Best hotels in Paternoster

Set in the heart of the quiet southern side of Paternoster, Abalone Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the quaint shops and gourmet restaurants that make up the village, and the beautiful white sand beaches. Don’t be fooled by the bleached, whitewashed exterior of the hotel, however; step inside and you are greeted by an unexpected profusion of decadence. If you didn’t think opulent beachside glamour was a phrase, let Abalone Hotel change your mind…

For blissful indulgence of the sand and sea kind, the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is hard to beat. Nestled amongst the pretty, whitewashed cottages on the quieter side of town, the hotel is literally steps away from an 8km stretch of untouched beach and perfectly private. Beyond the stylish décor, sweeping vistas of wild fynbos and rolling dunes complete the barefoot, beach-chic atmosphere and really, all that’s left to do is kick off your shoes, drink in the fresh, salty air and forget the riots of daily life (helped by a large gin & tonic on the terrace, of course).

Oystercatcher’s Haven offers a delightful guest house stay in utterly peaceful surroundings, just two hours' easy drive from Cape Town. The pretty, fisherman-style cottage overlooks the shores of the Columbine Nature Reserve and is tucked away on a quiet street in picturesque Paternoster. Four rooms, each with their own, laid-back, romantic, beachy feel, have been stylishly decorated by the owners to reflect the ever-changing seascapes literally on the doorstep. This is a region renowned for its natural beauty and quaint country feel, and nothing is ever hurried or urgent, so sit back and make the most of it…

Kersefontein Farm was originally purchased in 1770 by settler Martin Melck, who'd relish the fact that it's currently in the hands of the eighth generation of his family. The property's fine old Cape Dutch homestead and rambling outbuildings are a national monument, and the place is undoubtedly shrouded in historic charm. The present owner, the gracious and informative Julian Melck, has converted several buildings into luxurious rooms and suites, furnished with restored antiques recovered from the farm's great attics. The pace appears slow, but this is a working farm that's often used as a set for commercials and music videos.

Offering a bed-and-(much-praised) breakfast seaside holiday, Linhof Boutique Guest House is an ocean-facing gem in the sleepy fishing village of Paternoster. With its crisp white walls rising above a stone plinth, its gorgeous interiors and wide ocean views, this guesthouse is an enchanting retreat. After breakfast (filled with West Coast specialities alongside traditional fare), stroll into the village to gaze at working galleries, or head to the beach to clear the cobwebs. There are good restaurants too, and activities such as horse riding, mountain biking or birdwatching.

The remote stretches of South Africa's west coast are a backdrop befitting art films and experimental novels. Windswept beaches, turquoise lagoons, fossil caves and quaint fishing hamlets lie within a palette of sun-drenched beige and sea-blues – at once soft and stark. Paternoster Manor sits on Bek Bay in the whitewashed village of Paternoster. Just 145 kilometres from Cape Town, this seaside destination offers something for both refined and adventurous visitors. Discover excellent eateries, interesting wildlife and oodles of open land- and seascapes. The Manor is a charming boutique hotel – stylish but appropriately sandy around the edges.

On the sea side of the Nature Reserve discover the wood and stone Fynbos Cabins, simple luxury beneath vast, blue West Coast skies. The surprisingly spacious cabins blend discreetly into the landscape. Glass walls yield unobstructed views of Cape floral fynbos. A private balcony with your own wood fired hot tub is the final step to fully immersing yourself in nature.

Featuring earthy colour and exposed stone exteriors, Villa Pescatori is located on the white sand beach of Yzerfontein. The beachfront villa offers barbecue facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. Our guest house accommodation compromises of four immaculately furnished en-suit bedrooms. You will enjoy unsurpassed sea-views from every room, as this guest house is located right on Yzerfontein's famous '16 mile' beach.

These 6 Hilltop Huisies artfully blend West Coast farmstead charm with modern luxury. A stone walled courtyard encloses a deceptively spacious open plan design. A king-size bed with spectacular ocean views, a generous shower and private balcony conspire to make you want to stay another night. Take in the panoramic views of rolling hills and the Atlantic Ocean, or spend gentle time de-coding the unique San art.