The Incidental Tourist: Gonana Collection's Coral Villa, Paternoster

Swedish owner and entrepreneur, Jonas Sandström, envisioned a sustainable Afro-Scandi haven — a space for individuals to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the planet. This dream materialised with the inception of the Gonana Guesthouse in Paternoster a few years ago. Now, a chic collection of villas and studios have joined the Gonana fold. I spent a weekend at the collection's Coral Villa which is the perfect embodiment of Jonas' vision and provides an idyllic retreat that speaks to the essence of reconnection.

Taking inspiration from the landscape, the people, and the light in the charming West Coast village, the additional rental properties are within walking distance of Gonand Guest House - where I've stayed a couple of times, and which remains the hub for check-in and contact. Coral Villa is the oldest fisherman villa on the Bekbaai side of Paternoster and has been completely re-imagined, renovated and refurbished with sustainability and Gonana's style in mind.

The three en-suite bedroomed villa has a spacious communal lounge with an open fireplace and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen with gas hob and bathrooms that feature walk-in showers. Its garden, with a bradi area and an outside breakfast area, faces the beautiful fynbos garden and allows glimpses of the Bekbaai beach just 60 metres away.

Many considered touches do the setting and historic structure justice, with Cape cottage furniture, double-volume living and locally crafted baskets, art and glass among the design touches. Quality linen and plush fabrics add to the comfort. Plus the cottage is pet-friendly so your four-legged besties can go too, mine were welcomed with beds, bowls and treats.

The barren beauty of Paternoster's is especially good for walking and is a place where escapism can be mastered. The weekend with my mother and daughter and dogs was such a treat and really warmed my heart. Under 2 hours from home, the breakaway felt like a much-deserved holiday. A look at our weekend at Coral Villa with my warm thanks.

Read my write-up - The Elegantly Restorative Gonana Guest House in Paternoster on the Cape West Coast. and Paternoster's Gonana Collection Further Expands.

My pups were welcomed to Coral Villa with beds, treats and bowls — as well as a special note advising on best behaviour around the collage and while out walking on the beach.

If this sounds appealing, Gonana is offering a wonderful stay for 3 nights, pay for 2 special that is valid until 15 December. For bookings and additional information call the guesthouse at +27 (0)66 194 1105 or reservations at +27 (0)79 424 7467 or connect at www.gonanaguesthouse.com for more information and bookings.

** Pics are mine, supplied and the wonderful Jared Ruttenberg aka JaredInCpt who had stayed there previously.