Nestled on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, Gonana Guesthouse is located on the Bekbaai beach alongside a greenbelt, boasting unrestricted views of the ocean, Columbine Nature Reserve’s coastline and the Cape Columbine Lighthouse. Gonana Guest House is Paternoster’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious guest house. Paternoster is one of the oldest fisherman’s villages and is well known for its warm, generous and hospitable people, pristine beaches and West Coast charm. The guest house offers eight luxurious rooms of which seven has their own private terrace or balcony, with breath-taking sea views, mountain view and garden view. It is 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. Their ethos is: ‘Buy local, think global’ Gonana’s eight (8) en-suite rooms are all a study in calm. The neutral palette encourages you to exhale, relax and reconnect with the natural world. Polished cement floors keep suites cool in the hot summers; extra-length, raw wooden beds and headboards lend an earthy feel, as do finely sanded log nightstands. White walls and uncluttered floors give a sense of space, while white percale linen and handwoven cotton towels add finesse. Bathrooms have unique appointments such as hand-crafted metal pipe towel rails and shelf supports, as well as polished wooden whale tail hooks. White subway tiles in the showers give a contemporary touch. Seven (7) of the guest suites have private terrace/balconies, three of which lead directly to the beach, while upstairs the family suite with private terrace can accommodate a small family wanting to stay together. The dining and lounge area is also upstairs and furnished with a solid wooden table and bench seating – strewn with soft Swedish sheepskins - for guests to comfortably enjoy breakfast with a full sea view. Adjacent, the lounge area with skylights is furnished with a collection of classic leather couches complemented by woven leather chairs. Here, you are encouraged to curl up with a book or a cup of coffee/tea and simply exhale. The wide balcony, edged with ample seating and plenty of soft comfy cushions, offers all-day outdoor theatre and sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s just breathtaking. In the downstairs courtyard, a deep, saltwater, solar heated pool is another relaxation hub where you can nap in the sun on a thick pool mattress – or choose shade surrounded by indigenous gardens. Professional massages are offered in-house, with prior arrangement. There is wifi throughout as well as great coffee table books and board games for entertainment. With prior arrangement, dogs are welcome in certain rooms at Gonana. 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. Your enjoyment and well being is of utmost importance to the Gonana family. They wish your visit to be special, and will do their utmost best to ensure that you leave with great memories and wonderful experiences