Babylonstoren in Cape Winelands, South Africa

I realized that I never shared more photos from my holiday a couple of months ago, so I decided it was about time.  

The highlight of this trip was the amazing accommodations that I got to experience.  I was pampered beyond belief and have the dreamiest memories because of it.  

One of the most special places of all was Babylonstoren, a farm hotel about 45 minutes outside of Cape Town.  The Cape Dutch farm is nestled into the Drakenstein Valley with gorgeous gardens and vineyards surrounding the property.  

There are bicycles for guests to explore the grounds, 

and let me tell you - the grounds are worth exploring.

This is the jaw-dropping view as I walked into my cottage (just one of fourteen).  The glass-walled kitchen/dining area brings the garden into the cottage.  

The living area is such an inviting spot, especially in the evening 

with a roaring fire and a good glass of wine from the 

vineyard down the road.   

And my obsession with white on white decor had me nearly leaping throughout the cottage, as every room had a crisp casualness that was sophisticated and rustic at the same time.

The gorgeous arrangement that you see here was like a little bouquet garni for the bathtub.  As I soaked in a steamy bath that night, the scent of these in my bath water was so relaxing.

And how often does one flip through a magazine to turn the page and find the room in which they are sitting staring back at them?!  It was such a strange sensation.

I did a little dance when I saw that my cottage had a Nespresso machine - one of my best friends that I'd been missing while on holiday.  We reunited with sweet harmony.

Instead of flowers awaiting me in the room, there was a crate of fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden.

And who wouldn't fall in love with a property that leaves turndown (lavender) cupcakes instead of the stereotypical chocolates?!?

Since I visited in the middle of the week during low season, the restaurant was not always open.  As compensation, a huge plate of charcuterie and fresh bread was brought to my cottage to accompany my bottles of wine for dinner each night.  Nothing beats fresh bread with local cheeses, vegetables and tasty meats. 

Even thought there are plenty of common outdoor areas, each cottage has its own outdoor space for eating and relaxing.

Ducks and chickens add a little whimsy to the gardens.

So often in this area, crushed peach pits are used for paths.  It looks like reddish gravel until you get real close.

I cannot recommend this property enough as a place to escape to a simpler life.  One could stay at least a week and still have plenty to explore in the area. 

I love you Babylonstoren.