Sea Five Boutique Hotel | Cape Town
Sea Five, an exclusive boutique hotel in Camps Bay!
Capitalizing on this outstanding location, just 10-minute drive to the City center and 300 meters from the most famous beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, Sea Five offers seven exclusive, individually-styled, en-suite rooms, one of which is a large and breathtaking, two-bedrooms Penthouse Master Suite boasting 360-degree views of the surrounding Table Mountain and 12 Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean. The Hotel has been individually styled through the creative collaboration of top South African interior designer, Francois Du Plessis and Italian stylist Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel. The result is a stunning connection of the Mediterranean and Southern African color palette, an eclectic blend of the spaciousness of Nature and refined luxury. Guests can look forward to the rare treat of sleeping between the sheets of 100% pure Italian linen and waking up to the scent of freshly baked bread and croissants. All rooms have private terraces; garden suites open out into a secluded white-flowered oasis! At Sea Five Boutique Hotel, no effort has spared to offer guests a unique and unforgettable experience!
27 sqm
Private Garden
Satellite TV ( Dstv)
Airconditioning & Heating
Underfloor Heated
Bathroom
Electronic Safe
Personal Bar
46 sqm
Terrace
Satellite Tv ( Dstv)
Airconditioning & Heating
Underfloor Heated
Bathroom
Kingsize bed, extra length
Electronic Safe
Personal Bar
38 sqm
Terrace
Satellite Tv (Dstv)
Airconditioning & Heating
Underfloor Heated
Bathroom
Kingsize bed, extra length
Electronic Safe
Personal Bar
110 sqm
4 Terraces
2 Satellite Tv ( Dstv) (52" Plasma)
DVD & CD Player
Aircondtioning & Heating
2 Underfloor Heating
2 Bathrooms
Spa Bath
1 Kingsize bed, extra length
2 Single Beds
Electonic safe
Private Bar
Private lounge +Dining Table
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Internet Access, Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Secure Parking, Skype Phones
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah
Services
Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Laundry Service, Room Service, Travel Desk
Your Stay
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge | Whale Coast
Mosaic is a secluded gem on the famous Whale Coast, 2 hours SE of Cape Town, South Africa. For the ultimate private getaway, Lagoon Lodge captures the essence of tranquillity with just five safari style suites woven into an ancient milkwood grove on the edge of the Hermanus Lagoon. A pampered stay here is all-inclusive of meals, adventure activities and house beverages/wine/beer/spirits.
Fabulous massage, skin and nail treatments can be indulged in at the Mosaic Spa (either indoor or outdoor), using organic Rain Africa products (additional charges apply).
Mosaic offers one of the most multifaceted experience in the area with 1000 hectares of conservation land on the beautiful Hermanus Lagoon. Activities at Mosaic include being immersed in awesome fynbos flowers and bird-life of the Cape Floral Kingdom, lagoon cruises, stunning beaches, fascinating marine life and some of the world’s most beautiful wine lands. Mosaic is centrally located to whale watching, marine tours, shark cage diving and exploring the Overberg Wine Region. At Lagoon Lodge, stone and glass walls open onto private decks for spectacular mountain views and bird watching. Lagoon Lodge has only five chalets beautifully built safari style with stone and thatch harvested from Mosaic. Boardwalks under a canopy of ancient Milkwood trees lead to the lounge where drinks and meals are shared outdoors or by a fireplace. A heated plunge pool overlooking the mountains is a favourite place to spot water birds.
The cuisine at Mosaic is fresh, delicious and the creative mastery of the chef, the baker, the gardener, and local producers. Breakfast is a hearty fare with freshly baked muffins, homemade jams, fresh fruit and a hot meal. Lunch is served gourmet picnic style outdoors or around blazing fires when there is a chill in the air, at the Lagoon Cafe in the historic 1892 Spookhuis. Sumptuous dinners are prepared by the chef and built around organic vegetables from the garden and local seasonal ingredients…and best paired with fine South African wine from the Mosaic cellar!
Mosaic Virtual Tour
Virtual Tour of Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
Sleeps 2. Luxury Suite: King bed or 2 singles, Indoor and outdoor shower, Separate tub, Private deck. Includes: All-inclusive of all meals, welcome drink, house beverages/wine/beer/spirits, Mosaic activities, free wireless internet.
Sleeps 2 Adults + 2 small children. Luxury Suite: King bed or 2 singles, Indoor and outdoor shower, Separate tub, Private deck.
Includes: All-inclusive of all meals, welcome drink, house beverages/wine/beer/spirits, Mosaic activities, free wireless internet.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service
LOCATION sets Mosaic apart from all others, with Walker Bay next door. From Lagoon Lodge, hop onto an open 4x4 vehicle and discover fynbos, birds and the pristine Walker Bay Beach and Nature Reserve and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the ocean. Canapes and beverages are enjoyed while watching for sights of fascinating marine life.
Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the shelter of Walker Bay to court, mate and calf. Whales can be viewed from the top of sand dunes while sipping a favorite drink. September through November is the height of whale season.
Guided quad-bike tours will take you exploring through fynbos clad hills, lagoon wetlands and spotting fantastic birds. Ride along the edge of the lagoon or up to high points on Mosaic with 360-degree views of the ocean, lagoon, and mountains. Mosaic's professional guides make the intricacies of creation come alive.
Board the "Lady Stanford" from the shores of Stanford on the Kleinr River for an excursion among water birds and the towering Overberg Mountains. Drinks and snacks are enjoyed while cruising.
Glide in a kayak on the lagoon to encounter the stunning blue cranes and water birds in the natural wetland at Mosaic, which is a proclaimed bird sanctuary. Or kayak to the mouth of the lagoon to the beautiful white sand of Grotto Beach.
Mosaic is a place to focus on wellness of mind, body and soul, so we can live our lives to the fullest and savor all that is good. It is a place to be surrounded by awe inspiring creation; discover nature; breath fresh air; engage in healthy activities; strengthen ourselves with healthy food; and be rejuvenated at the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa.
We exclusively use high quality, natural spa products from African origins. They are packed with botanical extracts, antioxidants and omega oils that nourish our skin and stimulate our sense of smell. Facials are done with the premium Elemis products and the Elemis BIOTEC machine for the smoothest skin results.
Spa treatments can be indoors our outdoors under a private lush canopy of milkwood leaves overlooking the lagoon, where you can also enjoy a hot invigorating outdoor shower. Soft music and sounds of birds ease you into relaxation as our excellent therapist pampers you. Indulge in the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa experience where you will be nurtured into a wellness state of mind.
The Cape Floral Kingdom is a true wonder of the world, having the richest density of plant species on earth ∙ 8,600 with almost 6,000 occurring nowhere else on earth. Fynbos, Afrikaans for “fine bush”, is the unique type of vegetation that formed millions of years ago from ashes of drought-stressed forests. You will be guided along the lagoon edge and wetlands to discover intricate plant-animal relationships and the importance of conserving this unique floral kingdom.
Whether bird watching from a private deck or on a guided walk or quad bike trip, the birds at Mosaic delight enthusiasts. Over 140 bird species are home to Mosaic. Water birds along the shoreline are as numerous as the species that are found on fynbos covered limestone ridges. Blue cranes nest in the bird sanctuary at Lagoon Lodge, flamingos traverse the lagoon is mass, pied kingfishers can be watched hunting for food and owls are spotted day and night. Check out our full list of birds.
Just down the coast from Mosaic lies one of the most important archeological heritage sites in the Western Cape, Klipgat Cave. This cave system was formed millions of years ago and it is believed was occupied by humans up to 70,000 years ago. The KhoiKhoi people occupied this cave system and lived on shellfish and animals in the area at that time. The cave can be toured and an 8 km beach walk can be enjoyed along with sundowners on the beach and 4x4 trip back to Mosaic.
Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the southern tip of Africa to court, mate and calf. Walker Bay is the best place in the world to view these enormous mammals. This trip takes you by boat in search of the Marine Big 5: Whales, Great White Shark, African penguin, Cape Fur Seal, and dolphin.
Learn about the circle of marine life on this boat trip, that takes you to Shark Alley, between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. Great Whites are viewed from the boat and in a secure cage just under the surface of the water. The experience of being eye-to-eye with these large creatures is simply thrilling!
Flying over Walker Bay gives you one of the world’s most spectacular views of mountains, white sand beaches, dunes and marine life. From the air, you can comprehend the massive size of the Southern Right Whales and hopefully catch a glimpse of a calf learning to lob-tail or breach. Awesome scenic flights are available through out the year.
Mosaic Lagoon Cafe
The Mosaic Lagoon Cafe’ in the historic 1892 Spookhuis is one of Mosaic’s great attractions. Built of stacked limestone blocks in 1892, the Spookhuis is home to our daytime cafe’ on the water, offering sandwiches, salads, freshly baked breads, muffins, pastries, desserts, cured meats, cheese platters, preserves, infused oils and organic vegetables. Gourmet picnic baskets are enjoyed in the most divine setting under the milkwood trees on the lagoon, or around roaring fires inside if there is a chill in the air. Select award winning South African wines from our cellar and pair with cheese and mezze platters. Or indulge in delicious cakes and cappuccino to top off your meal.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Watersports, Wine
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel | Franschhoek
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and a sense of wellbeing. • A 250 hectare working wine and fruit farm that dates back over 300 years • A place so beautiful, a welcome so warm and an experience quite unlike any other • A quiet corner of the Cape that is surrounded by majestic mountains on three sides where the fynbos is home to many wild creatures • Service that is both sincere and deeply proud of its heritage • A garden that celebrates biological diversity • Fresh food with distinct flavours that celebrates the seasons and the bounty of the garden • A place to escape from the world and reconnect with it as it ought to be • A sense of purity, simplicity and quiet where life is uncomplicated but where spontaneity and the unexpected are also celebrated
360 Degrees virtual tour
360 Degrees virtual tour
The pristine Cape Dutch style of our two-bedroom cottages emulate a farm stay experience with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. A contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to the 18th-century structure to house a dining and kitchen area. The interiors continue this contemporary pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Each bedroom also has a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Our cottages are either garden or vineyard facing. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our two-bedroom cottages are serviced daily and come with a king-size bed, and a king or two single beds in the second bedroom.
4 Cottages available
Each of the slightly larger open-plan cottages has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. Into this pristine Cape Dutch style, a contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to house a kitchen area. The interiors continue this pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Suites are either garden or vineyard facing, with access to the garden and the farm. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed and are serviced daily.
3 Cottages available
Each open-plan suite has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel when paired with the modern lines of furniture by international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books while underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom suites come with a king-size bed or twin beds and are serviced daily.
6 Suites available
Comfort is key in the 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 such as extra-length MDF Italia sofas. In addition to the underfloor heating, each room is fitted with a cast-iron stove. Bookshelves filled with a wonderful selection of books and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our suites are serviced daily.
9 Suites available
At Fynbos Cottages guests can fully immerge themselves in the beauty of the natural plant habitat of the Western Cape’s mountains. The cottages are newly built in the Cape Dutch style and adjoin vineyards and orchards – ideal for our more adventurous guest
Our Cape Dutch Manor House dates back to 1777. This exclusive house has five bedrooms accommodating ten guests. All rooms have a king-size bed, with two of the rooms having the option of twin beds. Rooms are serviced daily and breakfast is included in the room rate, as well as a well-stocked personalised bar fridge. The interior has been beautifully restored to its former glory, but with a definite contemporary touch. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books and the traditional farm kitchen boasts a roaring old wood-burning stove. Guests have access to the garden at all times, with games set up on the private lawn. Curl up in front of the hearty fireplace and admire the architecture, or enjoy refreshments in the garden whilst savouring the exquisite views.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, private pool and courtyard
Up to ten guests are accommodated in five individual bedrooms, each comprising a fireplace and spacious en-suite with marbled tile floors and luxurious freestanding baths to soak away your worries. Leading off the spacious lounge is a contemporary glass cube, seamlessly encompassing a fully equipped kitchen. The heart of the house is the private central courtyard, offering a gathering space for friends and family to share. A crystal pool in the center of the courtyard is fed by a shallow channel, emulating the streams on the rest of the property and providing the tranquil sound of gently trickling water.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card
The days are intentionally unscripted at Babylonstoren, and for our hotel guests, there’s much to do. In addition to exploring our 200 hectares of farm, in season, you can take part in the harvesting of fruit in the orchards or the pruning of our vines. Whatever the season, our garden is an ever-changing tapestry of fruit and vegetable plantings. Hotel guests are invited to join in the harvesting, pruning, planting or picking of our many fruits, herbs, nuts, spices and vegetables. We have maps for five different walks on the farm (available from Reception) and if you’re interested to learn more about the provenance of the garden, do join one of our garden tours that starts daily at 10h00. Booking is essential, so please enquire in advance at Reception.
Our daily guided garden tour starts at the Farm Shop at 10h00. One of our experienced gardeners will be your guide on this tour, during which we encourage guests to pick, taste, smell and touch while walking through our garden. Each of the 300 plant varieties is edible or has medicinal value. The beautiful garden is not only pleasing to the eye, but also provides the restaurants with fresh produce, harvested daily. Our enthusiastic guides will share some of the garden’s special stories with you and give practical gardening tips. We hope you will enjoy our garden and be inspired when you leave to plant your own!
Booking is essential for the garden tour.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat in summer and wellies plus an umbrella in winter. A famous Swedish proverb holds: There ain’t no bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
Entrance fees payable at the gate go to the Babylonstoren Trust for the education of our local children.
Regrettably, no dogs are allowed, as this is a working farm with lots of feathery friends.
Kindly note that all pathways in the garden are gravel and in some areas covered with peach pips.
You can walk or cycle to the dam – it is about 1,5 km. The view from the dam is spectacular and you will be amazed by the abundant bird life. Get a backpack from Reception (see Walk or Run). We have three canoes and life jackets for your rowing expedition – make sure you wear a life jacket. Please note that children have to be accompanied by an adult.
The gym, open from 6h00 to 21h00, is for the exclusive use of adults. We have a great selection of machines to keep you fit. Private yoga sessions are available on request. For more details, please enquire at Reception.
The Tasting Room sits adjacent to the Wine Cellar, offering views of the conical Babylonstoren hill, Simonsberg and the Banghoek Mountains. The eye-catching steel-and-glass creation is a modern link between the two Cape Dutch-style wings of the wine cellar and a perfect reflection of Babylonstoren’s philosophy of embracing both heritage and innovation. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views over the vineyards towards the small rocky koppie from which the farm derives its name, while indoors the striking central bar bedecked in vivid green tiles mirrors the lush vineyards beyond. A range of tantalising snack platters with charcuterie, cheese, pâté and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are on offer. The platters are an ideal light bite while tasting the Babylonstoren range of wines.
The Tasting Room is accessed via a maturation cellar revamped into a retail space, with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings and a statuesque curving wall – a display of antique farming implements and packing crates creating a gentle farm motif in the triple-volume space. For guests with a little more time to spare, informative cellar tours offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the estate’s wines are crafted. The tour includes a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the olive oil production plant.
Come and unwind with us in this perfect spot for wine sipping and cheese nibbling.
The Tasting Room is open daily – from 10h00 to 17h00 in winter and 10h00 to 18h00 in summer.
Daily cellar tours start at the Tasting Room, every hour on the hour, from 11h00 to 15h00.
Booking is advised for groups of 11 to 24 people.
Our wines are best exemplified by the Babylonstoren logo, which consists of the pipe (representing the farmer), the flower (representing the garden) and the bird (representing nature). It is a combination of the very essence of Babylonstoren – keeping things simple and as true to the earth as possible. "It is this that we strive to achieve in our wine," says Charl Coetzee. "Truth to the area we are situated in on the slopes of Simonsberg, and simplicity by making elegant and balanced wines as natural as possible."
You may come across our resident tortises tortoises, our donkeys, the chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and squirrels that all roam happily, or maybe even a wild steenbok. Keep your eyes and ears open – you may be lucky enough to see or hear the fish eagle. We have spotted 58 bird species on Babylonstoren. Guests are welcome to use the bird book in the Butterfly Room for reference.
For a closer look, we also have binoculars available at Reception.
As we are passionate about our garden at Babylonstoren, we welcome fellow gardeners, horticulturists, botanists or those who are interested in learning more about gardening. If you’re happy to get your hands dirty (you'll be planting, harvesting, pruning and mulching) and eager to learn and/or share your knowledge, we'd love to welcome you as a volunteer at Babylonstoren. You’ll work with our gardeners in every aspect of the garden but most importantly get a chance to contribute to the garden in a real way.
The farm is a paradise for children! Our beloved donkeys, Meisiekind and Lulu, live
opposite the Farm Shop. We invite our young guests to help feed the donkeys, to collect eggs and to help harvest fruit and vegetables from our garden, especially for the breakfast table. Kids are also welcome to help our bakers knead and bake delicious farm breads. And don’t forget to go on the scavenger hunt. Please arrange these activities at Reception.
Our outdoor pool is not just another infinity pool! Take a plunge or relax afloat the tractor tube. Diving is not permitted and children must be supervised at all times.
Enjoy bass fishing at the farm dam. Fishing rods are available from Reception.
We have bicycles available for adults as well as children to explore the farm. Bottled still water and helmets are available from Reception, and in your room you’ll find a map.
The map in your room suggests six trails for walking or running. These vary in length, the shortest being a mere 5-minute walk. A backpack with water, sun lotion and a small first-aid kit is available from Reception. Please ask if you need anything else, and then go out and enjoy the abundance of fresh air and country views!
The Tasting Room overlooks our beautiful vineyards and the iconic Babylonstoren conical hill.
We offer five cellar tours a day, every hour on the hour, from 11h00 to 15h00. Let us know if you wish to join the tour – we prefer to keep the tours small and intimate, therefore limited space is available. We depart from the Tasting Room and our first stop is the vineyard, after which the tour moves to the olive production plant where we show you how extra virgin olive oil is made. Next is a visit to the wine production cellar where the details of the winemaking process are explained. We proceed to our underground barrel maturation cellar. Last but not least is an informative yet relaxed wine tasting with your guide. The Tasting Room is nice and cool in summer, with cosy fireplaces for chilly winter days. A choice of four delicious snack platters can be ordered while you taste your way through our range of wines.
Open seven days a week 10h00–18h00 (summer) or 10h00–17h00 (winter). Cellar tours start at the Tasting Room at 11h00, 12h00, 13h00, 14h00 & 15h00 and last approximately one hour. Booking at Reception is advised.
Our two signature treatments are the hammam water ritual and our bamboo massage. In addition, we have a wonderful selection of classic treatments.
To book a treatment with one of our qualified therapists, please contact reception. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your booked treatment time. Late arrivals will be able to enjoy the time remaining on their treatment but will be charged for the full treatment. Lockers are provided for your valuables.
The Garden Spa has a garden-inspired food menu to replenish, revive and delight you. Please note that no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are allowed at the pool. Although we do not serve food or drinks at the pool, we can offer you chilled still or sparkling water from the gym should you be thirsty. If you would like to enjoy other eats or drinks, you can do so at the Greenhouse, which is right next to the pool.
Booking is essential for spa treatments. Open Monday to Sunday 8h00–17h00.
Private yoga sessions are available on request. For more details, please enquire at Reception.
Our Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals but also supplies our shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious local cheeses from our Cheese Room. We grow our own wheat on the farm which is stoneground after harvest. This flour is sold in the Farm Shop but is also used by our own bakers who, under the guidance of our head baker Ernie Beck, make sure we have freshly baked bread early every morning for our restaurants and the Tasting Room. We have a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery, we serve our food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Our Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering. This is followed by wood-fired pizza straight from the oven, to be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We round off the meal with a delicious dolce and our famous coffee.
The Bakery is open Wednesday and Friday evenings from 19h00 to 21h00.
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00.
Priority will be given to hotel guests for bookings.
Please enquire about options for groups. For groups of 13 to 18 guests, a deposit is required to secure the booking. Should you wish to bring a larger group, we have private function venues available.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are roughly surfaced and not intended for high heels.
Nature's medicine chest is an ongoing discovery of old and new herbs tried and tested over centuries by different cultures around the world. Originally collected from the wild, the best plants were selected, cultivated and shared.
Our medicinal garden at Babylonstoren includes a range of beautiful species – some more powerful, aromatic, rare or even dangerous than others but all with an interesting story worth discovering. The central layout of the garden follows the form of a body with herbs to heal from the head, heart, lungs, digestive system, organs, skin, bones and feet. The trees are some of the “giants” in African healing traditions. Herbs along the outer wall follow the seasons, summer to winter, specially selected to heal, soothe and balance the body through the time-honoured pleasure of tea.
We invite you to enjoy this healing garden as a quiet space, slowing down and blending herbal teas as guided by our gardener Gundula. Seated on the floor of the shaded bamboo gloriette, a selection of savoury and sweet confections is served to complement the infusions you create. Only fresh, seasonal ingredients are used and great care is taken in the preparation.
For the ultimate tickle, do not go before dipping your toes in the pond to experience the nibbling Garra rufa fish while reflecting on the moment and aiming to balance pleasure and health.
Tea rituals take place at 9h30 on Tuesdays.
Our Healing Garden is a restful place for quiet reflection and tranquillity. Regrettably, children under the age of 10 years are not permitted.
Reservations are weather dependent and booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00. A deposit is required to secure bookings.
Priority will be given to hotel guests for tea ritual bookings.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are roughly surfaced and not intended for high heels.
Housed in an old cow shed, Babel is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try our tasty yet often unconventional combinations. We have a farm-to-fork philosophy, which means we like to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects our "pick, clean and serve" approach.
Because our menu is guided by what is available in the garden, our food always reflects the season, and so in summer we may serve you a yellow salad of pineapple, gooseberries, granadillas, yellow tomatoes and apricots while in winter a slow-cooked leg of lamb in red wine is more likely. Dessert subscribes to four flavours, namely salty, bitter, sweet and sour. And while our meals are creative, we don't like to tamper unduly with our food. Our meals are always clear in structure, so that fruit and vegetables gathered daily from the garden is often served with its skin on. Helpings are generous and depending on the weather you can take your meal in the glass-enclosed restaurant or under the plane trees in the courtyard.
Breakfast: Open daily, 8h00–9h30
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 12h00–15h30
Dinner: Open daily from 19h00
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00 on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
Hotel guests enjoy priority for restaurant bookings.
Please enquire about options for groups. For groups of 13 to 18 guests, a set menu will be offered and a 50% deposit is required to secure the booking. Should you wish to bring a larger group, we have private function venues available.
The restrooms at Babel restaurant are wheelchair friendly.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are gravel, and covered with peach pips in some areas of the garden.
At the rear of the garden, tucked away between the oak trees, our Greenhouse offers guests the perfect place to rest and enjoy delicious home-baked cakes, coffee, tea and fresh garden juices. We also offer more substantial meals of artisanal breads with handcrafted cheeses and dressed meats, served with our homemade herb oils, chutneys, preserves and relishes, as well as delicious, fresh garden salads.
The 26 metre vintage conservatory in dark green steel was custom built for Babylonstoren in France by Serres et Ferronneries d'Antan. Paired with a collection of brick-red tables and colourful green Luxembourg chairs (the classic park chair design), the Greenhouse is a surprising but thoroughly logical refreshment station for guests who have completed the garden tour.
The Greenhouse menu subscribes to the self-same "pick, clean and serve" philosophy as Babel, with a strong emphasis on honest food with little to no fuss. All our food is served picnic-style in wooden crates with the preserves, jams and salads packaged in weck jars, while fresh bread from our wood-fired oven come wrapped in the iconic blue-and-white Babylonstoren paper.
Despite its obvious aesthetic appeal and its function as a refreshment station, the Greenhouse also performs a vital role in the garden. It is here where plants or varieties are brought when they struggle to make it in the formal garden due to the Western Cape’s winter rainfall or the lack of humidity in summer. And so you'll find that exotic granadillas, ginger, cardamom, pineapples, dragonfruit, vanilla and even a baobab all reside here.
The Greenhouse is open Monday to Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00.
Bookings
There is no need to make a reservation for the Greenhouse. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. We may have a waiting list during very busy times.
Should you wish to bring a group of 13 to 25 guests, kindly make a reservation. These reservations open two months in advance. For even larger groups, we have private function venues available.
Our Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals on Wednesday & Friday, but also supplies our shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious cheeses from our Cheese Room. We grow our own wheat on the farm which is stoneground after harvest. This flour is sold in the Farm Shop, but is also used by our own bakers who, under the guidance of our head baker Ernie Beck, make sure we have freshly baked bread early every morning for our restaurants and the Tasting Room. We have a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery, we serve our food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Our Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering. Main course may be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We round off the meal with a delicious dolce and our famous coffee.
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00 on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
Hotel guests enjoy priority for restaurant bookings.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 29
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Wine
Lion Sands River Lodge | Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Lion Sands River Lodge is situated in the Lion Sands Game Reserve – one of Africa’s truly unspoiled wilderness areas, where the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve meets the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The lodge is the Eden of the More family’s youth and the first Lion Sands’ lodge to welcome guests, who between visits have married, become parents, and whose children have grown and now come to stay. In recent years the lodge has undergone a renovation that has introduced a new sense of brightness and space – where lovers and families come together and share extraordinary experiences. This is a place for making memories.
Lion Sands River Lodge 360 Virtual Tour
Lion Sands River Lodge 360 Virtual Tour
8 Luxury Rooms have bathroom en-suite, lounge area with mini bar and wooden deck from which to appreciate the wilds beyond.
6 Superior Luxury Suites are larger in size, and have ample open-plan bathrooms and outdoor showers - 2 sets are interleading, and are therefore ideal for families.
3 River Suites are located further from the guest areas and are therefore more private. They have incredible river views, best appreciated from the expansive decks. River Suites also have outdoor showers.
1 Family River Suite is located further from the guest areas and is, therefore, more private. They have incredible river views. The suite has 2 bedrooms with interleading doors, and are therefore ideal for families.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Services
Airport Shuttle, Credit Card, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service, Room Service
Africa has been called the greatest show on earth, and Lion Sands presents a safari that plays out like a highlights reel. Our reserve conserves 5 000ha (12 500ac) of a habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. You will see all of Africa’s iconic species – lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra – along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird. Our safaris present an adventure that is wild, and then some!
Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you an intimate safari experience. With only six guests to a game viewer and exclusive traversing on our reserve, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. Though compelling sightings do attract more attention, the number of vehicles here is also limited. This ensures the animals aren’t put under stress and you are able to spend more time with them, observing their natural behaviour. While you are out exploring, you will by no means be roughing it. Your game viewer has cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos – and stops off in a scenic spot for drinks and snacks.
These are our after-breakfast walks on the wild side. For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. You are dropped in the thick of things and all five senses engage… Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles, and to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.
The African landscape stretches as far as the eye can see at Lion Sands, and we knew we had to find a special place to capture and enjoy its vastness and splendour. Guy Aubrey Chalkley once set up camp in a majestic centuries old Leadwood Tree to escape predators roaming the plains below.
We decided that this would be the ideal place to build the ultimate bush bedroom, the Chalkley Treehouse. The treehouse is a secure and lavish platform under the African stars, with all the comforts that a guest can experience at a five star safari lodge.
We take our guests to the tree house at sunset, where drinks and a scrumptious picnic dinner await them.The hours of African dusk can be enjoyed relaxing and absorbing the vastness of the bushveld as it transforms from day to night, before turning in for slumber beneath the incredible night sky.
Make your way through rows of magnificent white boulders and across a small drawbridge, and you will find Africa opening up in front if you. Set amid the pure and untouched wild, you will be surrounded by African bush and uninhibited wildlife at its best.
The Kingston Treehouse is constructed entirely from wood and glass, with contemporary décor in understated hues of greys, white, black and purple. No matter what the weather has in store, you will have a safe and luxurious setting with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views. In fact, we defy you to find two identical African sunsets.
The 60m2 Treehouse is situated about 5 minutes from the main lodge, and you will have radio contact with the rangers, should you choose to. You will also find some cellphone reception; but don’t expect any wi-fi in the bush. Kingston is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities, and Africology products to complete your sensory experience.
Enjoy a dinner of tapas or a full meal with Champagne, under the splendor of an African starlit sky.
From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favourite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.
In our experience, being well taken care of inspires a fundamental sense of well-being. And how better to indulge than with luxurious accommodation, wholesome food, and spa therapies? We favour Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with our massages, wraps and facials, we promise a wellness experience to rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalise your spirit.
Lion Sands together with More Community Trust assists our local Huntington and Justicia B villages, and you can get involved, too. Take a community tour, the proceeds of which go to our development projects here, or roll up your sleeves to help out through our Get Your Hands Dirty initiatives.
These centre on education, infrastructure, health and environment, and you can choose the area best suited to your skills and interest. These are extraordinary social experiences that bring you to the heart of Southern Africa to make your own and others’ dreams come true.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 18
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Kingston Treehouse at Lion Sands | Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Make your way through rows of magnificent white boulders and across a small drawbridge, and you will find Africa unfolding in front if you. Set amid the pure and untouched wild, you will be surrounded by African bush and uninhibited wildlife at its best.
Kingston is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities, and Africology products to complete your sensory experience. The Kingston Treehouse is constructed entirely from wood and glass, with contemporary décor in understated hues of greys, white, black and purple. No matter what the weather has in store, you will have a safe and luxurious setting with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views.
Your Stay
1 Night
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included