Upfront: Stay here

STAY HERE: GONANA GUEST HOUSE

Gonana Guest House, which launched this September, is Paternoster’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious guest house. Owned by Swedish entrepreneur and interior designer Jonas Sandström, Gonana is located right on the Bekbaai beach alongside a greenbelt. It’s also virtually off the grid and completely environmentally ethical. All water is recycled, all power is solar generated, plastic usage is minimal and chemicals are taboo, gardens are indigenous and water wise, and décor is all-natural and sourced locally. The establishment is also Fair Trade accredited with the ethos: ‘Buy local, think global’. Gonana has seven en-suite rooms. Five of the guest suits have private verandas, four of which lead directly to the beach, while upstairs the family suite with private terrace can accommodate a small family wanting to stay together. Since the name Gonana is derived from the Zulu word ‘embrace’, it’s fitting that all who enjoy and appreciate nature and are environmentally conscious are welcomed with open arms at Gonana Guest House. For them, it will absolutely be home from home.

www.gonanaguesthouse.com

KNORHOEK

After months of lockdown, Knorhoek makes for the perfect country escape. Accessibly situated just outside Stellenbosch, this working farm is the perfect choice for family outings. Delicious farm-to-table dishes and top Simonsberg wines are just part of the story. It’s perfect to take the grandkids. You can enjoy lunch around the pool or a picnic under a canopy of trees, while the children explore rock pools or expend their energy on a bouncy jumping castle. Nature abounds, so there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained. Day outings offer a blast of fresh country air, but weekend getaways allow the whole family a chance to take advantage of this 200-hectare Winelands property. Both bed and breakfast and self-catering units are available. Breakfast is served daily, and lunch can be enjoyed at the restaurant. Guests can also delight in birdwatching, cycling, hiking, or running, or take advantage of a leisurely ramble across the estate. A choice of three trail routes offer potential sightings of the local wildlife, such as owls, eagles and porcupines.

https://knorhoek.co.za