Babylonstoren
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Hotel Details
Location
Simondium
South Africa, Africa
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Key Highlights
- ✓Dining at Babylonstoren is a central part of the farm's ethos, offering exceptional "farm-to-table" cuisine.
- ✓Breakfast:** Served at Babel, breakfast is consistently described as an "outstanding" farm-to-fork banquet, featuring fresh fruits, eggs, honeycomb, muesli, ham, and cheese.
- ✓Service Inconsistency:** One review suggested that while generally excellent, service could sometimes lack the international luxury standard due to limited exposure for some staff members.
Expert Review: Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren: A Comprehensive Hotel Review
Babylonstoren, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in Simondium, South Africa, consistently earns glowing reviews, often described by guests as an "exceptional," "phenomenal," and "paradise-like" escape. It stands out as a luxurious working farm that beautifully blends historical Cape Dutch architecture with modern, minimalist design and an unwavering commitment to a farm-to-fork philosophy.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Babylonstoren is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently awarding it top marks. Review platforms show exceptional ratings, with many describing it as an idyllic, enchanting, and restorative haven. It has been recognized as the #1 hotel in Southern Africa by Condé Nast Traveller and the #1 resort in Africa by Travel & Leisure World's Best Awards. The sentiment is one of profound satisfaction, with many guests resolving to return.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Babylonstoren:
- The Gardens: The expansive 8-acre gardens are considered a "world-wide reference point" and a major highlight, offering a serene oasis for exploration and relaxation.
- Farm-to-Fork Ethos: The deep integration of the working farm into the guest experience, from ingredients in the restaurants to engaging workshops, is highly praised.
- Activities & Amenities: A wide array of included activities such as guided garden tours, cellar tours, wine tasting, bread baking, fishing, and bicycle use allow guests to immerse themselves in the farm life. The spa, with its outdoor treatment areas, sauna, steam room, and vitality pools, also receives high acclaim.
- Design & Ambiance: The harmonious blend of historic Cape Dutch charm with elegant, modern interiors and thoughtful attention to detail creates a unique and atmospheric stay.
3. Room Quality
Babylonstoren offers various accommodations, including Garden Cottages, Fynbos Cottages, and suites in the Farmhouse. The rooms are described as "simple yet beautiful, luxurious, and private." They are renovated Cape Dutch farm buildings that maintain historic details like wooden farm doors and thick stone walls, yet feature delightfully modern, minimalist interiors. Guests can expect comfortable beds, designer bathrooms often with deep soaking bathtubs, and modern kitchens or kitchenettes. Many rooms boast fireplaces, four-poster beds, and some even come with private pools. A personalized larder stocked with complimentary estate produce, cold-pressed olive oil, juices, and wine is a much-appreciated touch.
4. Dining Experience
Dining at Babylonstoren is a central part of the farm's ethos, offering exceptional "farm-to-table" cuisine.
- Babel Restaurant: The flagship restaurant is open for lunch and dinner (Wednesday to Sunday) and is lauded for its seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients.
- Breakfast: Served at Babel, breakfast is consistently described as an "outstanding" farm-to-fork banquet, featuring fresh fruits, eggs, honeycomb, muesli, ham, and cheese.
- The Bakery: Offers an Italian-themed tasting menu on specific evenings with antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, mouth-watering ravioli, and exquisite gelato. It also hosts "Carnivore Night" where diners enjoy various grilled meats at communal tables.
- Greenhouse Restaurant: Provides a more informal, al fresco dining experience under oak trees, serving loaded salads and charcuterie boards. While the food quality and concept are highly praised, some guests have reported significant delays in food service and occasional issues with food temperature at Babel.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Babylonstoren receive widespread acclaim for being "exceptional," "super friendly," "helpful," "warm," and "polite." Guests appreciate the staff's attentiveness and their ability to anticipate needs, such as providing wellington boots for rain or golf carts for transport. Staff are also noted for their knowledge, especially regarding the gardens and wines. However, one reviewer noted experiencing inconsistent service quality and suggested that some staff might benefit from broader exposure to international luxury service standards.
6. Location & Accessibility
Babylonstoren is ideally situated in Simondium, within the picturesque Franschhoek wine valley, and is close to Stellenbosch. It's approximately a 45-minute to an hour's drive from Cape Town International Airport. The farm itself is vast (200 hectares) and guests are encouraged to explore it using complimentary bicycles or golf buggies. While a car is recommended for exploring the wider Winelands region, private transfers to and from the airport can be arranged. It's important to note that pathways in the garden are gravel and may not be entirely suitable for high heels or easily navigable for prams and wheelchairs in all areas.
7. Value & Pricing
Babylonstoren is considered a luxury experience and, as such, comes with a higher price point. Rooms start from approximately £540 per night (around $784-$1,117 USD, depending on the season and exchange rates). Guests generally agree that while it is a "splurge," the comprehensive experience and extensive inclusions make it "worth it." The price typically includes a sumptuous breakfast, full garden access, guided tours, various workshops, wine tasting, use of bicycles, and access to the Garden Spa facilities.
8. Common Complaints
While negative feedback is rare, a few recurring points have been noted:
- Dining Service Delays: Some guests have experienced significant delays in food service at Babel, and occasional issues with food temperature have been mentioned.
- Service Inconsistency: One review suggested that while generally excellent, service could sometimes lack the international luxury standard due to limited exposure for some staff members.
- Garden Pathways: The gravel paths in the expansive gardens, while charming, can be challenging for those with prams, wheelchairs, or wearing inappropriate footwear like high heels.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While the food quality and concept are highly praised, some guests have reported significant delays in food service and occasional issues with food temperature at Babel.
- •While negative feedback is rare, a few recurring points have been noted:
- •Dining Service Delays:** Some guests have experienced significant delays in food service at Babel, and occasional issues with food temperature have been mentioned.
