Paternoster may be a small West Coast village, but it has a big heart. Radiating a genuine warmth and generosity of spirit to all those that visit its shores, this seaside haven is a special destination. If you have yet to experience Paternoster, there is no better time than during the winter months.
Referred to as the Secret Season, the winter months from June to August, are less busy. You’ll practically have Paternoster all to yourself and special deals make your stay more affordable. Add blissful sunshine days that our winters are blessed with plus a fabulous group of women as travel companions, and you have the makings of a wonderful West Coast weekend.
HELLO DARLING!
What would a road trip be without a stop or two along the way? Cruising along smoothly in the stylish Ford Everest Sport, we soon arrived in the quaint town of Darling. It’s easy to spend a weekend here exploring its many attractions, but if you only have a few hours, don’t miss out on the following:
* Popular Darling Brewery opened its doors in 2010 and is well worth a visit. It is one of South Africa’s first established and award-winning microbreweries and Africa’s first carbon-neutral brewery! Enjoy a tasting experience and delicious meal in the Tasteroom or head outside to the beer garden and kids’ play area. Darling Brewery is the perfect introduction to slow living.
* Evita se Perron is the home of South Africa’s much-loved Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that this was my first visit! But that is part of what travel is all about; discovering new places, spaces and people. This particular space houses a cute deli, walk-in café, a fascinating museum and theatre. They are rather famous for their Bobotie pies and koeksisters and these went down a treat with the ladies. The servings are generous at prices that will make you smile and the warmest country hospitality.
* Our final stop was another well-loved institution, Darling Sweet, manufacturers of toffees and soft caramels. Expect yummy goodness without the nasties – high-quality handcrafted toffees using traditional methods with no added artificial colourants, flavourings or preservatives. Their unique range of toffee flavours includes ingredients that are mostly sourced locally.
GONANA GUESTHOUSE – AN ENCHANTING ECO STAY
Located on Bekbaai Beach beside a greenbelt, the idyllic setting looks like a picture-perfect postcard. Paternoster’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious guesthouse, Gonana ticks all the right boxes when it comes to eco-friendly luxury accommodation. As a member of Cape Country Routes, it is the perfect fit for eco-conscious people who value nature.
Virtually off the grid and 100% environmentally ethical, Swedish entrepreneur and interior designer Jonas Sandström, has created a calm oasis with Afro-Scandi décor that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders as I entered the property, much like I did the first time I stayed at Gonana in 2021. Encouraged to slow down and reconnect with yourself and nature, really is the most wonderful feeling.
Their ‘Buy Local, Think Global’ ethos is evident throughout the property, with locally sourced products and produce used in the kitchen and guestrooms. Some of the eco-friendly measures they implement include recycling all water, solar-generated power (what loadshedding?), minimal plastic usage and no use of harmful chemicals. The beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens are entirely water-wise.
It is an intimate property, featuring eight en-suite rooms. Seven of these have private terraces or balconies with three leading directly to the beach. Drifting off to the sound of waves crashing gently against the seashore is pure magic.
I stayed in the upstairs Triple Room. With a private balcony and partial sea view, it is ideal for 2 adults and a child (over 12) or 3 adults staying together. Nearest to the spacious communal dining and lounge area, this is where sumptuous breakfasts are served each morning, full sea view included.
The inviting space encourages you to breathe, take in the glorious sea views from the wide balcony (the sunsets are particularly breathtaking), read a book, play board games or sip on a glass of local wine. It’s all about living your best, most relaxed life while on holiday, perhaps taking some of that magic home with you. Should you need to work while at Gonana, free uncapped WIFI is available.
The eighth room is known as the Studio. Designed as a small apartment that can be rented as a self-catering option, it features an upstairs bedroom with a balcony (partial sea view), a lovely lounge area, a small kitchenette and a downstairs bathroom.
Your tastebuds are in for a treat with freshly brewed coffee, teas, fruit juices and freshly cut seasonal fruit, freshly-baked muffins, a variety of hot and cold dishes as well as local organic cheeses from Moose on the Run in Hopefield. It’s the perfect start to your day in Paternoster, along with a walk along the beach or perhaps a swim in the deep saltwater, solar-heated pool.
Paternoster’s culinary scene is pretty quiet during the secret season, with some restaurants closing during the winter months. We dined at the lovely Gaaitjie; an old fisherman’s cottage located right on the water’s edge (meal sponsored by Gonana Guesthouse). Our meals were incredibly delicious and worth a visit or two. They reopen after their annual break on 5 August 2022.
Two self-catering cottages, Aloe and Acacia, were recently added to the Gonana portfolio. Offering total privacy, choose from a one-bedroom three-sleeper (Aloe Cottage) and a two-bedroom, four-sleeper (Acacia Cottage). Furnished in the same calm, natural style as the guest house, feel right at home with a fully fitted modern kitchen and open-plan dining and lounge area leading onto an outdoor covered patio with braai facilities. The sunsets from this vantage point are spectacular.
The name Gonana is derived from the Zulu word ‘embrace’. Jonas and his incredible women-only team embrace all that they do with passion, warmth and a genuine love for their guests and the planet. Arrive as guests, leave as friends.
Book 3 nights, pay for 2 special is valid for stays until 15 August 2022 (guesthouse and cottages, subject to availability), so book that getaway that you’ve been putting off. Well-behaved kids – over the age of 12 if staying at the Guesthouse – and in some rooms, small to medium breeds of socialised dogs are welcome (only one dog booking at a time).😉
42 Sonkwas Road, Bekbaai, Paternoster, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)66 194 1105
PATERNOSTER WINE & TASTING LOUNGE
Take a 20-minute stroll from Gonana and enter the doors of Paternoster’s newest hotspot, Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge. Unique and a first of its kind on the West Coast, this family-owned and run tasting lounge is a “lekker kuier plek” (cool spot to visit) to sample a large selection of the best South African wines.
With over 200 wines on the shelves, you are sure to find a new favourite or two to take home with you. Sip to your heart’s content on a glass of wine or experience a tasting. Featuring four producers per season to experience through tastings and by the glass, this tasting lounge is one of the most relaxed I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.
We were hosted by the lovely Lucy Steynvard, co-owner and the epitome of a gracious host, keeping us well fed and our glasses full. The tasting was fun and informative, introducing us to wines some of us hadn’t heard of before.
Lucy’s architect son, Pieter Steynvard, designed the on-trend lounge and co-owns it with his partner Arno, and Lucy and her husband Jannie.
The generous Cheese & Charcuterie Platter was so delicious and at R250 per medium size platter, it can easily feed four people. It’s one of the best I have ever tasted! No worries if you aren’t a wine fan. You’ll find a selection of local beer, brandy and gin to satisfy your thirst.
54 Saint Augustine Road, Kliprug, Paternoster, South Africa
https://paternosterwinelounge.co.za/
wines@paternosterwinelounge.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 61 540 9530
WOWeBIKES ADVENTURES
When last did you enjoy a carefree, fun and eco-friendly outdoor adventure? A stay in Paternoster isn’t complete without a guided e-Bike ride with WOWeBIKES. This is e-biking at its best and the most fun you can have on a bike.
Our scenic half-day guided e-bike tour took us on an exhilarating ride through the stunning West Coast landscape of Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. A quick pit stop to recharge the bikes was followed by a long beach ride and unscheduled tour of the Paternoster Oyster Company, the only registered breeding farm of oysters and clams in South Africa.
Climbing to the top of a water pump tower on the beach, we tucked into a scrumptious picnic with bubbles and the most incredible ocean views. The final treat? A surprise fresh oyster platter from Paternoster Fish Shop and bubbly at the WOWeBikes office. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
If it’s fun you’re after with fresh air and breathtaking scenery, I highly recommend this eco-friendly activity. Suitable for just about everyone, easy to ride with comfortable seating positions, and fat tyres that give great traction in the sand, you’ll soon be whizzing around Paternoster having the time of your life. And if lazy holiday mode happens to strike while you’re riding, just push the booster button for some extra help!
The amazing WOWeBikes team are experts at creating memorable experiences and go the extra mile for their guests. Offering friendly and professional service, make sure you book a tour or two while you’re in Paternoster. Prices start from R550 per person per tour (price subject to change).
Thank you Danie, Henry, Annelize and your awesome team for a truly WOW experience! I loved every moment. West Coast hospitality at its best!
1 Kreeftegang, Crayfish Wharf, Paternoster, 7441 Paternoster Waterfront, South Africa
WhatsApp: +27 (0) 83 261 9921
Tel: +27 (0) 64 921 2057 or +27 (0) 62 687 8311
KAYAK PATERNOSTER
Our guided kayak tour with Danie coincided with World Environment Day. Donning life jackets, we set off in 2 x two-person kayaks from Crayfish Wharf. It was a glorious morning with fairly calm water and only a slight breeze. Despite not seeing any dolphins or whales, it was a beautiful start to our last morning in Paternoster; quite a workout too if you aren’t used to rowing, balancing and steering all at the same time.
Early morning tours are best as it tends to be less windy and it’s the best time to see the nesting sea birds. The tranquillity and natural beauty are magnificent and this activity allows you to view Paternoster from a different perspective. Danie’s wealth of knowledge is virtually endless and he is happy to answer any questions you may have about the fishing village and its many natural wonders.
Beginners are welcome and kayak tours are suitable for kids over the age of 6 years. Trips last around one to one hour and 15 mins. As this is a popular activity, bookings are essential. Prices start from R300 per person (subject to change).
https://www.facebook.com/kayakpaternoster/
Tel: +27 (0) 83 795 4198
DISCLOSURE: I was hosted for a 2-night stay at Gonana Guesthouse, a member of Cape Country Routes. A big thank you to Gonana Guesthouse, Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge, WOWeBIKES and Kayak Paternoster for ensuring a wonderful and memorable stay and sponsoring various meals and activities as mentioned.
Thank you to Ford South Africa for sponsoring our cool weekend wheels. Based on the popular Everest XLT model, the all-new Ford Everest Sport is sporty and stylish, offering a host of “practical and convenient premium features”.
All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to.
Until the next adventure!
Yours in Eco Travel,
Nadine
