Gonana has a ring to it; it certainly rolls nicely off the tongue, don’t you think? However, Jonas Sandström put much thought into naming his latest endeavour, going further than just what “sounds good.” Gonana means ‘to embrace’ in isiZulu, and embracing nature, style, and the best of local talent has created Paternoster’s first sustainable guesthouse and self-catering cottages.
Sandström has created a space that pays homage to his Swedish heritage and love for South Africa, incorporating sustainable design trends with African accents and, of course, the warmest of smiles from local women who have worked alongside Jonas for many years. Gonana is home to feel-good stories and awe-inspiring views over the bay – and it’s all just two hours from Cape Town up the West Coast.
Embracing the today in sustainable design for a better tomorrow
The Scandi-design for both the Guesthouse and Cottages allows for outside to flow in, with furniture lovingly crafted from upcycled local materials and wood sourced from alien trees. The aesthetics and restraint offer a relaxing space, proving that eco-conscious living and sustainability can feel luxurious. You’re not sacrificing on the experience; you’re enhancing it.
Living like west coast locals
As one of South Africa’s oldest fishing towns, Paternoster is renowned for its friendly locals and close-knit community – and Gonana Guesthouse is certainly no exception to this village ‘trait’. The shared spaces in the Guesthouse encourage fireside chats, morning coffees with views over the Atlantic Ocean and relaxed living amongst guests.
Breaking the fast and promoting slow, mindful living
For those staying at the Guesthouse, breakfast is served around the driftwood communal dining table, which has a story of its own – as do most pieces here. This feature belonged to the previous owner and is the centre of new friendships and a place that brings people together – much as it did when the guesthouse was still a family home.
Here guests enjoy breakfasts that hero the local produce, along with fresh bread baked overnight. So, if you’re planning on sticking to your carb-free diet, you may want to embrace your curves. The delicious scents from the kitchen certainly do tantalise your tastebuds every morning.
For those who prefer their own take on breakfast and are staying at our self-catering Cottages, there is a fully-equipped kitchen with everything you may need, along with a covered balcony and braai area overlooking Bekbaai.
Gonana is a lifestyle. Live it!
Get back to basics, reconnect, and share the “oohs” and “aahs” with fellow guests as you watch the whales frolic in the bay. Travel is not only about discovering new places, it’s about getting in touch with locals and exploring new ideas and traditions while reconnecting with yourself.
Gonana Guesthouse’s eight en-suite guest rooms are a study of calm and tranquillity. Seven of the rooms have private terraces/balconies, three of which lead directly to the beach, and the upstairs three-sleeper ‘triple’ room has its own private balcony. One of the rooms, The Studio is designed as a small apartment with an upstairs bedroom with a balcony (with a partial sea view), a lounge area, a small kitchenette and a bathroom downstairs which can be rented as a self-catering option. Upstairs is the dining area where guests can enjoy breakfast and a stunning sea view, and the adjacent lounge area, with comfortable classic leather couches is the perfect place to curl up with a book, a cup of coffee or tea and simply exhale. The recent addition of two self-catering cottages offers the perfect option for guests seeking total privacy. There is the two-bedroom, four-sleeper Acacia Cottage, and the one-bedroom three-sleeper Aloe Cottage. Both have fully equipped kitchens, a dining area, patios/balconies with sea views and braai facilities. Power is solar- generated, so as with the Guesthouse, the cottages are not affected by loadshedding. The cottages are pet-friendly – small to medium breeds of socialised/well-behaved dogs are welcome. There is Wi-Fi and night time security.
Reservations: stay@gonanaguesthouse.com, www.gonanaguesthouse.com
