Babylonstoren

The Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon is something none of us will ever get the chance experience. At Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands, however, you’ll find an equally magical (though decidedly more country-style) reincarnation of this ancient wonder. 

Halfway between the towns of Paarl and Franschhoek, this historic farm boasts an enormous garden brimming with over 300 varieties of edible plants. The estate’s gardeners give daily tours of the premises, and guests are encouraged to join in the planting and harvesting of produce. For those who’d prefer not to get their hands dirty, there’s the Garden Spa where traditional treatments are infused with fresh herbs from the garden. Simple, farm-to-table cuisine can be savoured at the Babel Restaurant, while light lunches are served at the Greenhouse.

The farm’s Luxury Cottages were designed to resemble the old Cape Dutch farmhouses of the Winelands district, and overlook the area’s rolling vineyards. Every cottage comes with air conditioning, a mini-bar, free breakfast, free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.