I was recently invited to spend a few blissful days at the newly refurbished Abalone Hotel & Villas in Paternoster on the West Coast. This visit had been on my travel wishlist for years, and from the moment I arrived, I knew it was going to be something special — three days of coastal calm, indulgence, and West Coast charm.

There’s something timeless about Paternoster. The rhythm of the ocean shapes daily life here — fishermen still set out in brightly painted boats as the sun rises, and the salty breeze carries stories of the sea through the village. For visitors, it’s an enchanting blend of authenticity and tranquility, with luxury stays like Abalone offering a front-row seat to it all.

A Seaside Sanctuary

Just 200 metres from the beach, Abalone Hotel & Villas combines five-star luxury with laid-back coastal ease. Its recent refurbishment has elevated the space beautifully — from elegant décor updates to the addition of the brand-new Oyster Lounge and Oyster Villas, every detail feels considered and refined.

What I love most is how seamlessly comfort meets consciousness here. The property is powered by solar energy, so you can unwind without worrying about load-shedding, all while supporting a commitment to sustainability.

Rooms and suites are styled in calming natural tones, each with an en-suite bathroom and little luxuries like Nespresso machines, Netflix-enabled Smart TVs, Charlotte Rhys amenities, and fully stocked bar fridges. You’re even welcomed with a complimentary sherry and treated to a nightly turndown service — the kind of thoughtful touches that make you feel truly looked after.

Relax, Restore, Repeat

Between the hotel’s three heated swimming pools, two saunas, jacuzzi, and the beautifully serene Wellness Suite, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to relaxation. I booked an in-room massage (highly recommend!), and it was pure bliss — the perfect way to melt into the rhythm of the coast.

My face after a 60 minute full body massage (that included a scalp massage) with the lovely Verna. 

The Wellness Suite also offers hydro massage beds and an array of treatments, from rejuvenating facials to manicures, pedicures, and body therapies. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation or a quick refresh, the team of therapists are exceptional at what they do.

Eat, Sip & Savour

Dining at Abalone is a treat for the senses. Blues Restaurant serves seasonal, ocean-inspired dishes that celebrate the best of West Coast cuisine — think fresh oysters, sushi, and local delicacies like West Coast crayfish. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between relaxed and refined, with ocean views, a cozy fireplace for cooler evenings, and a carefully curated Cape wine list.

The new Oyster Lounge quickly became one of my favourite spaces at the hotel. Bathed in natural light with panoramic views of the Atlantic, it’s ideal for lingering lunches or sunset bubbles. The menu features Nikkei-style sushi, tapas, and an excellent Champagne and bubbly selection. I couldn’t resist the fresh oysters (served natural or with creative fusion flavours), tuna tartare, acevichado rolls, and crispy prawn bites — all perfectly paired with a glass of sparkling wine.

A Restorative Escape

My days at Abalone flowed effortlessly between sunrise yoga sessions, swimming, deep relaxation, gin tastings, and plates of fresh, ocean-inspired food. Each moment felt like an invitation to slow down and savour life. And that full-body massage? Easily one of the best I’ve ever had.

If you’ve been craving a luxurious but grounded getaway, this is your sign.

Exclusive Offer for My Readers

Abalone Hotel & Villas is offering In My Bag readers an exclusive 5% discount on online bookings — simply use the code CANDICELEE5 at checkout.

The Beauty Escape Package includes:

2 Nights’ Accommodation (selected rooms)

Daily Breakfast

Deluxe Signature Treatment (your choice of massage or facial)

Rooibos Bubbly on arrival

Dark chocolate & strawberries wellness treat

Dr. Grandel Ampoules to boost your glow

R500 Dining Voucher (for Blues Restaurant or the Oyster Lounge)

A special gift box on arrival

Valid: 1 Oct – 14 Dec 2025 (Weekdays only)
From: R4,109 per couple
Book here: Abalone Hotel & Villas – Beauty Escape Retreat

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo escape, or a little self-care retreat, Abalone Hotel & Villas in Paternoster offers everything you need to unwind — thoughtful luxury, ocean air, and the kind of peace that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.