The Gonana Collection doesn’t just talk the talk when it claims to be Paternoster’s first sustainable guesthouse with self-catering accommodation. It walks the walk too, with rainwater used to top up the swimming pool, solar energy heating the water supply, and water-saving showers ensuring freshening up doesn’t cost the environment.

Locally sourced furnishings and fittings feature in each of the different types of accommodation available here, with your choice extending to one of eight rooms in the guesthouse, an exclusive booking of the 3-bed Coral Villa and a handful of self-catering beach houses and studios.

But it’s not just the eco-conscious who are drawn to stay here. Just two hours from Cape Town, the Collection’s Bekbaai Beach location and proximity to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve (5 minutes away) are major attractions too.

Quality communal areas

Whichever type of the Gonana Collection accommodation you’re staying in, you’ll enjoy access to the facilities at the guest house. Likely to be the most popular is the pool, with the large lounge (and it really is big) and breakfast area overlooking the sea a close second and third.

The views of the Atlantic from the recliners on the big balcony are well worth experiencing, and while you might not write home about them, you’re sure to want to send a photo or two to friends or family using the fast Wi-Fi.

The 8 ensuite guesthouse rooms

Each of the high ceiling rooms is as close to the beach as you can get, so the views of the sea and mountains from your private balcony area are impressive. Inside, skylights ensure lots of natural light filters into a space with a large, very comfortable bed.

The fisherman’s cottage

A recent refurbishment and restoration programme has created the 3 bedroom Coral Villa for self-caterers. All bedrooms are en-suite and feature walk-in showers. The large lounge has an open fireplace that dials-up the cosiness to the max, providing a place for guests to gather and relax together. The garden overlooks the beach and Gonana fynbos garden and has a braai area as well as a table and chairs - ideal for snacks and quiet drinks any time of day. Perhaps best of all, your pets are welcome to stay here with you.

The 2 self catering beach houses

Aloe House and Acacia House are both a mere 150 metres from the beach. Aloe is the smaller of the two, with a living room, kitchen and bathroom downstairs and the lone bedroom upstairs. Acacia has two bedrooms, each with a queen bed.  

The 3 self catering studios

Each of the Scallop, Mussel and Oyster studios sleeps up to 2 guests in Afro-Scandi style and is fully solar powered with a kitchenette. All are built close enough to the sea for you to fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves on the beach.