Quirk and Colour in Pasternoster's Five Star Abalone House
IT’S THE FIRST five-star, boutique hotel in Paternoster and it remains the quirkiest. Abalone House is a world apart and a haven of concentrated colour in the otherwise muted West Coast landscape. Flanked by ice white beaches and the lapping Atlantic, at Abalone House living is light and décor is the colours of happiness.
Oversized Tretchikoffs live in every room, along with stoically beautiful orchids that are integral to Abalone House’s ‘larger than life’ appeal. The 10 sumptuous suites flow off a central courtyard, where the sound of running water and wind chimes are background music emanating from the very heart of the establishment. Some of the suites have magnificent sea views that provide natural theatre to guests, and others overlook sweeping indigenous gardens. All suites have opulent, oversized, extra length beds beautifully swathed in monogrammed cotton percale linen.
While cocooning in your suite, there’s an iPod docking station, a flat-screen television, CD and DVD player to enjoy. Select a DVD or book from the extensive in-house library and curl up in-suite and relax. The cappuccino/espresso machine and a well-stocked mini-bar ensure your favourite beverage is always close at hand.
To diffuse the heat of summer, air-conditioning is standard in every suite – and throughout the entire establishment too – along with under-floor heating in the bedrooms and bathrooms. There are also heated towel rails and wall heaters, while yellow, plastic-duck bath toys add a touch of humour to the décor of bathrooms.
To socialise, the Africa Bar is the meeting place, cosily arranged to include a massive stone fireplace which warms the room in winter. In summer, the glass doors are flung open to incorporate the coolness of the courtyard pool. Yet, in all seasons the Africa Bar is vibrant and inviting and serves the full range of tipples – including a special selection of cocktails. French champagnes, the world’s top six single-malt whiskeys, and the finest brandies are also available to guests.
The exotically appointed Saffron Restaurant is a feast for all senses. Apart from decadent world cuisine that liberally incorporates fresh local ingredients and seafood, the décor is a visual sensation. Feather-trimmed lampshades, high-backed velvety chairs, throngs of orchids, vibrant art work and liberal splashes of saffron red, make Saffron Restaurant an unforgettable sensory experience.
Orchids are everywhere at Abalone House, but in the sun-splashed Orchid Room banks of them appear as an exotic interior garden. Breakfasts and afternoon teas are served here, surrounded by sea views and indigenous gardens right outside. The space is calm, relaxing and opulent, always light and sunny, and beckons guests to pull up a chair and play a board game, or kick back with a good book. It’s the good life, which is what Abalone House is all about.
Rates start from R995.00 per person sharing out of season and include breakfast and afternoon tea. For more information and reservations regarding this package call Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse at (27) (022) 752 2044; email info@abalonehouse.co.za or visit www.abalonehouse.co.za
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