’s expert horticulturists. The hotel puts a premium on its sustainability and commitment to green technology. For instance, the garden forbids pesticides but rather makes use of insects and small animals to reduce its environmental footprint.

Another draw is the superb Garden Spa, which offers numerous enriching treatments, plus a steam and sauna room and two pools. Don’t miss the indulgent Hammam Water Ritual, which includes a full body exfoliation and body butter massage. Many therapies include oils and scrubs made from freshly picked herbs.

However, the magnum opus of Babylonstoren is its prized farm-to-table cuisine. The resort’s fine-dining restaurant, Babel, is one of Cape Town’s most sought-after eateries and serves elevated seasonal fare using incredibly fresh produce. Guests have the option to pick ingredients from the on-site garden and cook themselves in one of the six state-of-the-art cottage kitchens (or, solicit the help of one of Babel’s chefs, who are eager to lend a hand). There is also a more casual eatery, which serves equally delicious food.

Who Should Stay

Foodies; ecotourists; couples and families who plan to spend time reaping the benefits of the property (as quaint Franschhoek and bustling Stellanbosch are each 25 minutes away).

Written by Indagare

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