Babylonstoren, Drakenstein Valley, Winelands, South Africa
One of the oldest and best-preserved Cape Dutch farms in the heart of the Winelands, where you can join in and assist with harvesting, pruning and planting the 8-acre vegetable garden.
Babylonstoren Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Farm sits on 200 acres of remarkable, organic farmlands, orchards, formal vegetable gardens and vineyards.
Overlooking the landscape, the 14 cottages are found in stunningly-converted 17th- and 18th-century Cape Dutch farm buildings which give little hint of the graceful interiors that manage to mix rustic with contemporary.
Days here are intentionally unscripted, leaving you to do as you please. Stroll out onto the farm and see fruit being picked in the orchards or the vines being pruned – depending on the season.
And if you’re feeling a little more active, you can cycle through the grounds, take a walk down to the river lined with over 7000 clivias, pick your own salad to enjoy at lunch, take a swim in the farm dam, or a bliss out with a massage in the spa… all before sundowners at a local picnic spot. Absolutely heavenly.