There is something quite intoxicating about the prospect of escaping to the beach for a romantic getaway. Hubby and I were dreaming about a summer beach escape and when the opportunity came our way, we were only too happy to indulge our thalassophilian hearts (I just made that word up, although thalassophile is a real word meaning ‘a lover of the sea’). Sunshine, salty ocean air, crashing waves and dreamy sunsets at a quiet hideaway was needed to restore and reinvigorate our Covid-weary souls.
Many years had passed since our first stay in the pretty seaside village of Paternoster, located on the unspoiled, wild West Coast of South Africa.
From the moment we stepped through the front entrance of the chic and stylish Gonana Guest House, we felt our stresses melting away almost immediately as Thandi welcomed us with a warm smile behind her face mask. My heart did a little skip and a jump as we walked past the inviting crystal-clear swimming pool before heading upstairs to the communal lounge area to check-in.
The interior design features calming, earthy tones, lush indoor plants, unique and quirky artwork, comfortable couches with coffee tables stacked with books, magazines, and board games, while locally produced items such as candles and body products are available to purchase.
I was immediately drawn to the expansive outdoor verandah with mesmerising beach and ocean views. This comes as no surprise as my dream has always been to own and live in a beach house such as this. I had fallen head over heels in love with this special place! Nothing could wipe off the huge Cheshire-like smile that seemed permanently plastered to my face during our stay.
A sanctuary for the soul is what Jonas Sandstrom had in mind when he created the perfect beach hideaway on the shores of Bekbaai, and this is what he has successfully achieved. Experienced in running various guest houses in South Africa for many years, this Swedish entrepreneur has a passion and vision for creating utterly unique and beautiful spaces that are environmentally sound and exquisitely designed.
Gonana looks as if it has stepped straight off the catwalk (so to speak) and was recently featured in a Scandinavian magazine. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a stuffy guest house with no personality – it has oodles of charm, beauty and an ambience that invites one to relax and breathe.
The family home-turned-guest house has 7 en suite rooms (6 double and 1 triple) that offer a sense of tranquillity with decor inspired by the natural surroundings of sea, sky, and sand. The sense of calm and serenity one feels in the spacious room facing the ocean, a mere 25 metres from the beach, is quite magical.
The large sash windows allow in floods of light (the block-out curtains ensure that you aren’t woken up at dawn) and overlook a water-wise garden with your own private little terrace, perfect for quiet reflection and sundowners.
The en suite bathroom has a water-saving shower big enough for two that uses greywater and solar panels provide hot water, a basin and toilet with eco-friendly shower gel and soap. In keeping with their eco-conscious practices, they provide no-flush toilet drops so there is no need to flush after each use. Read more about their approach to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Lying in bed, you can see and hear the ocean waves crashing which is such bliss that it is easy to relax, breathe and just be. The super comfortable beds are extra-long with wide mattresses and crisp white linen, the only distraction being the small gap between the two beds. Other amenities include a safe, heater, standing fan and speedy Wi-Fi if you need to work or can’t switch off social media. There are no TV sets in the rooms or communal area which encourages one to get-off-the-grid, a huge plus in my opinion. Hubby had great fun capturing the many birds that flew past while we sat on the terrace.
There is no rush when you stay at Gonana. Some of my trips can be super busy and action-packed, so I assured hubby that we would take things slowly while enjoying our surroundings and precious time together. In case you were wondering, our tween stayed at home with Granny, but children and well-behaved pooches are welcome at Gonana.
Start your day with Thandi’s delicious breakfast each morning. Have your eggs scrambled, fried, or enjoy a fluffy omelette. Choose from a delectable assortment of fresh seasonal fruit, yoghurt, muesli, cereals, freshly baked bread, muffins, juice, jams and preserves. And if that isn’t enough, tuck into an array of yummy local cheeses from the cheese board. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and rusks are available during your stay. The honesty bar has a range of snacks and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Time seems to stand still in Paternoster. The beauty when staying at Gonana is that you are free to do as much or as little as you like. While it is tempting to stay cocooned in Gonana’s warm embrace (a personal favourite – lying on a deckchair beside the pool with a good book, jumping in every now and then to cool off), a stroll through the village of Paternoster with its white-washed, beachfront fishermen’s cottages is highly recommended, as are walks along the unspoiled beaches. Remember to bring your camera along for some great photo opportunities.
Indulge in retail therapy at some quirky stores such as Oep ve Koep and Jêm & Pantoffels. Doing so means that you are supporting the local economy and its people, which is more important now than ever.
Giving back and supporting the local people is a top priority for Jonas. As a big supporter of female empowerment, he only employs women to work with him. Joy first started working with Jonas as a cleaning girl nearly 20 years ago and now she is the General Manager at Gonana.
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve with its lighthouse dating back to 1936 is about 5km from Paternoster. It was unfortunately closed due to Covid, but I have been told that it is worth a visit when open. The seaside village is known for its many award-winning restaurants that serve a delicious array of cuisines, most notably the freshest seafood caught by local fisherman.
Try your hand at surfing (a wetsuit is a must as the water is very cold!), sea kayaking, horse rides on the beach or e-bike rides through the village and surrounding landscape. Crack open a chilled local beer or bottle of wine with fresh fish and chips while watching the sunset and just relax.
They currently have an AMAZING SUMMER SPECIAL! Book one night at Gonana and get the second night at 50% off (valid for stays until 1 March 2021). Book via email >> stay@gonanaguesthouse.com
With exceptional hospitality, a beautifully designed guest house with possibly the best location in Paternoster, this eco-friendly and special beach hideaway needs to be on your travel list of places to stay. I long to return but for now, it is YOUR turn to experience the magic of Gonana!
I’ve collaborated with Jonas and his team who have generously sponsored a one-night stay for two including breakfast. There is so much to love about Gonana Guest House, so be in it to win it! Entering is super easy:
- FOLLOW @gonanaguesthouse and @livingitupct on Instagram.
- LIKE the Instagram post.
- TAG 3 of your friends in the comments section. Please don’t tag the same person more than once. Spam entries will be disqualified.
- LIKE and FOLLOW Gonana Guest House and Living It Up CT on Facebook.
- Entries are open for 2 weeks. The lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, 25 February 2021 and announced via Instagram, so stay tuned.
- For a BONUS entry: SHARE the original post to your Insta-stories and tag @gonanaguesthouse and @livingitupct. For an EXTRA BONUS entry, sign up to receive blog updates about new posts and giveaways >> https://www.livingitupct.com/
- This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram.
Terms & Conditions:
Booking is essential and subject to availability.
This prize is only valid for one year (excludes the peak season from 1 December 2021 – 15 January 2022).
Transport to/from Gonana Guest House is not included, nor are meals other than breakfast, drinks, and items of a personal nature.
The prize may not be sold or transferred to a third party and is not redeemable for its cash value.
ADDRESS
42 Sonkwas Road, Bekbaai, Paternoster
TELEPHONE
Guest House Direct: +27 (0)66 194 1105
Reservations: +27 (0)76 719 2538
EMAIL
stay@gonanaguesthouse.com
Disclosure: I was invited by Jonas to stay at Gonana Guest House for review purposes. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols are in place for your peace of mind.
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Yours in Travel, Food & Wine.
xoxo
Wow this place looks amazing, Paternoster been on my visit list forever but can’t afford it. I would love to relax and enjoy a day at this stunning Gonana Guest house.
It is such a beautiful place to relax and enjoy some time at the beach, Mariam. It’s even better than my photos. Wishing you the best of luck!