Babylonstoren is a privately-owned boutique accommodation among working farms in the Drakenstein Valley. Surrounded by orchards and vineyards and housed within a converted Cape Dutch farm building, the hotel offers spectacular views all around, fresh farm-to-table cuisine and a number of family-friendly on-site activities.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The hotel sits between Franschhoek and Paarl in the Drakenstein Valley. Cape Town is an hour away from Babylonstoren’s ideal location at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountains. The impressive farm and gardens cover 3.5 hectares and guests can wander through the extensive fruit orchards and vineyards, stroll up the Babylonstoren koppie and glide across the farm dam on canoes.
Rooms
The hotel has six one-bedroom suites, three one-bedroom cottages and four two-bedroomed cottages. Each is tastefully decorated in a Cape Dutch style and includes under-floor heating, fireplaces and a bookshelf stacked with books. The open-plan suites are located in the farmhouse and interiors include modern four-poster beds, spacious en-suites and designer furniture throughout.
The elegant cottages have the addition of a kitchen and lounge area and are either vineyard or garden facing.
Communal Areas
Babylonstoren prides itself on its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine and guests have two restaurants to choose from. Housed in an old cowshed, Babel offers dining throughout the day on its shaded courtyard. Alternatively, The Greenhouse Restaurant sits among oak trees and offers a laid-back café atmosphere with fresh juices and organic food. Head to the bakery in the morning for homely cooking, stroll through the gardens and browse the farm shop for souvenirs. Make use of the gym and swimming pool within the grounds or get pampered at the spa which utilizes freshly-picked herbs in its relaxing treatments.
Activities
Take a tour of the farm and eight-acre gardens with one of Babylonstoren’s knowledgeable gardeners, participate in garden workshops and help with the harvesting. There is also a maze and a lake to explore on-site. Visit the nearby village of Franschhoek for its boutiques, museums and gourmet restaurants or head to the town of Paarl for more culture and foodie delights. Guests can explore the region on hikes, bikes and even horse-riding excursions. For fishing enthusiasts, head to Wemmers River to go trout fishing amid the incredible scenery.
Bed & Breakfast
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures are often over 30°C/86°F, occasionally getting close to 40°C/104°F. Nights are warm, but comfortable.
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SUMMER
Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures are often over 30°C/86°F, occasionally getting close to 40°C/104°F. Nights are warm, but comfortable.
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
AUTUMN
This can be a fantastic time of year to visit as the summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle over the vineyards, generating red, burnished vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. Midday temperatures of around 25°C/77°F, mornings can be a little chilly at times, so do pack a warm jumper.
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
AUTUMN
This can be a fantastic time of year to visit as the summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle over the vineyards, generating red, burnished vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. Midday temperatures of around 25°C/77°F, mornings can be a little chilly at times, so do pack a warm jumper.
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER
The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER
The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER
The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER
The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SPRING
With a flora and fauna as biodiverse as the Western Cape it is no surprise that spring can be spectacular period to visit. Temperatures remain fairly cool, with a maximum average high of around 19°C/67°F, though the number of clear calm days is almost as high as the summer.
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SPRING
These months are a great time to visit South Africa. We would particularly recommend KwaZulu-Natal during this period, as well as the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape).
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
SUMMER
Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures average 25°C/77°F , but often rise over 30°C/86°F, occasionally getting close to 40°C/104°F. Nights are warm, but comfortable.
Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
