Hotel Babylonstoren (Paarl)

Just 60 kms from Cape Town in the Groot Drakenstein Valley, Babylonstoren - named after the small hill on the farm named by early Dutch settlers in honor of the Bible’s Hanging Gardens of Babylon - dates to 1692. The 8-acre formal French kitchen garden at Babylonstoren, inspired by Cape Town’s famous 17th-century Company Gardens of the Dutch East India Company, is the central focus of the farm. Today, cultivation of the freshest fruit, herbs and vegetables is paramount and the menu at the farm’s restaurant, Babel, is driven by the seasons and what nature dictates. With over 300 fruits, vegetables and herbs to choose from, there is always be something fresh and surprising.

Overlooking the vineyards and garden with the historic farm buildings forming a backdrop, Babylonstoren’s 13 guest cottages echo Cape Dutch farm buildings. This style was developed in the Cape Colony in the 17th and 18th centuries: the outer walls are whitewashed and decorated with ornate gables and the interiors are pleasantly cool in summer (due to thick walls) and are heated by open hearths in winter. In these cottages we see 18th century-style exteriors boldly yet seamlessly married to the 21st century.

Hotel guests are encouraged to pick fruit and veggies from the garden, explore the farm on bicycle, join our daily garden tour, enjoy our signature hammam treatment in the garden spa, or simply unwind with a glass of wine in the hotel’s green room.

The abundant harvest table breakfast is served from 8h00 – 10h00 in the garden’s beautiful greenhouse. Guests can also enjoy dinner on the farm, either in Babel restaurant four nights a week, or in the farm bakery (Sun, Mo & Wed).

National Rating: Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization. Know Before You Go: This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details 72 hours prior to arrival prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property. Fees: The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out. Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 1800 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Mandatory Fees and Taxes: You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property: 1 percent tourism fee will be charged We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.