It was heading towards midday and the heat was soaring under the impossible Delft blue sky of Babylonstoren in the Cape winelands. To escape it we stepped from the gardens into one of the long white barns near the exit and into an invisible nimbus of exquisite scent.
The high space of the newly expanded Scented Room is fitted with antique apothecary shelves and vitrines, with chalky marble counters and wooden tables clustered with pampering products.
Inspired, of course, by the plants grown on the world-famous farm, the lotions, candles, sprays and diffusers pulse with subtle perfume. There is traditional Antique Rose or woody Oudh, Lavender or Orange Blossom, but more distinctive Cape fragrances like Fynbos and Waterblommetjie are glorious, or the simple freshness of Kitchen Garden.
Through a glass wall the laboratory is visible, where new products are tested and floral oils are distilled, but amidst vintage pestles and beakers in the shop visitors can blend their own bath salts, body scrubs and face masks. Mustard for detoxing, rooibos for its antioxidant properties, stirred with rosemary or lavender oils and sprinkled with lemon verbena or rose leaves.
The air inside the barn is soothingly cool, sounds are subdued. All is calm, all is bright.
Reluctantly we returned to our simmering hot car and the drive back to Cape Town, baskets crammed with gorgeously designed jars and bottles.
• Shop online at babylonstoren.com
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