Babylonstoren

Nestled in the Winelands of Cape Dutch, right on the crossroads of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where the first vines were planted over 300 years ago, Babylonstoren is the perfect countryside escape. 

The rooms are in converted barns, looking out over the gardens or towards the farm’s vineyards. Rustic wooden floors and beams blend seamlessly with chic modern furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows and gleaming white decor make the cottages feel incredibly light and airy, and each has its own little bit of outside space.

With a walk-in cupboard, underfloor heating and a bathroom covered in chessboard cheques with a Victorian bath - perfect for wallowing with a glass of wine - consider one of the spacious and characterful Farmhouse Suites. There are also garden suites and one and two-bedroom cottages, as well as the Manor House which has 5 bedrooms - ideal for those seeking more space. 

Much of Babylonstoren's food comes straight from the gardens, gathered just before your meal, with distinct flavours that celebrate the seasons and the natural bounties on the doorstep used to create the delicious menus served in the original cow shed, which has been lovingly transformed into the Babel restaurant. Here, the ‘from farm to fork’ philosophy ensures your dishes are super fresh.

You can also enjoy Italian-inspired meals at the Bakery, alongside live music, or take a break under one of the oak trees at the Greenhouse for garden juices and tasty snacks. 

There’s a pool (stylishly converted from the old farm reservoir), a gym and a spa - head to the bamboo pavilion and Garden Spa for a deep-tissue massage.

There’s a lake that you can fish or canoe on, bicycles to explore the estate with, and the farm to discover - previous guests have got involved with everything from picking their own vegetables for dinner to helping with the plum harvest. Take a guided walk around the farm through the vineyards and orchards and up the Babylonstoren Koppie. 

Stroll around the beautiful private gardens, breathing in the lavender and biting into the apricots, and take part in a tea ceremony in the serene healing garden. For a perfect day out, enjoy a garden tour in the morning, followed by lunch and a wine tasting, plus a bit of retail therapy. 

At the end of the day, there is only one thing left to do - head to the hills beyond the farm in a Land Rover for a sundowner experience while enjoying panoramic views as far as Table Mountain as the sun slips beyond the horizon.