Babylonstoren's New Healing Garden

It’s hard to believe that it’s just a decade since Babylonstoren first opened its doors in the Franschhoek Valley near Stellenbosch. Since then it’s been wowing visitors at every turn with its version of a contemporary yet authentic farm hotel experience all set within a spectacular 3,5-hectare kitchen garden.

With one of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape, the fortunes of Babylonstoren took a dramatic turn for the better when it fell under the gaze of prolific magazine editor Karen Roos and her husband Koos Bekker, the CEO of one of South Africa’s largest media groups. Together their combined passion for, and knowledge of historic Cape Dutch properties and formal Cape gardens has ensured its survival for the future. And they work hard to keep things fresh, in that they are constantly improving and adding to what’s currently on offer. Last year saw the opening of their Plaashuis Suites (Farmhouse Suites) that in addition to their 13 farm cottages, all emulate an authentic farmstay experience albeit in a contemporary incarnation.

The latest addition to the farm’s offering is a Healing or Medicinal Garden that is laid out to follow the form of the human body, with herbs to heal everything from the head to the heart, lungs, digestive system, organs, skin, bones and feet. All herbs and plants have been selected for their ability to heal, soothe and balance the body through the time-honoured pleasure of tea. As with all things at Babylonstoren, guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy the Healing Garden as a quiet space, where you can blend your own selection of herbal teas as guided by Babylonstoren’s head guide, Gundula Deutschlander. Seating within a shaded bamboo structure, a selection of sweet and savory confections are served to complement the tea infusions created. From there you can wander around the garden, head off to the sensational spa or better yet, check into one of the garden-facing cottages for the night. For more information on Babylonstoren and the amenities on offer, call us on +1 855 666 7627 or email us at info@roarafrica.com.