BLOU | A Coastal Haven Inspired by Babylonstoren.
Daniel Syrett
BLOU, the seaside sister of the renowned Babylonstoren
For those in the know, the mention of Keurboomstrand conjures long, powdery white-sand beaches. Together with the caressing waves of the Indian Ocean, rocky granite outcrops, in a milkwood-dotted wilderness. It’s a wild, untamed beach escape near Plettenberg Bay where families have holidayed for generations. Among them the owners of Babylonstoren and more recently The Newt in Somerset. If you have been fortunate enough to stay at Babylonstoren or the Newt, you are considered part of the family and welcome to book a stay at BLOU.
If Babylonstoren is a testament to fine living nestled within the vineyards of the Cape Winelands, then BLOU promises to be a dreamy extension of that magic by the ocean.
The arrival at BLOU
The arrival at BLOU is delightfully low-key. A small area of Milkwood trees and a subtle white on white bas-relief sign quietly bearing the name ‘BLOU’ placed unobtrusively above an open doorway, is the only hint that we’ve arrived. Until that is, the lovely Annelle and her team arrive elegantly clad in blue, warmly greet us, and escort us into what we soon discover is the Welcome Room.
Stepping into the Welcome Room takes us into another world entirely! The enchanting world of BLOU, where style and creativity collide in a vibrant coastal utopia. It’s delightfully modern, minimalist, and totally unexpected. Natural light filters through the vaulted skylights. White clapboard walls and ceiling amplify the clean, open feel. A sleek white bar counter, behind which shelves display carefully curated blue hued items. Echoes a coastal vibe while serving as a pantry and concierge service. Stylised white stools and tables act as functional sculpture, artfully decorating the room. A geometric blue and white-patterned tile under foot adds a visual rhythm that echoes the joyous freedom of being in a seaside environment. A vintage “POST” poster on the wall introduces a touch of retro charm.
BLOU Spa
We exit into a resting area. Where a bas-relief dolphin graces a wall above a simple white bench, opposite a table with chairs under an umbrella, which leads to a twisting boardwalk through a collection of elegant white-washed cottages nestled under the shade of protected Milkwood trees, each with what will be a familiar sight to guests of Babylonstoren Fynbos Cottages: sleek, architectural glass boxed kitchens showing off their glorious Bulthaup kitchen perfection, face the BLOU Spa, a “bite sized” version of Babylonstoren’s beloved spa experience. It’s charming—an intimate village around a courtyard.
We continue along a narrow pathway, emerging to vast views of sea and sky — it’s breathtaking. To the right, we discover, perched on a cliff overlooking the craggy natural beauty of Keurboomstrand, is our cottage, one of three ocean facing cottages. It’s glorious! The Indian Ocean’s mighty roar is a soothing soundtrack. The views are mesmerising. Our cottage is gorgeous. Pared back with a natural palette, perfectly curated designer pieces. ???
The vibe at BLOU is one of bare foot luxury. Promising a Picasso-esque “sur la plage” lifestyle, as encapsulated in the hedonistic era of care free joy and artistic liberation of the 1920’s. Through the celebration of sand and sensuality and the exuberance of life that characterised his revolutionary spirit.
Dolphins frolicking in the bay
At BLOU, life is simple. Morning coffees arrive on a blue-trimmed white oval tray (timed to suit) with a frothy heart and a warm croissant wrapped beguilingly in white parchment paper. Days are spent leisurely strolling along the beach, barefoot, dipping your toes in the ocean. Reclining on our blue and white stripe deck chairs under our blue umbrella, that are magically transported to the beach for you. Water, wine and bubbles keep you as refreshed as the views, that entertain through the day with their constantly changing myriad blue hues, dancing mesmerisingly across the vast swathes of sea and sky. If you keep your eyes peeled you’ll see the dolphins frolicking in the bay. As well as in season) passing whales blowing and flicking their tails. Reading, lounging, dosing perfecting the delightful “art of doing nothing,” interspersed with spa visits.
Blou doesn’t have a restaurant, which actually adds to its charm. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on delicious fresh produce, ready to be effortlessly assembled or braai’d (grilled) for delightful al fresco feasting. This setup gives you the freedom to truly unwind. No distractions or interruptions allowing you to fully relax and do what you want, as you want, when you want. (Plus the legendary Enrico’s is next door).
BLOU beautifully captures the rustic elegance of its celebrated farm oasis. Everything is designed to connect you with nature and inspire a sense of tranquility and joy. Emphasising that true luxury lies in savoring the simple pleasures, living in the moment, creating memories. Celebrating the beauty of life’s little moments, “sur la plage.”
Babylonstoren Website
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Our Global Publisher Daniel Syrett, or SYRETT, which the artist is better known as, brings his extensive knowledge of the fashion and art industries to his role here at IRK Magazine
After studying fashion at Jacob Kramer College of Art in his home city of Leeds, Daniel moved to Liverpool, where his style was influenced by the alternative creative’s of Merseyside. After successfully launching one of the most exclusive nightclubs in the country, Dan travelled to London to work as a freelance stylist, in a move which saw his career in fashion skyrocket. To date, Daniel Syrett has worked alongside some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Elle, All Saints, EMI, the BBC, and London Fashion Week. Among his latest collaborations, SYRETT is most recognised for his partnership with True Brit Nail Varnish which is portrayed through his glossy art pieces. SYRETT uses the varnish as a medium to create highly polished, and highly fashionable works of art which expose the intertwining relationship between the fashion and art worlds. This connection is epitomised by his most recent collection in which SYRETT named each piece after some of the most iconic designers, including Alexander, Jean-Paul, Yves and Vivienne, with the latter designer being a frequent visitor to Daniel’s former boutique, Controversy.
As a result of working with these stylish clients, Daniel Syrett has solidified a global reputation as both a fashion stylist and an artist. His work has graced everywhere from New York and Florence, to the pastel-glazed buildings on Miami’s South Beach, where an exhibition of SYRETT’S work is also planned for the near future. It is, however, unsurprising that Daniel Syrett has reached such heights, after seeing his work published in over 200 National and International publications, alongside several other books, including the Booth-Clibborn Edition of the counter-culture book, High Flyers.
Alongside his role at IRK, Daniel continues to make his name in London and beyond, most specifically through Beautalism: the emerging art movement which is shaping the art scene across the capital. As the founder of the Beautalists, Daniel Syrett aims to bridge the gap between the public and the artist and make art accessible to all. This is all in a days work for Dan, who balances his interests with his work as an artist. With other exciting partnerships launching with the W Hotel, Soho’s Century Club and ROOME, the future for the head of Beautalism looks beautiful indeed.
Biography by Megan Slack, Contributing Editor at Magazine by Runway Gallery.
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