In one of the prettiest, neatest and idyllic little towns in the Western Cape, on the West Coast, you will find a charming little guesthouse called Gonana. A place travellers from all over the world call home, even if only for a few days. We had the most delightful stay at this unique looking and beautiful space.
Scroll the images below of the beautiful guesthouse. Images provided by Gonana Collection.
The Look of Sustainable Luxury
We especially enjoyed the unique look of the guesthouse and how it was decorated. The space supports local artisans with respect and pays tribute to these special designs and unique pieces. The space is warm and inviting and the colour palette is one that is extremely grounding and serene. I loved the use of basketry to enliven the space. This is used throughout the collection and is truly a golden thread woven into the fabric of Gonana.
COLLABORATION PARTNER: Gonana Collection, Paternoster, South Africa
DATE OF TRAVEL:
November 2024
OFFERING:
2 nights stay at Acacia House with breakfast. Self-catering unit with fireplace and BBQ facility. Pool at main lodge. Seaview’s from house and sea view access from main lodge.
Furthermore, the guesthouse celebrates these local craftspeople and there are a few pieces on sale for guests to purchase if they wish to take a piece home. There are special manifestations in each unit that help you enjoy and celebrate the space for what it is throughout the various seasons of the year. In winter, enjoy and cozy up near the fireplaces, while in summer there is a pool and sundeck available for guests to make use of. There is a definite sense of harmony that feels as though there is a specific eb and flow to things. This could be reflective of the ocean only a stone through away or signs of a well oiled machine, either way, it only aided the experience overall.
Scroll the gallery below for the aesthetic of the guesthouse.
Options at Gonana When it Comes to Lodging
The collection of accommodation at Gonana ranges from single rooms to houses with self-catering capabilities and studios. This is a unique offering as it gives travellers more options. I found this very thoughtful as it allows travellers much more choice and flexibility when it comes to meals and longer term stays. The guesthouse offers breakfast which my family and I absolutely enjoyed. We did this on the front terrace overlooking the ocean each morning which was the biggest treat. The terrace area has lovely seating with side tables where guests can eat and enjoy the morning ocean view. Looking out onto the big blue sea, with lush vegetation all around, rocks in the water and passerbyers doing morning walks or families collecting whatever treasures the tide had washed in, it was our favourite part of the day.
Let’s talk about the breakfast. The most important meal of the day. Gonana does breakfast in delicious style. When you walk up into the living area – where breakfast is served, there is a sense of excitement. The spread is perfectly set out with every condiment, food option for breakfast and drinks you could wish for. There is a wide selection of breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, there are health conscious choices and the hot breakfast is made to order with a selection to choose from as well. All in all, the breakfast was a highlight in itself.
A Town Worth Remembering
The town of Paternsoter is an old fisherman village still very much operational. It is a small town although it is not small in character or charm. There is so much to appreciate about it. I am an ocean lover but I don’t particularly rush to the sea any chance I get. I did however absolutely love the beaches in Paternoster. I hope this reference will be appreciated but it definitely reminded me of the types of scenes in Nicholas Sparks’ novels. We all loved walking on the beach and spending time there, I even collected seashells! – I don’t think I have ever done this before in my life so it was a very therapeutic experience indeed. We had some of the nicest meals at the restaurants in town too and I found the service delivery overall very very good.
There is much to do nearby to make your stay in Paternoster eventful. We visited the West Coast Fossil Park which is a mere 30min drive. There are numerous neighbouring towns one could visit as well as the Cape Columbine lighthouse – really close to the guesthouse. I think the beauty of this town is to relax, appreciate and dream which seems to come very naturally when you are here.
We visited in early November which was a great time – the town was quiet with no crowds and we were able to enjoy the space with no hassle at all.
Thank you Gonana Collection for hosting us at your beautiful guesthouse, unique in many ways!
Some additional activities include:
- Whale watching (when in season: August – November)
- Going to see the flowers (also seasonal: August & September)
- Visiting the West coast National Park
Some extra information about the stay
*Breakfast is an optional extra
*Fire wood and braai/barbeque wood and or coal needs to be purchased in town
*The guesthouse offers a wide variety of activities and restaurant options to make life easier
*Housekeeping is included