Travel South Africa. Stay at Eco-friendly Gonana Guesthouse in Paternoster

150 kilometres north of Cape Town, on South Africa’s West Coast, you find Paternoster.

Paternoster, an idyllic town with whitewashed houses, gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants, pretty galleries and shops, is home to a population of less than 2,000 residents. Locals who have been fishing on the coast for generations make their living from fishing still.

Some believe Paternoster means 'our father'. Surviving shipwrecked sailors sent grateful prayers and hence the believe the town is named after these prayers. Others say it is named after beads, or even after a location in England. Only one thing is for sure, the name debate is ongoing. Paternoster remains a traditional South African fishing village, and its irresistible barefooted charm is strong. The quiet Cape West Coast town turns bustling holiday destination in the summer months, all the way into autumn, and on long weekends.

A coastal escape for much needed R&R

Do you need to be hugged? Are you looking for a coastal escape to get some much needed rest and relaxation to keep your mental and physical health in check? If you are a fan of stylish, ecologically minded, and owner-run guesthouses and are looking for a place like that near Cape Town, then Gonana Guesthouse in Paternoster is just the place for you as it provides all that and gracious hospitality. Its location between Paternoster and Columbine Nature Reserve, perched smack bang on Bekbaai beach, is second to none. It is not only the location that is this close to nature, Gonana treads lightly on earth and uses solar panels, rainwater collection, and greywater recycling to be run self-sufficient.

Swedish entrepreneur and interior designer Jonas Sandström chose Gonana as the name for his beachy boutique guesthouse as it means 'Embrace' in isiZulu.

As you enter Gonana, you walk past the saltwater swimming pool and through the inner courtyard garden planted with indigenous plants, and straight on into the main house. On arrival, you will be welcomed with a warm smile and an ice-cold drink of Rooibos tea.

Embrace the Cape West Coast bliss at Gonana

The design of the spacious ground floor room, one of eight guest rooms, with whitewashed walls and timber ceilings, polished concrete floors, linens and blonde wood furniture, treetrunk nightstands, rustic grass rugs, a wicker chair, and industrial-style wardrobe and bathroom, creates a joyful and happy atmosphere through and through. Doors and windows allow for lots of natural light and invite relaxation. I love that there is no TV in the room, hand on heart, who needs one when the view over the dunes and the ocean is this marvellous?

Before you go to bed make your way up to the first floor and get a front-row seat on the wooden deck for a show of a little stargazing extravaganza, it is free, and the starry night sky is grand since there is hardly any light pollution. The show is best on cloudless nights.

In the morning, after an angelic peaceful sleep in the large comfy bed, you look out the window and just see blue and hear the waves rolling onto the sandy shore. It feels like walking on clouds. Walk from your room a few steps, I counted, and it is 32 steps. Gonana’s garden grows seamlessly into the dune belt, and you are on the beach with powder-soft sand on the shore of the deep blue South Atlantic Ocean. Gonana is indeed the perfect place to leave footprints in the sand, and that before you even had breakfast. Nothing is as enjoyable as sand between your toes and the soothing sound of the ocean. Heaven is a place on earth.

After your first beach walk of the day head up to the first floor. Guests can feast on an expansive breakfast at the giant wooden table in the upstairs communal living room with a million-dollar view over the Atlantic Ocean. Gonana uses foremost organic and only locally sourced products, and you have to try Gonana's bread and jam and agree that homemade tastes best. Gonana is a guesthouse by the sea that cares for their shoreline – the use of plastic is kept to a minimum.

Being at the ocean, it is another world. After breakfast, as I stay on Gonana's upstairs wooden deck soaking up the views of the endless blue sea I think once more that spending time in nature is a divine experience. And that in a place like Gonana. It is a simple, beachy, environmentally friendly, and timeless place, and the happiness that comes with staying here is priceless.

Before you leave, you can buy locally made and sustainable products whereby all stocked beauty products are not tested on animals and are paraben-free. 

What else is there to do in Paternoster?

Gonana Guesthouse is only a few steps from the beach, so it is in an ideal position for beach picnics, yoga, photography, and beach walks. Bring binoculars for bird watching or see whether you can spot dolphins and whales (be patient, but chances for sightings are high). You can also arrange to go horse riding and kayaking.

To reach the centre of Paternoster it is a walk of only about ten minutes, and you only need about five minutes to reach the waterfront district with shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. I recommend you go by car after dark. If you are unsure, best to ask at Gonana.

Please go and visit Zelda Designs, one can’t but love Zelda Furstenberg’s artwork and sustainable fashion.

Paternoster is home to several restaurants, and they are hugely popular. To avoid disappointment, it is best to book in advance. I recommend Gaaitjie Restaurant, great for vegetarians, and housed in a Cape Heritage building 'on the rocks' directly on the beach. It has lovely ocean views and the most romantic sunset. Another wonderful option for vegetarians would be One Kreeftegang. For coffee and cake head to Koekemakranke Coffee Shop – they brew delectable red cappuccinos. 

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Zelda Art and Design, St Augustine Road, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa.

Gaaitjie Restaurant Paternoster, Sampson St, Kliprug, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa.

One Kreeftegang, 25 St Augustine Rd, Bek Bay, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa.

Koekemakranke Coffee Shop, Kliprug, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa.

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Gonana Guesthouse Info

Hotel address: Gonana Guesthouse, 42 Sonkwas St, Bek Bay, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa, Phone +27 (0)66 194 1105, E-Mail: stay@gonanacollection.com.

Website: Gonana Collection. Visit the website for more information and to also find further accommodation options from Gonana Collection. Gonana is a member of Cape Country Routes.

Price: From ZAR 2,250 incl. breakfast.

Type of Hotel: Eco-friendly, boutique, beach, romantic, style & design.

Type of break: Romantic getaway, nature experience.

Air-conditioner: Fans.

Sauna: No

Fireplace: Yes, in the communal upstairs area (please ask when booking).

Wi-Fi: Yes.

Swimming pool: Yes. Solar electricity heats the saltwater pool.

Restaurant: No. Snacks can be arranged though, please ask on arrival.

Room Service: No, there is an honesty bar in the upstairs communal lounge.

Parking: Yes, parking is on allocated spots in front of the property and free.

Shuttle / service: Please ask when booking.

Verdict Gonana Guesthouse

Would I stay at Gonana Guesthouse again in the future? Yes. Would I recommend a stay at Gonana Guesthouse to a friend? Yes. Paternoster is a great long weekend destination for families and couples – two weeks in Paternoster - that sounds blissful too. I recommend longer for those looking to slow down and truly unwind. Happy travels.

Are you looking for some more eco-friendly places to stay?

South Africa: De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Australia: The Atlantic Byron Bay.

Morocco: AnaYela in Marrakech.

Greece. Casita Casita Lindos.

Germany: Berghotel Rehlegg in Bavaria.

Spain: 3 fabulously special hotels in Mallorca.

Magical hotel stays - 8 very easy ways to makehotel guests feel at home.

From Berlin with love