Babylonstoren
Archive article.
Babylonstoren received a great deal of attention not long after opening, earning spots on Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List and Travel + Leisure’s IT List as one of the best new hotels in the world. Those accolades were just some of the many reasons I wanted to experience Babylonstoren for myself.
I arrived in the afternoon and was escorted directly to my room. Babylonstoren has just 12 suites in total: eight one-bedroom cottages and four two-bedroom cottages, all beautifully spaced out across the property to ensure privacy and tranquility.
I stayed in a one-bedroom suite, and it was absolutely lovely, with a distinctive design that blends contemporary comfort with rustic elegance, as you can see in the photos below. The freestanding bathtub and an exceptionally comfortable bed were thoughtful touches that made the stay feel indulgent yet relaxed.
Babylonstoren itself is far more than a hotel—it is a living, breathing working farm and one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Franschhoek–Paarl area. The heart of the property is its extraordinary garden, inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town. Guests are encouraged to wander freely through orchards, vegetable patches, herb gardens, vineyards, and water features, all immaculately maintained and deeply calming. Everything grown on the farm is seasonal, organic where possible, and used throughout the property—from the restaurant and bakery to the spa treatments and even the soaps in the rooms.
The atmosphere at Babylonstoren is lovely. There is no pressure to “do” anything, yet there is always something to discover: freshly baked bread at the farm shop, a swim in the natural pool, a stroll past grazing ducks, or a drink as the sun sets over the mountains. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature in a very authentic way.
Current rates started at ZAR 4,270 in high season and ZAR 2,970 in low season back then, which I consider excellent value for the experience offered.
The service level was very good, though not flawless—but that’s not what defines Babylonstoren. As a relatively new property, it’s unrealistic to compare it to ultra-polished lodges like Singita from day one. What truly stands out is the warmth and friendliness of the staff.
The minibar is complimentary. It isn’t pre-stocked upon arrival; instead, guests are asked what they would like, and everything is delivered promptly—a nice personalized touch.
Their restaurant, Babel, was named one of the top 20 restaurants in South Africa and offers a fantastic dining experience. The kitchen focuses heavily on ingredients sourced directly from the farm, and the concept works very well. The atmosphere at Babylonstoren is among the best I’ve experienced at any country hotel in my travels.
Overall, this was a fantastic and truly unique addition to my hotel portfolio. Babylonstoren is a very special place with its own strong identity and character. Highly recommended as a fantastic place to stay on a road trip in the Western Cape.
The photos below were taken by me.
