Overview
You heard it through the grapevine, South Africa’s wine country makes for the perfect parent pleasing adventure. For a fantastical farm stay with serious fashion credentials there is nowhere quite like Babylonstoren – where a cluster of colonial cottages have been lovingly restored by the owners, one of whom happens to be former editor of ELLE Decoration magazine. Gorgeous interiors aside, it’s the Garden of Eden grounds which are the real show stopper. Expect a kaleidoscope of flowers, fruit and vegetables in every colour of the rainbow. Not just for visual delight, bountiful Babylonstoren transforms its eye-catching produce into mouth watering dishes at the onsite restaurants. With wine tasting, spa treatments, swimming, fishing and rural relaxation on the menu, there is little reason to leave the Cape’s chicest hotel. However, foodie favourites Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are within easy reach and well worth a visit
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Flight
11 hour 45 minute flight from Heathrow to Cape Town airport
Transfer
Approximately a 40 minute drive from Cape Town
Best time to visit
A year round destination, there’s new, natural treasures to be uncovered with every season. South Africa’s summer runs from December through to March, making it an ideal escape for winter sun
Favourite room
Whichever suite you choose, the decor is stunning and the attention to detail second to none. Depending on the size of your brood, you can bed down in 1 or 2 bed cottages, several of which come complete with a kitchen. For large groups, there’s the 5 bedroom Fynbos family house, with private pool
Nearby
Under an hour’s drive from Cape Town and 20 minutes each way from famed Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, you’re in South Africa’s gourmet heartland
Price
from £439 p/night during low season and £767 p/night during high season (with children under 3 staying free year round)
Meet the family...
Matt
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 2
Babylonstoren has become my ‘happy place’. The setting is gorgeous, the food is delicious and Isla loved feeding the donkeys and free-roaming chickens. We even managed to enjoy some lovely wine tastings as the staff were so good-natured about our nearly-two-year-old haring around the otherwise very classy Tasting Room!
Worth waking the baby for
01
Franschhoek
Jump aboard the Franschhoek wine tram to drink in (literally) the stunning scenery of this verdant, vine-rich valley. There are eight packages to choose from with transport provided by a vintage hop-on hop-off tram or safari-style open-sided bus. Many vineyards have playgrounds, ‘juice flights’ and plenty of space to roam, whilst the charming highstreet is home to a host of Michelin star restaurants and wine bars
02
Cape Town Beaches
If you’re flying in via Cape Town it’s well worth spending a day or two in the beach blessed city. You’ll find safe tidal pools to swim in, rock pools to explore and whales to watch in the quaint strip between Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. Old school water slide fun can be found at Muizenberg, whilst colourful Kalk Bay harbour boasts the whimsical Warrior Toy Museum. Head to Boulder’s Beach to fill your camera roll with friendly penguins
03
Melozhori Game Reserve
For the ultimate road trip, combine your rural recharge with a stylish safari. Melozhori is only 80 minutes away and offers an unparalleled introduction to game watching for families. Embark on private drives during the day to spot zebras, antelope and real life Sophie the giraffe, at this predator- and malaria-free reserve
