The Perfect Pet Friendly Accommodation in Paternoster

I really love the West Coast of South Africa, the quaint towns, the vast stretches of beach, and the people. Especially fishermen's villages such as Paternoster. If I spend time in these areas, I feel like I’m in my own little fairy tale, far away from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life in Cape Town. Zak Hendrikz, a famous actor in South Africa, has been my best friend since we were 13 years old. When he told me he had a few days to spare between shoots, I seized the opportunity to find us the perfect space to go and recharge.

I chose CORAL VILLA because I wanted a few things: I wanted something super close to the beach, but on the Bekbaai side, as it is quiet and you can go for long stretches of walks further south, often without another soul in sight. I also wanted something where we could cook, rest, and recharge in the way we’ve built our friendship over the years, which revolves very much around braai, cooking food, and exercise. Needless to say, since Meru came into my life, the destinations I choose to holiday also have to accommodate her. So, a cottage by the sea, with all the comforts of home and more that welcomes her and has no other dogs and is fenced is key. Coral Villa ticked all the boxes.

Bekbaai is on the southern end of the fishing village of Paternoster; you can immediately feel the sense of quiet compared to the main beachside. The CORAL VILLA is described as elegantly laid-back and is the oldest fisherman's cottage on this side of Paternoster. The very first thing I saw was the enormous indoor fireplace and the picture-perfect front porch with red Malva flowers that stand out boldly and happily against the typical whitewashed walls.

There are many things that made the stay memorable, but I think at the heart of it is the sheer attention to detail, from hooks in the bathroom for half-worn clothes or wet towels to an honesty bar stocked with everything from wine to marshmallows for the fire. These lovely modern touches add practicality to the quaintness of the house. It is clear that this place is run by people who have a passion for tourism and hospitality. It's not just another beach house; there is character to it. The walking distance to the restaurants means you don't need to have a car, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the small seaside town experience. The kitchen is nicely kitted out with perfect pots, knives, and utensils. More than anything, I never felt like I had to worry about Meru; she had a whole garden to herself, allowing me to focus on enjoying a special time out in a picture-perfect destination and catching up with my friend. It was also evident that the staff of Gonana love dogs themselves, and knowing that as long as I made sure she behaved herself and kept off the white linen, they saw her as an extension of my family.

The beach is incredibly close, less than 50 meters away. I found comfort in the soothing sound of waves at night, and the high-grade linen ensured a restful sleep. Surrounding the property is an indigenous fynbos garden, fully fenced for privacy. Additionally, guests can enjoy a KolKol wood-fired hot tub during the winter months. Although we didn't get the chance to try it, it's definitely on my list for next time.

Besides not worrying about load shedding when you are on holiday, I have a soft spot for destinations that go the extra mile to lessen their environmental footprint. Coral Villa is super eco-conscious, designed to be almost entirely off the grid. It is clear it is a sustainable hideaway that's kinder to the world, with chemical-free products used throughout the property.

Zak took Meru with him on his morning run every morning, and she played her heart out on the beach while we read books in the sun. We didn’t really go out for meals, but there are numerous pet-friendly restaurants in the area. We also spent some time in the wine shop, curio shops, and galleries, where she was more than welcome. 

I honestly cannot recommend this destination highly enough. Coral Villa welcomes dogs of any size; there are no other resident dogs on-site. Meru felt safe and snoozed her life away when we came back from the beach every day. There are also no carpets, so I didn’t have to worry too much about sandy feet. You can book for just two people like we did, or up to 6, making this lovingly restored self-catering home perfect for groups of friends or family reunions.

BOOK CORAL VILLA ON OUR WEBSITE or CHECK OUT MORE INFO.

I would love to know if you have been to Paternoster? What do you like most about your time there as a visiting pet parent? Please share your stories, ideas and feedback with me!