Babylonstoren at the Heart of The Winelands

Having visited Babylonstoren during a stop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram previously, I was incredibly excited to return, but this time to stay there!

After an effortless check-in, we were taken by golf cart up to our beautiful 2-bedroom Cape Dutch style Fynbos Cottage. They were set back away from the busy area of Babylonstoren, and I immediately felt a level of exclusivity and peace. With the backdrop of the Franschhoek mountains and a beautiful lake in front, our cottage awaited.

On entering our Fynbos Cottage, I couldn’t believe how spacious and stylishly decorated it was. Each bedroom had a stunning large en-suite bathroom. There was a lovely glass cubed kitchen and dining area with a lounge containing an extensive book selection and a fireplace. What was not to love?

Outside there were several tables and chairs set in different areas, all offering a variety of views of the estate and surrounding areas. We were also provided with some bicycles to explore and a golf cart to take us to and from the main area.

The pool at the Fynbos Cottages

One of the advantages of staying at the Fynbos Cottages is we had access to our very own exclusive pool area. Behind our cottage were a beautiful pool, Jacuzzi and a pool house that provided complimentary drinks. We spent time there relaxing with a glass of Mourvèdre Rosé, in between the other activities we did at Babylonstoren, which was terrific.

The food at Babylonstoren

Each morning we were served a delicious breakfast in the Babel Restaurant. There was a beautifully presented buffet which included fresh fruits, juices, cheese, meats, and baked goods, most of which were produced on the farm and on-site. We also enjoyed a lovely cooked breakfast so we certainly didn’t leave hungry!

During our stay, we also got to enjoy lunch in the Greenhouse Restaurant and dinner in the Bakery, which was a set Italian menu of pizza and pasta. On our second night, we dined in the Babel restaurant. The food was fresh and seasonal, filled with ingredients produced on the farm. All meals were, of course, served with delicious Babylonstoren wine of our choice.

Activities at Babylonstoren

We went on a private walking tour of the gardens, which was informative and very enjoyable. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we saw and learnt about many different plant species, their uses and even medicinal applications.

Of course, no stay at Babylonstoren is complete without a wine tasting! On our first afternoon we got to try a fantastic selection of Babylonstoren wines, my favourite being the Mourvèdre Rosé.

On our last night, we were treated to a private mountain drive for sundowners. At the top of the mountain, a decked area had been set up and we enjoyed more Babylonstoren wine while watching the sunset over the valley, what a great memory.

I also enjoyed visiting the Farm Shop, where, in addition to homeware, I was spoilt for choice in the Bakery, Meat Room, Cheese Room, Lekker Room and Scented Room. I certainly didn’t come away empty-handed.

There are many other activities to be enjoyed at Babylonstoren, but unfortunately, we ran out of time. There is a fabulous spa, a lake at our Fynbos Cottages to row on, and other tours including a cellar and farm tour. There is also a bakery where you can join in to make your own bread.

Thank you, Babylonstoren for a wonderful stay. The Fynbos Cottages are exquisite and I loved everything on offer at Babylonstoren. My only regret is I didn’t stay longer! I am sure I will be back to enjoy more of what Babylonstoren has to offer.