Escape to Paternoster

It’s hard to fathom that Paternoster, a small fisherman’s village situated 90 minutes from Cape Town on the West Coast is even in South Africa many people mistaken this beautiful town as the Mediterranean or Greece.

Suppose you have been following me for a while now. In that case, you will know I often escape to this unspoiled fishing village best known for its large quantities of Cape Lobster, long white beaches and picturesque fishermen’s’ cottages to take a break from the hectic Cape Town city life and to experience the calmness and peace offered by this coastal town.

But how to unlock this oasis that seems more Grecian than South African? I have a few suggestions. Paternoster, which means ‘Our Father’, indeed could be the answer to your relaxation prayers.

Gonana Guest House

Gonana Guest House is Paternoster’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious guest house. Owned by Swedish entrepreneur and interior designer Jonas Sandström, Gonana is located right on the Bekbaai beach alongside a greenbelt. It’s also virtually off the grid and entirely environmentally ethical. All water is recycled, all power is solar-generated, plastic usage is minimal, and décor is all-natural and sourced locally.

The guest house offers seven luxury rooms, of which six has its own private patio and breathtaking sea views and garden views. The neutral palette encourages you to exhale, relax and reconnect with the natural world. Polished cement floors keep suites cool in the hot summers; extra-length, raw wooden beds and headboards lend an earthy feel, as do finely sanded log nightstands. White walls and uncluttered floors give a sense of space, while white percale linen and handwoven cotton towels add finesse. Bathrooms have unique appointments such as hand-crafted metal pipe towel rails and shelf supports, as well as polished wooden whale tail hooks. White subway tiles in the showers give a contemporary touch.

The dining and lounge area is upstairs and furnished with a solid wooden table and bench seating – strewn with soft Swedish sheepskins – for guests to enjoy breakfast with a full sea view comfortably. Adjacent, the lounge area with skylights is furnished with a collection of classic leather couches complemented by woven leather chairs. The expansive balcony, edged with ample seating and plenty of soft, comfy cushions, offers all-day outdoor theatre and sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s just breathtaking. In the downstairs courtyard, a deep, saltwater pool is another relaxation hub where you can nap in the sun on a thick pool mattress – or choose shade surrounded by indigenous gardens.

Since the name Gonana is derived from the Zulu word ‘embrace’, all who enjoy and appreciate nature and are environmentally conscious should be welcomed with open arms at Gonana Guest House. For them, it will be a home away from home.

Rooms are priced from R950.00 per night for two (2) persons sharing and inclusive of breakfast.

Gonana Guest House is happy to do a special offer for all #LorindasWorld followers/readers of Stay for 2 nights and get another night for free.

Terms would be that the nights be booked consecutively and is not valid during our peak season period 15 December – 15 January.

For bookings enquiries and more information, call (27) 074 555 3063, email to stay@gonanaguesthouse.com, or visit www.gonanaguesthouse.com

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

Enjoying a magnificent location by the beach at Paternoster, Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is a purpose-built small luxury retreat, offering charming, spacious accommodation, good food and first-class service in an idyllic oceanfront setting.

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel boasts a unique atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, with sweeping views of the ocean, long sandy beaches, and an elegant, light-filled, airy design.

The 14 exquisite rooms and suites are a fusion of beach style and contemporary luxury with organic lines, hues and textures and an overall feeling of simplicity and pure luxury. Each room at Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel has its terrace or courtyard and wide doors that open out onto breathtaking views of sky, sand, sea and open tranquil space.

Among other facilities, the hotel has a twenty-metre lap pool with sun-deck, the Ocean Lounge, a wellness suite, and a boutique selling hand-selected curios and locally produced crafts.

You can book your stay with the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel directly from their website.

La Balaine Self-Catering Beach Houses

La Baleíne Beach House Collection superb self-catering ten beach houses and studios have a light and airy atmosphere, are superbly appointed and boast magnificent sea views. They have beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and the finest linen and quality towels.

Each stylish beach house has its patio and braai facility, private access, DSTV, Wi-Fi Internet access, undercover parking and direct access to private walkways down to the beach. La Baleíne Beach House Collection has everything and more to ensure a hassle-free holiday or break-away weekend while experiencing the authentic West Coast lifestyle.

Contact La Balaine directly for booking via cell:+2766 264 8461 or email: info@labaleine.co.za.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND PATERNOSTER:

• Visit Sea Shack just 3 km away.
• Visit Tietiesbaai where campers and caravaners collect each summer.
• See the lighthouse at CapeColumbine – it’s the last manned lighthouse to have been built on the South African coast.
• Visit St. Helena Bay and visit Stompneus Point Lighthouse in Shelley Point.
• Go see the wildflowers in Jacobsbaai.
• Enjoy Saturday lunch at Die Strandloper in Langebaan.

WHERE TO EAT IN PATERNOSTER:

Paternoster is a small town, but still known for its exceptional great dining experiences. Here are some of my favourites:

Wolfgat

Although I have not personally eaten at Wolfgat, this is worth making my list given the amount of media coverage this restaurant has been getting, and the number of accolades it has picked up. In February 2019, Wolfgat was declared Restaurant of the Year in the World Restaurant Awards, having already won the Off-Map Destination category. So it is 100% on my bucket list of must-visit restaurants in Paternoster.

Leeto:

Leeto opened at the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel in early 2018, and I have been several times to Leeto since 2018.

They have superb food on offer. Breakfast is laid on and included in the rates: a healthy selection of fresh tropical fruits, yoghurt, toast and drinks. Book whatever other meals you fancy from a range of menus (and at any time of day, just allow at least 15-20 minutes for the chefs to whip up a feast from scratch), including all-day dining and set dinner.

Gaatjie

Gaaitjie creates a warm welcome with traditional feelings of comfort combined with a varied menu focused on local produce.

Gaaitjie has a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, true to its heritage. This unique atmosphere of tradition and comfort has inspired an eclectic menu featuring local produce, fused with contemporary influeces.

Their food is unpretentious and made with love, using sustainable fresh local produce as far as possible. The decor is simple yet comfortable and their unique location and views remain unbeatable.

With so many things to see, eat and do, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your trip to Paternoster!

Should you visit, be sure to let me know what you enjoyed or if there’s anything I should add to the list for my next trip!