The last citrus in the garden, flowering fynbos and three new additions to taste and see on the farm. 

It’s been a cold, wet winter on the farm thus far and the plant life is bursting with gratitude. Along the slopes of the Simonsberg, the fynbos is showing off with bright pink Burchell’s proteas and the delicate flowers of kapokbos (wild rosemary) and bitou (also called boneseed bush). The ponds are flush with the striking white flowers of waterblommetjies, soon to be harvested and transformed into local delicacies like waterblommetjiebredie. The arum lilies are also showing off their elegant white robes in the vlei and next to the stream. 

While we’ve rounded up the citrus harvest on the farm, you’ll still see the last brightly coloured orbs hanging heavy on their branches. Just a block further along, the first blossoms of Alpine and Mayglo nectarines and Winner plums cling tentatively to the bare branches. 

We recently welcomed two eland (Taurotragus oryx) to the upper reaches of the farm, near the nursery tunnels. Hotel guests on the daily mountain drive may spot them munching on grasses and leaves. 

NEW Garden Shop, Gelateria and Coffee Roastery 

We recently cut the proverbial ribbon on three new additions to the farm, including our Garden Shop, Gelato Room and craft Coffee Roastery. The Garden Shop (or Tuinwinkel) is a sun-soaked greenhouse featuring trellised wooden walls washed in reseda green. Bespoke gardening tools, fascinating plants and rare bonsai trees are available for purchase.

For the gourmand, two exciting new additions include a retro gelateria and craft coffee roastery. The roastery sits next to the Farm Shop where a barrel drum roaster gently toasts the new Babylonstoren house blend. The new gelateria (or Roomyskas in Afrikaans) serves delectable scoops of Babylonstoren’s water buffalo gelato in wafer-thin sugar cones. 

Best Resort Hotel in Africa 

We were thrilled to receive the news that Babylonstoren Farm Hotel has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Resort Hotel in Africa for 2023 by Travel + Leisure readers. The Babylonstoren Farm Hotel also ranks 14th on the Travel + Leisure list of 100 Best Hotels in the World. 

Our farm hotel invites guests to reconnect and find solace while embracing life’s simple pleasures – leisurely strolls through the garden, farm-fresh meals, sleeping in and treasured moments with loved ones. We remain committed to providing an unforgettable experience that showcases the unparalleled beauty and splendour of Africa.