There’s a spot for the traveller whose travel bug is stealthily itching, but who also wants the souvenir stamp of travelling eco-friendly style.
Just under two gentle hours away on a coastal hugging road where the city’s roar is politely left behind, lies the little paradise of Paternoster, and the ocean’s darling of a guesthouse that will welcome you to your soft travel dreams with open arms writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.
Now I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t seriously consider retirement when I met the quaint village and guesthouse for the first time. Granted, I am only in my early twenties and a travel colleague laughed gently in reminding me of this, but oh boy, a life of unbroken sunsets in a town that isn’t polluted by the fast-paced-everything nature of the city was intoxicatingly wonderful.
I will unapologetically admit that I quickly developed a crush on the old fishing town, and a large catalyst for my affection was undoubtedly the coastal guesthouse of Gonana who welcomed me with open arms. This wasn’t unexpected of course – the Zulu titling translates to ‘embrace’.
The abode felt like a fictional rich aunt’s that I had been sent away to, to find my peace. If Jane Austen novels were based in the West Coast and her angle was eco-friendly love, she might have considered the gem.
From solar-powered hot water showers that will wash away your city sins, to overall ambient energy of kindness to the planet, the recently renovated abode should receive a boatload of organic brownie points for captivating the owner Jonas Sandstrom’s ethical imaginings in eco-luxury.
Now, while you might be on a sustainability adventure, you’ve also got other adventurous temptations to look forward to in Paternoster.
A fair warning:
You will be tempted to choose your adventure ticket as relaxation if you stay at Gonana. The plush beds will make you want to stay in just a little longer. The gorgeous breakfast array prepared by the chefs will have you wanting to slow down and have another egg just the way you like it. And you will be tempted to sit out on the balcony and gaze at the ocean’s garden for hours – after all, it is just a coin-throw away.
However, if you do decide to wake up and choose some thrills intertwined with chill, here are some you’ll probably kick yourself for not trying.
For those on the slow move:
Smooth walks through the town will have you wondering if you accidentally became a cast member from Mama Mia because of the white and blue aesthetic almost all the houses adorn. The unpolluted ocean air will be your fabulous companion, and you’re destined to find treasures in the people and quirky curiosities of the town. An engineer-turned-toymaker whose workshop has all the vintage toys you could ever love, a kilt-rocking Scott whose waffles at the Whale Ribs Waffle Warf will have you drooling, and at night, a tribe of stars in the clearest skies that will have you sighing in awe.
If you’ve enjoyed your wandering but want to take things up a notch, a two-wheels excursion. Now for those who aren’t exactly candidates for the Cape Argus such as myself, the e-bikes from WOW e-bikes will turn any hectic drive into a smooth sail. I have never been accused of being an amazing cyclist, and even I was able to travel 32.2kms through beach valleys and wildflower hills. You’ll cruise along the shore as your tires sail through beach sand and I can confirm you might get lost in the bliss of riding so close to the ocean that you’re tempted to cycle on water. You’ll also weave through a kaleidoscope of wildflowers as part of your adventure, and think to yourself ‘wow, the hills really are alive.’
Pro-tip: if you happen to get so distracted by the visions that you fall off your bike, the WOW e-bikes staff are legends and will help you back up immediately with a laugh and a knowing smile, tried and tested!
If you’re peering beyond a land-lover’s adventure, Kayak Paternoster will guide you through deep turquoise waters where you can spot whales who may sometimes decide to gaze at you – their tourist attraction.
As for the foodies who want to further their culinary trip, Paternoster is home to an array of restaurants that will leave you remembering their menus long after you part ways. For the casual foodies, enjoy a front-row set at the foot of the ocean for a delicious lunch or dinner at Voorstrand Restaurant where the sea will be your evening entertainment as it lulls you through courses.
For the luxurious foodies, treating yourself to a 5-star experience at the Leeto Restaurant isn’t an just an option, it’s a how-could-I-not. The best part? The menu is serving up sustainability, from the tastiest vegan options to their scrumptious seafood delicacies. Admittedly, I still think about their seafood pasta at least three times a day, and would happily make a trip to Paternoster for that dish alone.
And after all your soft adventures, with a full belly and your eyes heavy with the best kind of tired feeling, Gonana will gently welcome you home.
Picture: Ashleigh Nefdt