When chatting to Caroline of Classic Escapes about my stay at Babylonstoren, she hit the nail on the head. It’s like Jan van Riebeeck meets Phillippe Starck. It’s a decor, foodie or garden lovers dream! Or if it’s just some R&R you’re looking for, just one night on this tranquil farm had me feeling like I’d rested for a week, but most importantly, I left feeling inspired!
Karen Roos, ex editor of Elle Decor, transformed this 17th Centruy Fruit Farm into something magical. It’s easy to see why Babylonstoren has just been feature in Tatler Magazine’s Best Hotels for 2012.
On arrival, we were fetched by golf cart and shown round the farm.
I thought their swimming pool was the most novel idea. Fading into the landscape, the pool is modeled to look like a farm dam, even with the quirky charm of tractor-tire-inner-tubes bobbing on the pool. So much fun to chill in and relax while admiring the farm views. Beautiful woven baskets brimming with fluffy towels await alongside a small deck to take a good book too.
After a quick tour of the immediate properly, (See more in part 2) we were shown to our room. It was love at first site! Simple, white, attention to detail, quality and incredible decor are a few words that sprang to mind.
A bunch of fresh grapes await from the farm, as well as an inclusive mini bar with tasty local wines and coffee facility. I really enjoyed the selection of Dilmah Teas. With flavours like Rose & Vanilla and Moroccan Mint Green Tea, I had to have a little tea sampling session with the yummy rusks provided.
I made sure to allow some time to lap up the beautiful bathroom. What sets a place apart for me, is thought and attention to detail. Not only were there beautiful L’Occitane amenities and kikoi’s to wear to the pool, but an out of this world smelling bunch of floral herbs in the bathroom.
The herbs are called “Babylonstoren bath salts” and the little posy is to be dropped into your bath for an aromatic, herbal infused bath. Which is exactly what I did after a run around the farm on Sunday morning. You’ll need one after all the amazing food.
All the rooms are different, with ours having its shower outside. You just can’t beat showering under the stars.
Each room has its own private outside area. A perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine. I really enjoyed the complimentary, light and easy drinking Niel Joubert Chenin in our room and bought a few bottles at the Babylonstoren shop. ( To be featured in up coming posts)
The rooms are restored farm laborers cottages and there is also a renovated and historic manor house for exclusive use. I said to my husband, Babylonstoren makes me want to get married again. Dream location! I’ve been privileged to stay in some great hotels, but Babylonstoren hold something special! xx
KIM GRAY TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
Not included in the nightly rate:
Meals other than breakfast
All drinks other than the personal bars in the suites
1% tourism levy per suite per night
All transfers
CHILDREN
Families are most welcome at Babylonstoren and children under 2 stay free if sharing a room with their parents in a cot
Families of a maximum of 4 guests (regardless of age) to be accommodated in a 2 bedroomed cottage at standard rates
Families of 3 guests (regardless of age) sharing a 2 bedroomed
THE GARDEN AT BABYLONSTOREN
The garden will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 09h00 to 17h00
The garden will be closed on Monday and Tuesday
The garden however is available to hotel guests every day of the week and entry is incl in the rate.
Price of unguided garden visits – R10 per person (100% of gate fees goes to BabylonstorenTrust for education of our community)
Number of visitors to the garden will be limited at any one time
Information at the farm gate will be offered as to when access to the garden is next available should the garden visits have reached their limit
Regrettably no reservations for non-guided garden visits – available on a first-come first-serve basis
Guided visits of the garden are available on pre-booked basis
BABEL RESTAURANT
A restaurant inspired by Maranda Engelbrecht
Open everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner for hotel guests
Open to day visitors from Wednesday to Sunday from 10h00to 16h00
Lunch reservations essential
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT
Check in by 14h00 – We will offer guests who arrive early the use of the facilities at our Spa to freshen up should their suite not be ready for occupation
Check out by 11h00 – Late departures are subject to suite availability – we will always do our utmost to take the best possible care of our guests
KIM GRAY TRAVEL TERMS PAYMENT & CANCELLATIONS
All reservations to be guaranteed by direct deposit or credit card
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm reservations 7 days after the reservation has been made
Full payment to be received 45 days prior to arrival
A cancellation 45 days and less prior to commencement of stay will result in a cancellation fee of 100%
We reserves the right to cancel a booking should payment not be received as stipulated
We recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.
FOR BOOKINGS:
Pop back to learn more about the historic grounds, restaurant and spa in part 2 & 3 of Babylonstoren.
