True hospitality is a story of people, the lands they live on, the foods they eat, the activities they do day in, day out, and all the cultural nuances that make life so joyous. Hospitality is also about giving back and stewarding the larger community, leaving the land better off for all stakeholders rather than a merely extractive enterprise catering to only travelers.
Yes, the business case must be there, but what real hotel leaders understand is that it is this soulful perspective that intrinsically drives revenues, profits and asset value, not the other way around. As we transition from 20th-century consumerism into a ‘post-material world’, people are increasingly looking for immersive travel experiences that allow them to reconnect to our planet in a meaningful way – one that’s more than just lazing on a beach or getting an Instagram selfie in front of one of the world’s great monuments.
Nowadays, the going phrase to describe this concept that brings together exceptional hotel service, meaningful experiences, stewardship and land renewal is called ‘regenerative tourism’, but it is far, far easier said than done. And because hospitality is so specific to a time and place, it cannot be taught in abstract; we must learn from the best.
In search for a luxury hotel property that represents the pinnacle of regenerative tourism, there is perhaps none other than Babylonstoren, a rural resort located near Paarl, South Africa within the Cape Winelands vinicultural region about an hour northeast of Cape Town. The dreamchild of Karen Roos and Koos Bekker who purchased the wine estate in 2007 and opened it as a hotel in 2010, the team has continually expanded the resort’s facilities ever since and where every room tells a different story unto itself.
Today, Babylonstoren is a veritable campus of regenerative agricultural and epicurean activity with a vineyard and winery, a biodiverse fruit and vegetable garden, a bakery, an olive tree grove with its own olive oil bottling facilities, rooibos and honeybush tea production, and plenty more. An estate of this magnitude is more than just an example of sustainability; it’s an emblem of ‘eco-stewardship’ which encompasses so much more.
Remarkably, while there is a dedicated team of over 40 to run the hotel side of operations, Babylonstoren employs over 700 in total to manage all farming and community activities. The resort offers agricultural internships and volunteering opportunities, while more recently it has started selling its locally made products to the world via its ecommerce site.
Needless to say, commandeering this armada of an enterprise requires veteran leadership and a firm grasp of many different fields of expertise. At the helm of the resort is Dalené Chassens, Hotel General Manager, who brings a wealth of South African hospitality experience to the role, including her previous posting as Estate Manager of Mont Rochelle, a Virgin Limited Edition ultraluxury property minutes away from Babylonstoren.
What makes the Pearl Valley from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek up to Paarl such a magical place to visit and live?
The region offers a harmonious blend of majestic mountains, sprawling vineyards and open spaces that invite exploration. It’s a place to pause, breathe deeply and reconnect with yourself and nature. Renowned for world-class wine and cuisine, this region also promises an unforgettable sensory experience.
At the heart of this is Babylonstoren, where our garden is a space of tremendous beauty and diversity. Beyond the garden, the orchards, fields, groves and tunnels produce wonderful foods, from indigenous plants to heritage cultivars and exotic delicacies, all of which inspire the menus at our farm-to-fork restaurants. You can come here to breathe, while a donkey keeps a watchful eye. Simply wander around to your heart’s content or enjoy a seasonal meal in the company of a sparrow.
For background, tell us about what was involved in transforming the original 18th-century farm into a hotel.
Babylonstoren is a place of deep history and remarkable transformation. The farm dates back to 1692. It contains one of the best-preserved plaaswerwe (farmyards) in the Cape. Stately 18th-century-style Cape Dutch farm buildings have been restored authentically – but now include a touch of contemporary luxury.
The oldest buildings were erected in the late 17th century, with the Manor House dating back to 1777. After the property was bought by the current owner in 2007, garden architect Patrice Taravella, designed the garden. Over the next few years pergolas, gravel pathways and water canals were built. During 2009 the gardeners started preparing the soil and did most of the planting for the formal garden. Babylonstoren opened its doors to guests in November 2010, offering an experience that is both rooted in history and elevated by modern sophistication.
At Babylonstoren’s Farm Hotel, the overall effect is relaxed yet well-heeled, with some of the existing farm buildings transformed into sophisticated guest accommodations. The 13 Garden Cottages next to the garden, of which seven have basic kitchens, were newly built in the Cape Dutch architect style on the footprints of the original laborers’ cottages. The contemporary glass cube used for the dining and kitchen area provides an uninterrupted view of the garden or vines, giving the sense of being outside even though you’re not. This also adds to the abundance of space which makes one feel that you can breathe.
Comfort is key in the nine one-bedroom Farmhouse suites where a moody interior theme comprising swarthy four-poster king-size beds, dusted moss walls, luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms and generous walk-in cupboards are paired with contemporary furniture and accessories.
At the eight Fynbos Cottages guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural plant habitat of the Western Cape’s mountains. The one- and two-bedroomed cottages are newly built in the Cape Dutch style and adjoining vineyards and orchards – ideal for more adventurous guests.
For families, two exclusive-use family houses offer unique experiences. The Cape Dutch Manor House, dating back to 1777, has been meticulously restored to its former glory, but with a definite contemporary touch. The Fynbos Family House is a peaceful retreat like no other. In keeping with the style of Babylonstoren’s heritage buildings, this new five-bedroom addition combines the best elements of a comfortable villa with the rustic charm of a country farmhouse.
Koornhuis is a charming retreat on the historic plaaswerf (farmyard) near the garden. It features two bedrooms, each with a hearty fireplace and a spacious en-suite bathroom. The kitchen, an extension of the book-filled lounge, is elevated by a contemporary glass cube that has been seamlessly integrated into the Cape Dutch-style building, creating an inviting dining area – the perfect blend of history and modern comfort.
My time as estate manager at Mont Rochelle provided many lessons in creating bespoke guest experiences, building an exceptional team and fostering a strong sense of place. Working in Cape Wineland’s properties instilled in me a deep appreciation for balancing operational excellence with personal touches that leave a lasting impression.
At Babylonstoren, these experiences guide my leadership approach. I emphasize collaboration, ensuring every team member feels empowered to contribute to creating extraordinary guest experiences. I also focus on weaving the story of Babylonstoren and the experience we create into every touchpoint, from the way guests are welcomed to the seasonal flavors on their plates. It’s about celebrating the farm’s history, its connection to the land, and the vibrant energy of the people who make it all possible.
How does the Babylonstoren create its own distinct design sensibility, both from the perspective of master planning and exterior architecture as well as interior design?
At Babylonstoren we celebrate the juxtaposition of modern and old, a harmony that runs through the exterior architecture and interior design. Contemporary detailing offset against historic Cape Dutch architecture, encompassing history. The inspiration for the design, particularly in the interiors, comes from the architecture, whitewashed walls, and high-ceiling rooms built by our ancestors that fit under the exceptional light quality of Africa.
Our owner was led by the landscape and architecture found here, then we added some favorite pieces of mostly contemporary furniture to the interiors. Our architecture dates from the late 18th Century: lime-washed buildings with gables; and verandas built from small Dutch bricks (klompjes). Almost no embellishment, except for crests and dates in relief. The design philosophy here is one of simplicity, focusing on good design that we trust will last for decades.
As for the range of accommodation options, each space has been thoughtfully designed to offer a unique experience, catering for solo travelers, couples and families. From Garden Cottages nestled next to the garden to the Farmhouse Suites that are popular for honeymooners and our more secluded Fynbos Cottages, every guestroom is an immersion in the surroundings, blending nature and history with modern comfort. Whether staying in one of the carefully restored farm buildings or in the serene Fynbos Family House, each accommodation offers a distinctive connection to the land and the heritage of Babylonstoren, ensuring that no two stays are ever the same.
Far from simply offering luxury accommodations for wine-focused tourists, Babylonstoren has one of the most expansive farming and culinary programs in the world, making its own wine, olive oil, tea, honey and bread on premises, while also growing most of its own fruit and vegetables. First, give us a sense of the scale of these operations. Next, what’s involved in coordinating all these daily tasks?
Coordinating these daily tasks requires a shared vision, planning and collaboration across various teams. Each day, our efforts span farming, culinary, hospitality and guest services, all guided by our commitment to excellence.
The farm itself is a hive of activity. Our teams work across various specialized areas, including the cellar, bakery, gardening, olive oil production and livestock care. Produce is sourced from the farm and surrounds daily, ensuring seasonal availability and exceptional quality, which inspires everything from the menus at our restaurants to our workshops. Daily harvesting, planting and sustainability practices are executed with precision, and the scale of operations demands unwavering attention to detail.
Our farm-to-table philosophy extends to our activities, where guests can immerse themselves in the farm and garden’s daily rhythm, from harvesting in the garden to baking or learning the process from olive to oil. What unites these diverse operations is the passion and dedication of every team member. Each individual at Babylonstoren strives for excellence, driven by a shared passion for the land and a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every guest who visits Babylonstoren. This synergy between vision, expertise and unwavering commitment creates the magic of Babylonstoren – where every detail, whether in the vineyard or a guest’s experience, is crafted to perfection.
We talk a lot of immersive culinary or epicurean adventures at upscale or luxury hotels. Describe a few of the activities in this area that are available for guests. What challenges have you overcome in programming all these tours, tastings, the on-prem museum called ‘The Story of Wine’, workshops and other guided experiences?
At Babylonstoren, we offer a variety of immersive culinary and farm-based activities to enhance our guest experience. These include guided farm walks through the orchards and up to the Babylonstoren hill, bicycle rides through the vineyards and early-morning tours of our water buffalo herd, where guests can participate in the milking process and join in feeding the calves. Other experiences include fishing or rowing at the farm dam, baking alongside our bakers, joining our chefs to harvest fruit and vegetables for the restaurants and guided mindful movement and stretching sessions. Weather permitting, classes take place in the shade of a nearby giant oak, under the watchful eye of a roaming chicken, turkey or our ever-curious donkeys…
At the Tasting Room, guests can sample our range of wines and are invited to join a tour of our wine cellar and olive press. The Story of Wine, our interactive wine museum, is a must-visit, offering a captivating documentary on the history and cultivation of wine, complete with an engaging audio guide.
Our guests can also explore the farm with a sunset drive up the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain or a visit to our floral distillery, where they can learn about essential oil production. Workshops on various topics, from seasonal cooking to beekeeping, further enhance the experience.
Coordinating these diverse activities requires careful planning and collaboration between teams. Ensuring a seamless experience means balancing the availability of experts, seasonal schedules and guest preferences while maintaining the high standards of service and safety expected by our guests.
Wellness is another central facet of the modern luxury resort experience, for which Babylonstoren has the Garden Spa. How do you infuse all the onsite agricultural programming into the theme and offerings of this facility in order to create a unique South African identity for the spa?
Selfcare doesn’t start with a treatment. It starts with a space. First, it’s about finding the space in your own life to allow yourself to relax and heal, and then it’s about finding the place itself; an environment that becomes part of the therapeutic experience. The Babylonstoren Garden Spa offers just that. Tucked away at the rear of the garden and surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, vineyards and citrus groves, it is a true haven.
Seamlessly combining the rejuvenating qualities of water, nature and steam, the spa allows guests to indulge in a variety of therapies. These are performed in beautiful spaces set within a forest of bamboo. Drawing inspiration from the farm’s rich botanical landscape, the spa incorporates locally sourced African botanicals and honey and herbs from the magnificent garden into its therapies. Guests can experience the therapeutic benefits of Aloe ferox, geranium and Kalahari melon through specialized therapies like the Rasul mud treatment, designed to detoxify and rejuvenate the body, massages using bamboo grown on the farm, and pedicures enjoyed under the open sky.
The spa features seven treatment rooms, a Rasul chamber, tropical rain showers, a sauna, a steam room and two authentic hammams (Turkish baths), a rare find in South Africa. The indoor-outdoor pool area includes two vitality pools, a fireplace and a unique room constructed entirely from pink Himalayan salt blocks. The sought-after natural mineral is known for its therapeutic properties and has long been used to lift mood and reduce fatigue.
The world-renowned gardens at Babylonstoren influence every aspect of the farm, and the spa is no exception. Tall windows at the hot spa and chill area frame the greenery, bringing the surrounding natural beauty and light directly into the space. But it’s the water that flows through the land that is the prevailing theme: the treatments, the space, and the soothing sound of running water come together to create an environment that settles and heals.
A burgeoning trend in rural luxury resorts is eco-stewardship which combines regenerative agriculture with practices that enliven the surrounding community through purposeful employment and educational programs. With such programs as the Babylonstoren Trust and the Learning Centre, how does the resort cultivate not only healthy produce but also budding (pun intended!) horticulturists and botanists who may then apply their training to other destinations around the world?
At Babylonstoren, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from the way we grow our produce to the initiatives that enrich the community around us. We take great pride in our farm operations, which are not just about providing fresh, seasonal food for our guests but about creating a sustainable, thriving environment that benefits both the land and the people who work it.
The heart of our farm is the magnificent Babylonstoren garden, which includes vegetable patches, orchards of fruit and nuts, indigenous plants, and various animals such as ducks, chickens and bees that play a vital role in pollination. Organic waste from the garden, juicery, olive cellar, wine cellar and fresh production areas are composted alongside non-edible food scraps such as eggshells and coffee grounds. This compost is used in the garden; a full-circle composting cycle. The farm also protects the natural renosterveld vegetation, part of South Africa’s Fynbos Biome and Cape Floral Kingdom, contributing to the preservation of the area’s biodiversity.
To further enrich our efforts, we offer workshops on topics like seed saving, growing your own vegetables, composting basics, and host guided garden walks led by experts on water-saving, indigenous plants and the healing power of herbs. Our commitment to sustainability also extends to our culinary offering, where our farm-to-fork ethos is celebrated with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. We produce much of what we serve onsite, including fresh produce, meats, bread, olive oils and even honey and teas, with an emphasis on reducing our carbon footprint by sourcing locally when necessary.
Energy management is a key part of our approach, with 40% of our energy currently powered by the sun. Our goal is to reduce our reliance on the national grid by 80%. Waste management is another area where we focus on sustainability, ensuring that food waste is repurposed as feed for our herds, composted into soil for the garden, or recycled into products like olive oil soap in our Scented Room. Even the apple waste from our juicery is used in our apple waste sourdough bread.
Beyond the farm itself, Babylonstoren is deeply rooted in the Boland community. More than 90% of our staff come from the immediate area, and we make a point of supporting local initiatives, such as delivering excess fresh produce to children’s homes, schools, hospitals and old-age care facilities. The Babylonstoren Learning Centre is a preschool and aftercare programme providing youngsters of the Babylonstoren family with every opportunity to follow their dreams and give their parents (part of the farm workforce) peace of mind that their children are being well educated and cared for.
From the age of three, we ensure that kids get everything they need to help them succeed. Daily meals are provided as well as transport to extramurals and outings to museums, libraries and other educational spaces. During school holidays, fun excursions to the movies and the beach also form part of the comprehensive curriculum. An after-school tutoring programme helps learners to improve mathematical skills. There are also extra classes for reading and writing.
Through these efforts, Babylonstoren not only nurtures the land but also cultivates a future generation of horticulturists, botanists and environmental stewards. Our internship and volunteer programme in the garden and educational workshops help train individuals who may apply their knowledge and skills to destinations and projects around the world, continuing to expand the reach of our sustainable philosophy.
Yet another trend that the resort is on the forefront of is branded lifestyle ecommerce, transforming an onsite gift boutique selling only winery SKUs into a formidable, global online store that can fill the entire pantry and meet numerous other home living needs. How did this program develop? How does it empower local craftspeople?
The development of our ecommerce offering has been a natural progression as we’ve worked to expand the farm’s offerings beyond our physical location. Our guests expressed a desire for more ways to bring a piece of Babylonstoren home. Today, our online and onsite store is not only a destination for wine but also offers a wide range of pantry items, home essentials, fresh goods and lifestyle products, allowing guests to continue their experience with us long after their stay.
One of the most popular offerings for hotel guests has been our online hampers, which many guests enjoy receiving as gifts ordered from friends afar during their stay, particularly honeymoon couples. A wonderful surprise when they arrive in the room, these hampers are carefully curated to reflect the quality and essence of Babylonstoren. They provide guests with a way to take a piece of our farm and the handwork of the people here home with them or to share a special gift with loved ones.
What’s next for Babylonstoren?
At Babylonstoren, we are continuously evolving and working on captivating new projects that offer our guests fresh experiences with every visit. We believe in the power of discovery, and there is always something new to uncover, inspiring a sense of wonder.
One of our recent additions was the subterranean wine tunnel, which opened in 2020. This unique experience allows guests to journey through the centuries-old tradition of winemaking and storage, culminating in a wine tasting at a large wooden table nestled in the heart of the tunnel. In 2022, we further enriched our wine offerings with the addition of The Story of Wine, an interactive wine museum that explores the history, cultivation, and sensory delights of wine through exhibits featuring antique corkscrews, terroir breakdowns, and exhibits on wine tasting and aromas.
This year, we unveiled an exciting new chapter in Babylonstoren’s story with the launch of Soetmelksvlei, a historical farmyard that offers a window into the past, when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was revered. This immersive experience invites guests to interact with master craftspeople and experience the daily chores and skills that defined life before the turn of the 20th century. The meticulously restored farmhouse, Old Cellar, Distillery, Mill and Workshop provide a glimpse into bygone times, while farmyard activities such as milking, cream separation, metal forging, carpentry, animal care, wheat milling, distillation and ox wagon rides offer guests a truly hands-on experience.
We are also working on new projects that continue to reflect our commitment to authenticity and connection with nature, and we can’t wait to share them with our guests in the near future. Each new initiative at Babylonstoren is designed to foster curiosity, ignite the imagination, and offer our visitors a deeper connection to our farm, its people and its story.