WELCOME TO GONANA GUESTHOUSE



OUR STORY

A DESIRE FOR MAGIC


Set on an idyllic West Coast beach you’ll find Paternoster’s first sustainable guesthouse overlooking a setting of unbroken sunsets, dreamy corners and flourishing nature. This is a place where warm-hearted people, unspoiled white sandy beaches and enchanting restaurants welcome you to a beach holiday just two hours from Cape Town.

Opening a guesthouse and self-catering houses in Paternoster was a natural next step for Swedish owner and entrepreneur, Jonas Sandström. Inspired by the landscape, the people, and the light, Jonas has created a sustainable Afro-Scandi space where we can reconnect to ourselves, to each other, and to the planet.




ACCOMMODATION

GUESTHOUSE

 

Live slowly and tread lightly in Paternoster’s first-ever sustainable guesthouse located directly on the beach. Fresh breakfast with local organic produce is how we serve the start of each and every day during your stay.

HOUSES

 

Two beach-style houses set 150m from Paternoster’s Bekbaai, experience our latest sustainable self-catering accommodation that is off the grid, allowing you to enjoy your West Coast holiday without any interruptions.

STUDIOS

 

Behind our Coral Villa lies 3 renovated and well-appointed self-catering Studios, designed in the Gonana Collection’s signature Afro-Scandi aesthetic - perfect for those looking to explore Paternoster on foot.

CORAL VILLA

 

Experience life in the oldest fisherman's cottage on the quieter, Bekbaai side of Paternoster, at our recently renovated yet lovingly restored self-catering Coral Villa with 3 bedrooms all en-suite.

EMBRACING LOCAL

SUPPORTING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND PEOPLE


Giving back and inclusivity are values that Jonas takes seriously. Having lived in South Africa for over 15 years, he is acutely aware of the need to support and promote local products, companies and people.

Gonana Guesthouse and self-catering houses have both been renovated with the help of local builders and contractors. The interiors and bathroom supplies are locally produced and all the guesthouse staff reside in the Paternoster area. For Jonas, keeping it local is a lifestyle and the best way to give back in a meaningful way.

IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

ECO-CONSCIOUS AND KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT


We are proud of our space which is as friendly to its environment as it is to its guests. In restoring, renovating and transforming seaside houses into the ideal beachfront accommodation in Paternoster, every effort has been made to be deliberate in addressing our impact on the environment and its surroundings.

Hot water from solar power, grey water reticulation systems, rainwater collection tanks, water-saving showers, as well as a robust recycling ethos makes Gonana Paternoster’s first eco-friendly and almost self-sufficient guesthouse aligned with modern sustainability practices.

AWARDS

 
 

JOIN US FOR A DAY & LEAVE RESTORED FOR A YEAR

REVIEWS

  • Tami K
    We had an absolutely wonderful stay. With a small baby the team was so accommodating. We even got a baby cot! Such character, beautifully decorated with a spectacular view. The staff are absolutely fantastic. They couldn’t do enough for us! Great breakfast too! Highly recommended, we will be back!  
    Tami K
    May 2023
  • Maddelotion
    We stayed at Gonana Guesthouse for 2 nights. The guesthouse was beautiful and the staff was so friendly! Great and spacious rooms and comfy beds. I big homecooked breakfast every morning as a cherry on the cake. My friend brought her dogs and they were more than welcome, even got their own welcome letter and treats! They really loved running on the beach just in front of the guesthouse. Thank you so much for having us!
    Maddelotion
    May 2023
  • 77DanO
    Beautiful guesthouse, elegant and tranquil, with the kindest staff and everything at hand for a stay of pure relaxation. Steps to the sea and the wondrous beach. Room was perfect. Breakfast delicious. SO happy to have discovered this gem!
    77DanO
    May 2023
  • Thomas G
    A room with a direct beach entrance, tastefully decorated, well maintained. What a stunning view from the breakfast room. The kind, friendly and customer oriented wonderful staff made our stay at Gonana very special.
    Thomas G
    April 2023
  • Nina Smith
    Dear Gonana Guesthouse
    We stayed in the self-catering Acacia House: A beautiful and tastefully designed beach-house. 
     
    Each room had a lovely bathroom, the kitchen was well equipped, and we so enjoyed braaing on the balcony with the views.
    On Saturday, I popped into the main Guest house to enquire about a mobile charger. The ladies who worked there were extremely kind, warm and welcoming.
     
    This is definitely a place to re-visit. Clean, stylish and well managed! We loved it!
    So thank you.
     
    Kind regards
    Nina Smith 
    Nina Smith
    March 2023
  • Eva Broms
    Super professional, attentive and friendly staff! Beautifully decorated house and surroundings are fantastic!
    Eva Broms
    February 2023
  • rhonelharris
    We were pleasantly surprised by the layout of the home each of the 3 bedrooms had a full bathroom. The cleanliness was impressive but most of all, the crockery, cutlery and utensils is of very high quality. There were a few basic groceries(milk, coffee, tea, salt, pepper, oil) item for consumption at no additional cost including dishwasher tablets. Daily friendly cleaning service made our holiday easier. The price we paid for the 5 nights was a pleasant surprise.
    rhonelharris
    March 2023
  • Anna
    It's the fourth time I stayed at Gonana Guesthouse. I go there to re-charge, breath fresh air, take walks on the beach with my little dog and just find some peace and quiet. One hears the waves when one goes to sleep and when one wakes up. The interior design at the guesthouse contributes to the overall tranquility of being in Paternoster, it's earthy and light. The breakfast is amazing, over night oats, eggs, high quality cheeses and home baked goods. The service is always friendly and attentive. If you're in Cape Town for holiday it is definitely worth the two hours drive up for a night or two to experience the cute and quaint fisherman's village Paternoster, and if you're living in Cape Town, well, then there are no excuses. In both cases I can highly recommend a few nights at Gonana in Paternoster.
    Anna
    January 2023
  • annejaekel
    Everything was perfect. Everyone was so friendly. Location is beautiful and as well the view from our balcony! Short way to the beach and a delicous breakfast in the morning. Would recommend Gonana to all my friends and family!
    annejaekel
    January 2023
  • Michael B
    Wonderful and attentive staff who certainly will go the extra mile for you, house is nicely set facing the ocean, tasteful interior, very generous breakfast. Suddenly realised that the 3 days we stayed went too fast. Paternoster is a small villlage within walking distance with some nice restaurants. The perfect place for peace and recovery! We will certainly return.
    Michael B
    January 2023
  • joell5786FG
    It was incredible falling asleep to crashing waves … beautiful coastal line. Excellent restaurants to discover. Staff and local town residents were friendly and welcoming! I fell in love with Paternoster.
    joell5786FG
    January 2023
  • deidrehayward
    Took a few days off before the Xmas rush and had to go back to Gonana. Pure bliss, surrounded by nature, very friendly staff, beautiful rooms, delicious breakfast and just a little piece of paradise. Will definitely be back.
    deidrehayward
    December 2022
  • Barb_Glos
    A very comfortable stay, perfectly positioned for a beach walk and swim. Very friendly and helpful staff, providing a great service and delicious breakfast. Stayed in the studio which was very well equipped.
    Barb_Glos
    December 2022
  • gcarlssonswe
    Such a wonderful place! Paternoster is a unique place, with the ocean, the light and the lovely village with fun shops and good restaurants. Gonana guesthouse makes this justice and adds value, with stylish and genuine interiors, wonderful staff&service and overall a very friendly atmosphere. Everything was so relaxing and beautiful, we started the day with an excellent breakfast and indeed enjoyed our stay, and slept so well close to the magnificent beach.
    gcarlssonswe
    December 2022
  • 755ulrikah
    We had an extraordinary stay at Gonana Guesthouse. The surroundings with the wild beach a few footsteps close and the sleepy little town are very relaxing. The interior makes you feel at home- beautiful garden with a small pool, nice rooms and a breakfast to die for. The staff and Jonas really make you feel at home.
    755ulrikah
    November 2022
  • AndersFinnboda
    Our group of 16 Swedes loved our 2 night stay at Gonana. Great athmosphere, lovely staff and really nice rooms. "Can we stay here longer, please" our guests said - an evidence that they loved the place.
    AndersFinnboda
    November 2022
  • eva0rnes
    We had a wonderful stay at Gonana! The most beautiful Guesthouse we’ve been to yet.  The staff is very friendly. Breakfast was amazing, a wide variety of different cheese and freshly made eggs. You can watch the sea while having breakfast.
    eva0rnes
    December 2022
  • noks612
    We had a lovely 2 nights at Gonana Guesthouse; what a gem. Everything from the delicious breakfast, the location and the friendly staff was just perfect! Very glad we stayed here - will definitely be back!
    noks612
    December 2022
  • MichaelS22479
    What a great place. I cant say enough about the great staff and the overall vibe of the place. You won't get better in Paternoster for the price you pay. It's an absolute winner for couples who want to get away and relax.
    MichaelS22479
    December 2022
  • JoyM1057
    Our stay at Gonana guest house was wonderful. Its warm, cosy, tasteful and detailed decor make it a place that feels perfectly comfortable but elegantly so. We could not have asked for a better location either. The staff were incredibly welcoming, well-informed and made sure we had everything we needed. A genuinely charming place to stay.
    JoyM1057
    September 2022
  • Ronnie G
    Gonana is a lovely guesthouse situated right on a beach, with a beautiful view especially of the sunset. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The guesthouse is powered by solar panels...a huge advantage, especially during loadshedding. Paternoster itself is a charming coastal town situated close to a nature reserve.  
    Ronnie G
    September 2022
  • Bergenstrahle
    Wow, what a place. Gonana Guesthouse has it all, the location by the beach, the charm, the staff, the breakfast, the design, the pool...well the list can be done long. I stayed two nights at the guest house and everything from check-in to leaving was top standard. I will for sure come back - and I am sure to bring others with me. A perfect place no matter if you travel alone or with friends/partners.
    Bergenstrahle
    August 2022
  • sybssol
    We stayed for the weekend. Half price off the normal price. Per usual the service was impeccable. The room was comfy and we had an absolutely fabulous time. The weather was not too good but we had time to spend in the lounge and just relax. Also had an opportunity to see some flowts. Thanks again Thandi  
    sybssol
    September 2022
  • charmainem331
    From ambience of the place to the welcoming. Thandi was such a wonderful host. Our rooms where prepared beautifully and clean. Was lucky to book the room with a sea view. Sleeping and waking up to a beautiful ocean sound was bliss.  
    charmainem331
    September 2022