As I journey toward Blou, the seaside counterpart to the celebrated Babylonstoren, a distinct sense of architectural anticipation takes hold. If Babylonstoren represents an ode to agrarian fine living nestled within the Cape Winelands, then BLOU is its ethereal, sea-facing extension - a masterclass in where nature's expanse meets exacting design

The arrival is deliberately understated. A subtle, white-on-white bas-relief of the name ‘BLOU’ - Afrikaans for blue - is the sole external cue above an open threshold. This quiet entrance is instantly countered by the warm reception from Annelle and her team, elegantly clad in the retreat’s namesake colour, leading me into the space they aptly call the 'Welcome Room'. Stepping inside, the interior reveals a modern, minimalist vision. The bright, airy atmosphere is immediate, achieved by the flood of natural light from thoughtfully placed skylights. White clapboard walls and a vaulted ceiling amplify the clean, open geometry, a perfect canvas for the geometric blue-and-white patterned Bisazza Studio tiles - specifically the Granada Bianca by Alessandro Mendini - underfoot, which introduces a rhythmic visual texture echoing the spirited freedom of seaside existence.

The reception desk is a sleek white counter, behind which a precisely curated display of blue-hued objects functions dually as décor and a discreet pantry and concierge service. Stylized seating and tables are placed with sculptural intention, infusing the room with a playful sophistication. A vintage "POST" poster offers a subtle, retro-infused nod to the artistic legacy that anchors this coastal retreat.

The space beautifully establishes BLOU's design narrative: a stylishly chic haven that references the sur la plage movement. This ethos, immortalized by artists like Picasso in the 1920s, embraces a relaxed, sensual hedonism - of sun-drenched days where the beach itself becomes an expansive, creative medium.

A twisting boardwalk guides us past a cluster of five whitewashed cottages, arranged around a communal courtyard featuring integrated outdoor braais and intimate garden nooks shaded by Milkwood Trees. Familiar to those who appreciate the design language of Babylonstoren, these areas showcase decadent, architectural glass-walled kitchen rooms featuring glorious Bulthaup perfection. Continuing, a gorgeously recreated mini-spa comes into view, complete with an obligatory blue pool, framed by minimalist white loungers and an eye-catching blue-and-white float from Oliver James. An adjacent glass-fronted sauna, a steam room, and a spectacular white-tiled bathroom - softened by sensuous, retro-inspired curves - evoke the charm of an opulent bathing pavilion.

We weave between the buildings, and the vista explodes - the vast, breathtaking expanse of ocean and sky opens right before me. Our cottage, one of three perched on the cliff overlooking the rugged beauty of Keurboomstrand, is spectacular. The view is dynamic, the breeze invigorating, and the Indian Ocean’s mighty roar serves as a profound, soothing soundtrack.

Crossing our expansive terrace through open doors, I enter a stunning modern, minimalist, Mediterranean-inspired living space. The clean lines and a neutral, resilient colour palette enhance the room’s airiness, amplified by a vaulted ceiling and skylights that draw light deep into the space. This is an environment of subtle, yet powerful, elegance. The furnishings are a curated selection of international designer classics, all chosen for their aesthetic merit and ability to withstand the harsh coastal elements. The Bulthaup kitchen anchors the left wall, above which hangs a seminal image: Robert Capa’s photograph from August 1948, capturing Pablo Picasso holding an umbrella over Françoise Gilot on the beach at Golfe-Juan, France - a decisive reinforcement of the sur la plage lifestyle. A sleek wood-burning fireplace provides a perfect architectural focus for creating warmth on cooler evenings.

The bedrooms maintain the minimal white-on-white palette, spaces engineered for restorative sleep, all featuring the signature Babylonstoren four-poster beds. On one wall, American photographer Toni Frissell’s 1950s “Fashion Models in Swimsuits” portrays the refined backs of models, two kneeling with swim fins, one seated. This composition conjures an elegance that speaks to the glamorous, sophisticated allure of BLOU, using posture and negative space to evoke intrigue and contemporary artistic sensibility. The bathrooms reflect the quintessential Babylonstoren aesthetic: clean lines and pristine white tiling that exude functional elegance, featuring high-end, contemporary fittings that prioritize quality over ostentation. The overall vibe is one of serene tranquillity, perfectly capturing the essence of elevated coastal living.

Designed with barefoot luxury in mind, every detail - from the timed morning coffee on a blue-trimmed white oval tray to the immediate whisking of a vibrant blue parasol and deck chairs to the beach - is crafted for comfort, ensuring the dramatically beautiful setting remains the undisputed focal point.

BLOU is, at its heart, about the good life realized through simple, inimitable elegance. It is a place that reminds us that joy and pleasure, experienced outdoors in nature, are not mere indulgences, but essential design principles. It beautifully embodies the rustic elegance of its renowned farm oasis, stamping the simple life with the unmistakable Babylonstoren hallmark.