Babylonstoren
SOUTH AFRICA
THE PERSONALITIES
Wine lovers and foodies. Families and friends looking for an upscale farm experience.
MOMENTS
Cycling through the vineyard. Relaxing in a garden filled with exotic granadillas, pineapples, and dragonfruit. Smell of ginger, cardamom, and vanilla in the air. Complimentary wine bar.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
Anytime, but October to March is the warmest.
COST
WHY STAY
Babylonstoren, a renowned Cape Dutch farm in South Africa's Cape Winelands dating back to 1692, is a boutique hotel with an organic garden, a vineyard, and a farm-to-table restaurant.
The accommodation choices include one bedroom suites, one or two bedroom cottages and the newest addition - the Farmhouse suites. Enjoy cozy fireplaces, white walls and open-space design. Cool off in the pool during the summer or take a nap in one of the hammocks hidden in the trees. Visit the salt room or the sauna in the Spa during the cooler months. Enjoy an authentic farm experience.
WHY WANDER
Explore all 200 hectares of the farm. Take the garden tour and see all the fruits and vegetables organically grown at Babylonstoren. Partake in harvesting the fruit or pruning the wines. Take the cellar tour and learn about the winemaking process, which includes wine tasting of course. Hike up Babylonstoren Hill or take a canoe through a river. Take advantage of the complimentary mountain bikes. Visit the Greenhouse for tea and homemade scones in the afternoon.
INDULGE IN
Organic food from the garden. Wine from 13 different grape varieties. Visit the Babel restaurant for contemporary, seasonal dishes. Take a piece of Babylonstoren home with you with something from their Cheese and Bread Shop.
GETTING THERE
Take a taxi or a rented car from the Cape Town Airport.
WILD INITIATIVES
The farm prioritizes organic farming methods, utilizing natural pest control, composting, and crop rotation to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact. Efficient water management is also crucial, with advanced irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting in place to conserve water in this drought-prone region. Renewable energy plays a significant role, with solar panels providing clean energy for various operations, thereby lowering the farm's carbon footprint. Biodiversity is actively preserved and enhanced, with extensive gardens home to a variety of plant species that attract beneficial insects and birds, creating a balanced ecosystem. Effective waste management practices, including recycling, composting organic waste, and reducing single-use plastics, further minimize the farm's environmental impact. The hospitality offerings at Babylonstoren, including the hotel and restaurants, emphasize sustainability by sourcing ingredients directly from the farm, reducing food miles, and implementing eco-friendly practices. Additionally, Babylonstoren is dedicated to educating visitors and the local community about sustainable farming and living through workshops, tours, and interactive experiences. The conservation of historical buildings and cultural heritage also forms a core part of the farm's sustainability ethos, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved for future generations.
*Images property of Babylonstoren Hotel