Elite Traveler Fall 2022

EXPLORE TOP HOTELS

Babylonstoren FRANSCHHOEK, SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa produces some exemplary wine — the unique climate makes for prime growing conditions for the fruity reds and refreshing whites that the region is known for. While most visitors to the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape gravitate towards Stellenbosch, you shouldn’t overlook the smaller Franschhoek. With beautiful mountain scenery and some of South Africa’s best hotels and restaurants, this little part of the Cape is a must-visit. Within Franschhoek, you will fi nd Babylonstoren. This rambling Cape Dutch-style farm estate dates back to the 17th century but was rehabilitated by Afrikaans designer-owner Karen Roo, former editor of South African Elle Decor and wife of media mogul Koos Bekker. Purchasing the property in 2005, they added guest accommodation in the form of one- and two-bedroom cottages and opened them to the public in 2010. Babylonstoren pays homage to the storied past of the site while bringing in modern touches: The original buildings have been lovingly restored with furnishings in keeping with their heritage, while 21st-century comforts like Wi-Fi and TVs have been added, with the newer buildings designed to mirror the old. Accommodations come in the form of cottages and houses — all with whitewashed walls, swaths of glass and mid-century furniture in earthy tones. For the ultimate vacation, the Fynbos Family House is sure to fi t your whole gang. Nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg and Franschhoek mountains, the house sleeps up to 10 in fi ve bedrooms boasting fi replaces and spacious en suites. With a rustic, albeit modern and chic feel, the main living area is expansive and leads to a fully equipped kitchen housed in a glass cube. The house is arranged around a private central courtyard with a pool at the heart, designed to give friends and family a shared gathering space. Grape escapes Babylonstoren has well over 200 acres to explore — do so by bike, passing Chenin blanc and Chardonnay grapes hanging on the vines, as well as the meticulously landscaped kitchen garden (the vines have been growing on the farm since its inception in 1652). Then, head to the tasting room, where you will be taken through a captivating history of each glass as you sip. The views of the Babylonstoren hill, Simonsberg and the Banghoek Peak make for a truly remarkable backdrop. Fynbos Family House from $4,142 per night. Contact Dalené Claassens, general hotel manager, reservations@babylonstoren. com, +27 218 633 852, babylonstoren.com

Photos Evgeniya Savina, Rémi Chauvin/Mona, Brett Boardman