The West Coast fishing village of Paternoster is instantly recognisable by its white-washed abodes, with their traditional thatch or more contemporary corrugated-iron roofs, and brightly coloured boats bobbing off the shore.
Just under a two-hour drive from Cape Town, the village is a popular holiday destination, but The Beach Hut, nestled amongst the shrubbery on the far North shore, is an idyllic escape that’s unusually private.
Beach life
Not that you’ll be spending much time inside. The best way to explore the nearby bay and meet the local inhabitants, including African penguins, Cape fur seals, and Haviside dolphins, is with Kayak Paternoster (R200 for one hour guided tour; paternoster.info/things-to-do).
Or stay on shore and take a thrilling dune tour in a 1970s VW beach buggy (R350pp; farrout.co.za).
Move in
From your furnished veranda, all you’ll see is fynbos, sand, and the turquoise Atlantic stretching to the horizon. In typical West Coast-style, the three en-suite double bedrooms and twin sleeper loft are dressed in nautical blue and white – referencing the pretty seascape that French doors in the open-plan kitchen/lounge area open out onto.
Dining out
Although the hut is self-catering, a visit to Paternoster isn’t complete without dining out on freshly-caught seafood. The Noisy Oyster serves up the best poached oysters – of course! – and roasted Cape salmon in town (call 022 752 2196).
The cost
The Beach Hut, sleeping 8, costs from R6 000pn*. For more info and to book, e-mail Petrea Donnelly at [email protected]
Special offer
Quote ‘w&hTheBeachHut’ when booking a four-night stay and you’ll only pay for three nights. Valid on reservations made before 31 January 2017 for a stay any time until 30 November 2017; standard T&C’s apply and reservations are subject to availability.
