Location:

The guesthouse is set right at Bekbaai Beach and offers beautiful beach and sunset views from the main communal area and most of the rooms. I mean, is there anything better than toasting against a backdrop of a pristine beach and sunset hues or listening to the sound of waves crashing as you drift off to sleep beneath crisp white linen?

Aesthetic:

Offering a contemporary African meets neutral Scandi aesthetic, the guesthouse feels fresh and warm at the same time with cute and quirky décor touches at every turn.

Environmentally conscious:

Sustainable and environmentally conscious the Gonana guest house is effectively off the grid; all its water is recycled twice and all its power is solar generated, ensuring that load shedding doesn’t affect guests. Plastic usage is kept to a minimum and the gardens are indigenous and water-wise, while the décor is all-natural and sourced locally.

Self-catering and pet-friendly options:

Of the eight en-suite guest rooms offered, one of the rooms, the Studio offers a self-catering option with a kitchenette while the newly added Self-Catering Cottages, located a street away offers balconies with sea views, fully-equipped kitchens, indoor fireplaces and braai areas. Plus some of the rooms are pet-friendly giving this guest house an edge over others in the area.

Warmth:

The communal area offers a great spot to meet fellow guests over a delicious buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast. A large communal table affords a happy mingling of travellers and feels very much like a big family affair, reinforced by the all-female friendly and welcoming staff. Aptly named, Gonana means ‘to embrace’ in isiZulu, and staying at the guesthouse does very much feel like a warm embrace.

By Ruth Cooper. Original article is available to view here.