Aah I don’t feel like my pics say enough. We had the MOST amazing weekend at Abalone House this last weekend. It’s such a treat. It’s homely yet plush and so friendly and relaxing. Champagne on arrival and high tea to look forward too, your stay is bound to begin on a good note.
Abalone House, Paternoster’s first five-star boutique guesthouse has 10 luxurious suites that 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 beautiful indigenous gardens. All suites have opulent, oversized, extra length beds beautifully swathed in monogrammed cotton percale linen.
There’s a lovely little terrace to chill on and take a dip at ground level with rooms on the ground floor too. Upstairs is another rooftop terrace that reminded me of our stay in Morocco. I dream of my own roof top terrace one day.
High Tea was an absolute treat with specialty teas and coffees on offer. My sweet tooth was smitten.
The rooms have great attention to details with brollies, incense, mini bar, snacks, iPod docking station, air-con, Charlotte Rhys bath and body products, heated towel rails and lots of little things to make your stay more comfortable. Even an awesome recliner for hubby to watch the rugby while I have an afternoon nap in the oh-so-fluffy king size bed.
A walk/run is a must with the amazing scenery, not to mention with all delicious food you’re going to eat.
Reuben Riffel is a celebrated household name in South Africa and is renowned for his culinary prowess. He chooses the best local ingredients, treats them respectfully and prepares them beautifully to create unique taste sensations. Double-baked snoek soufflé with salted apricots, roasted pork belly with chilli-lime and ginger caramel, malva pudding with buttermilk sherbet and Amarula custard hint at the unique cuisine that awaits diners at Reuben’s Abalone House.
“I have always loved Paternoster, since I first visited as a child of 14,” says Reuben. “The place still fascinates me and keeps drawing me back. There’s a unique atmosphere there that is relaxed and special, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to open a Reuben’s restaurant and explore the local ingredients, cook them simply and serve flavoursome food. The menu will be ever changing, though we will certainly keep the signature dishes.”
Tasked with opening Reuben’s at Abalone House, chef Aviv Liebenberg has worked at all three of Reuben’s other restaurants – located in Franschhoek, Robertson and at the five-star resort One&Only Cape Town. He says: “I understand Reuben’s concept well, so I am able to implement it easily in the restaurant. His food has a fresh country feel and is plated beautifully. There’s nothing fussy about Reuben’s cuisine. We prefer to use just a few ingredients simply and well.”
Cute little bread pots! I had the Chili Salt Squid for starters with the freshest little herb salad and lime mayo followed by the Duck, and then this magnificent-mess. Rooibos tea poached pears with honeycomb ice cream, grapefruit custard and almond crumble. Well I crumbled! Heaven on a plate! (You can see this girl has a sweet tooth) The combination of courses was just perfect. Such a treat, true Reuben’s style.
And what a way to end a decadent weekend.
Elegant simplicity is found in the Healing Earth Spa at Abalone House, which offers African inspired therapies and products in four calm treatment rooms – one customized for couples. This premium organic spa brand believes in ancient African traditions of healing and energy to bring about both health and relaxation. Founder Elisabeth Brandt says: “We have a nurturing, conscious approach to beauty based upon love for oneself, one’s fellow human beings and the earth we live on.”
Abalone House’s Healing Earth Spa will offer unique signature treatments available exclusively to guests with a menu that is a first for Africa.
It’s certainly one of the prettiest spas I’ve been to.
We enjoyed a beautiful cup of uplifting lemongrass, ginger and cinnamon tea on arrival before relaxing during our Couples Gratitude Journey Massage.
About the massage:
Bring along your loved one for a synchronized, energy infusing massage. Crystal Quartz is the stone of love, commitment and joy. It represents the essence of peace within every heart. This is a silent massage and treasured affirmation of the beauty of your partnership. Every couple engaging in this bonding experience receives a crystal as a token of gratitude for allowing us to be part of your unique couple connection encounter. We make use of African Shea butter or Healing Earth organic oils of your choice. Honour the deep connection that exists between your divine loved one and your soul.
So relaxing, we ate breakfast afterwards in complete zen 
The treatment in an upstairs couples room started with a foot cleansing ritual, followed by a full body massage using pretty pink crystal quarts stones and normal massage techniques, head massage and time to relax, shower, drink some lemon water and smile! For all their treatments, see here.
Again breakfast was a feast for the eyes and belly! From healthy home made granola and fresh fruit and nuts to a hearty cooked breakfast menu. I’d go back in a heart beat! Some of the guests that were there have been doing exactly that over the years. I can see why. It’s just so relaxed. And how thoughtful, a little travel pack for the way home. Thank You Abalone staff for making our stay so memorable.
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