Imagine waking to the cry of seagulls and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the eternal waltz of the waves crashing against the shore.

Tucked away in the quaint seaside town of Paternoster is a jewel of a place that offers blazing sunsets, gentle sea breezes and seemingly endless ocean views. The 5-star Abalone Hotel invited me to experience this charming coastal retreat with its deep blue, shimmering seascape that stretched to the horizon. Balancing sophistication and relaxed living, the idyllic location, luxurious amenities and exceptional service ensured deep levels of comfort.

Location

Far from the madding crowd and a mere 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town, the route took us along the scenic West Coast. It is a relaxing drive with picturesque scenery, views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills, farmlands and quaint coastal towns.

Artistic Influences

This small town is known for its charming, white-washed houses with blue window shutters and thatched rooves is reminiscent of the Greek Islands. The touches of decor like pebbles strung into heart shapes, colourful old, distressed boats strewn everywhere, as if washed ashore, lobster pots, crayfish nets and pretty gardens give the place a charming appeal.

Paternoster has a vibrant art scene and is part of the broader Western Cape art route, offering visitors a chance to explore its galleries, private studios, and public art. The unique coastal setting, with its fishing cottages and natural beauty, inspires for local and visiting artists and is a haven for photographers.

The town’s laid-back atmosphere and proximity to Cape Town also contribute to its appeal as an artistic hub.

Travellers from all over the world come to visit this small town to take a break from the hectic city life and to experience the calmness and peace offered by this coastal fishing village. It has a unique blend of coastal charm and artistic expression, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in the arts.

A Gem by the Sea

With its whitewashed walls and thatched roof, this boutique hotel may look low-key from the outside as it blends into Paternoster’s surrounding cottages, but on the inside, it is an exquisite 5-star retreat that harmoniously blends eco-friendly design with luxurious amenities.

The Abalone Hotel and Villas offers a range of accommodation options, including hotel rooms, suites, villa suites and self-catering apartments that are scattered around the village. All offer 5-star luxuries with undeniable coastal charm, exquisite elegance and tailored comforts.

Main building: With ten magnificent suites, designed around a tranquil, central courtyard, it did not feel like a hotel, more like someone’s elegant house that has grown organically into a maze of lovely spaces on two levels.

There is a long, narrow pool in the central courtyard and from there we went up narrow stairs to reach our spacious, elegant room with its steep-eave roof and a delightful patio with glorious views of the beach and ocean. This is where I enjoyed sipping my coffee in the early morning light, and then, with a gentle breeze, we enjoyed sundowners each evening.

Not all the suites have their sea-facing private decks, but all have a private space with their table, chairs and lounges.

All the public spaces are luxurious and characterful, where the atmosphere is created with a mixture of eclectic antiques and incredibly beautiful shell, bead, wood and glass curated artwork. The artistically placed artworks enhance the small cosy lounge area, so together with the roaring wood fire, it makes for an inviting space to linger.

The small, oblong pool in the courtyard, just off the lounge, has two fascinating statues of figures crouching in preparation to dive so they encourage me to stop and ponder. So continued more striking, creative and captivating treasures which graced the reception area, bedrooms and even the bathrooms, all making the spaces so remarkably interesting.

Across the lane, five Oyster Villa Suites have been built in the lower area of a separate building housing the Oyster Experience.

Each suite offers an idyllic retreat with panoramic sea views and direct access to a sunlit patio that borders a serene, elongated pool. Oyster villa guests have exclusive access to a private wellness area and pool, complete with a sauna and cold bath.

Amenities

Guests can unwind in two heated swimming pools, a sauna, a jacuzzi and a Wellness Suite featuring hydro beds and a variety of spa treatments. We could leave our stress and troubles behind as the experienced therapists eased the tension from our muscles.

The 24-hour reception is ready to arrange local activities such as beach walks, swimming, kite surfing, e-biking, and horse riding, ensuring a memorable stay.

Powered by independently generated solar energy, the hotel ensures a sustainable yet indulgent experience.

Time to explore fishing boats, beaches and crayfish

Huge boulders overlook the bay, and a long stretch of sandy white beach is perfect for early-morning walks and spectacular sunsets over the ocean.

Paternoster is one of the oldest villages of has been able to preserve its old-world charm because the town council has not allowed any major development in this area.

The origin of the name remains unknown, although many think that the name, which means ‘Our Father’ in Latin, refers to prayers said by Catholic Portuguese sailors when they became shipwrecked on the rough and ragged coastline.

Paternoster has a vibrant food scene, and the town offers a variety of restaurants and culinary experiences, making it a great destination for food lovers. It is especially renowned for its fresh seafood, and restaurants in the area serve up a variety of catches, from crayfish to kabeljou, often prepared in traditional West Coast styles. Beyond seafood, there is a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.

The village has a lobster factory as well as a more recently erected Kabeljou farm. The locals of this village are fishermen who catch and sell fish such as herring or draw black mussel clams from the rocks. In the greater area are several more commercial activities, including deep sea fishing, snoek catching, farming, oyster farming, canning of pilchards and mussel farming.

An interesting outing is to visit a lighthouse, which is in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. The Cape Columbine Lighthouse is located within this reserve, about 5km from the fishing village of Paternoster. It is the last manned lighthouse built in South Africa and is known for its beautiful location, hiking trails and majestic sunsets.

Culinary Delights

Blues Restaurant is the on-site restaurant with large glass windows opening onto a deck with splendid ocean views. Being a seaside town, they serve authentic West Coast cuisine and Nikkei sushi crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients. Casual breakfasts, lingering lunches and elegant dinners are available at Blues. Making the most of the West Coast setting, the menu includes a selection of seafood-inspired cuisine and sublime desserts.

As dusk approached, we could retreat to the in-house bar inside Blues restaurant for cocktail delights and where sundowners are more than a ritual but an event.

For dinner, the room transformed into a beautiful romantic setting with soft table lighting and the warm glow of the log fire. The delectable, beautifully presented dishes were paired with fine South African wines and served by knowledgeable and friendly staff, which made the evening not just a meal but an unforgettable experience.

The Oyster Lounge is a new addition to the Abalone Hotel and offers another dining option and a refined dining experience. With fresh oysters, from simple natural with lime and black pepper to the flavourful Nikkei Fusion with tempura scallions and tataki dressing. The Japanese–Peruvian sushi menu featured tuna tartare, acevichado rolls and crisp prawn creations.

The stylish indoor lounge or outdoor deck, watching the spectacular sunset over the ocean, was the perfect place for a chilled glass of Champagne; this all created the atmosphere for a luxurious dining experience.

As the waves whisper secrets to the shore and the seagulls glide effortlessly, experience the epitome of refined hospitality in the exquisite Abalone Hotel, where every detail is designed to delight and soothe.

With a breathtaking coastline, delicious cuisine, rich history, an artist’s paradise and world-class accommodation, Paternoster has something to offer to every traveller. With a blend of traditional charm and the realities of a community sustained by its marine resources, visitors come for the salty tang of sea air, the rhythmic sound of waves and the romance of long walks on the beach at sunset.

W: Abalone Hotel
T: +27 (22) 752 2044
E: Reservations
A: 3 Kriedoring St, Bek Bay, Paternoster,7381

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Written by Diane McLeish for Luxuria Lifestyle International