See, Eat, and Stay: Babylonstoren
One of our very favorite farm-kitchen-hotel-gardens in the world.
Franschhoek, South Africa
33 rooms, from 1500usd
Babylonstoren is a 200 year old farm, vineyard, hotel, and restaurant in the South African wine country, about 40 minutes outside of Cape Town. A series of beautiful white-washed buildings all circulate around the main event: a lush garden full of fresh herbs and vegetables. As you walk into the property, you’re greeted by free-range chickens and turkeys and a trio of donkeys. When visiting, the daily garden tour is an absolute must. 12 acres have been transformed into a space where everything is edible and available for picking. Weave through the garden, tasting, smelling, and picking, before ending the tour at a large, open building full of succulents. Lunch follows at the on-site restaurant, Babel, which is sourced 100% from the property’s produce and farm.
Babylonstoren also operates as a hotel, with clean farm-style design. Guests can pick baskets of produce to take back to their rooms to cook their own meals. They also have access to the spa, greenhouse, and participate in on-site workshops such as soap making. The property is truly a self-sustaining ecosystem that incorporates nature and fresh food into its daily lifestyle. Well worth a day spent, or even a couple nights.
From top left: The trio of donkey greeters; farm and vineyard scene; smelling the citrus leaves; guest cottages. At top: Succulent House.
Photo Source: Syllogi, Babylonstoren
Every publication will feature one unique restaurant, hotel, activity, or other travel discovery that stood out in our research. Some of these are established institutions that deserve repeat merit, while others are hidden gems that are often off the radar of most.
