Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / South Africa / Simondium / Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren
Simondium, Western Cape, South Africa · Independent · High Luxury
Established in 1692 by Pieter van der Byl, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest and best-preserved Cape Dutch farms in the Drakenstein Valley. The heart of the estate is its massive botanical garden, designed by Patrice Taravella and inspired by the historic Company's Garden in Cape Town. The property was purchased in 2007 by Karen Roos and Koos Bekker, who restored the historic manor house and outbuildings to open as a luxury hotel in November 2010.
- 33 rooms
- Opened 2010
- Neighborhood: Drakenstein Ward 1
- Architect: Patrice Taravella
About Babylonstoren
- Situated in the heart of the Winelands, the Babylonstoren Cape Town hotel offers an accommodation experience like no other.
History
Established in 1692 by Pieter van der Byl, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest and best-preserved Cape Dutch farms in the Drakenstein Valley. The property was purchased in 2007 by Karen Roos and Koos Bekker, who restored the historic manor house and outbuildings to open as a luxury hotel in November 2010. The heart of the estate is its massive botanical garden, designed by Patrice Taravella and inspired by the historic Company's Garden in Cape Town.
The setting
6 km from N1 freeway. 16 km from Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.
Restaurants and bars
- Babel — Restaurant
- Old Bakery — Café
- Greenhouse — Restaurant
Experiences
- Garden Day 2026 — Garden Day on 18 October 2026, 09:00-15:00, with live music, tastings, activities and a photo booth.
- SUMMER Harvest Table — Seasonal long-table feast in secret farm spaces on 5 December 2026; guests over 18 only, limited numbers.
- Sunset Walk — Guided sunset walk through orchards, vineyards and gardens up the koppie, ending with wine in the Babel courtyard.
- Garden Tour — Garden tour of the farm's productive kitchen garden and orchards.
- Cellar Tour — Cellar tour offered by the farm's wine estate.
- Olive Oil Tour — Olive oil tour offered on the farm.
Amenities
- 8-acre botanical garden with over 300 varieties of edible plants
- Garden Spa with a sauna, steam room, and indoor/outdoor heated pool
- Award-winning farm-to-fork dining at Babel Restaurant and the Greenhouse
- Working winery, tasting room, and cellar tours
- Complimentary farm activities including bicycles, rowing, and guided tours
- State-of-the-art gym overlooking the gardens
- Hammam
- Hot tub
Awards
- South Africa's Leading Country House Hotel 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
Open Babylonstoren in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.