What can I say about Santa Paloma Guest House? Sitting with a cold beer from the honesty bar, gazing at zebras and impalas playing against the backdrop of a majestic mountain, I found myself reflecting on the experience.
The first thing to understand is that Santa Paloma is a working farm, and the same family that runs the farm also manages the guest house. Their dedication and professionalism shine equally in both ventures, creating an inviting dynamic that quickly makes you feel like part of the family.
The rooms are, clean, and thoughtfully designed—perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life. The beds are large, impeccably clean, and exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
The food is a standout feature. Much of it comes directly from the farm, ensuring freshness and incredible flavour. Breakfast is a hearty, ever-changing delight that keeps you eagerly anticipating each new morning.
I cherished every moment of my stay and wholeheartedly recommend Santa Paloma to anyone seeking a unique blend of farm life and relaxed comfort. I will definitely be returning.
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Date of stay: December 2024
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Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip:Â Just relax and go with the flow, listen to the stories and how the farm works.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 6 nights, loved the setting, rooms were comfortable, hosts great. The view is fantastic and was great seeing the animals. Only real complaint I have is no room cleaning on Sundays, so had to make our own beds and tidy up.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
found santa paloma by chance. stayed there just before christmas 2011 and LOVED it. its a beautiful place, great rooms and owned by amazing people. i stayed there with a friend of mine & i have to say we were welcomed in by jacques & his family as one of their own. great memeories of everyone sitting by the fire, having a beer & great conversation.
the farm itself is beautiful, if you get up first thing and go down to the porch you will see the front area filled with zebra/impala etc an amazing thing to watch over breakfast. jacques will also take you on a game drive through the property if you like :)
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Date of stay: December 2011
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stopped over for the night on our way up to Transkei. Such a Gem, wonderful hosts. Spacious lovely rooms . Kids loved the pool and watching animals passing by. Enjoyed the Braai and Breakfast 😀 Such a devine setting to relax and unwind
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Date of stay: December 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great experience staying at Santa Paloma, very high standard on all counts!
Family run feel - very accommodating, Really clean, great food, reasonable minibar!!, warm fire, Lovely scenery; Zebra/Wilderbeast grazing and friendly horses.
Thanks!
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Date of stay: June 2016
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely view and rustic charm. Great food and friendly hosts. My favourite place to stay in East London whether for work or holiday. Animal lovers get ready for cat cuddles and cute playful dogs. Have a drink in the pool and relax.
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The rooms are all well appointed, with lots of touches of the "bush" from the breakfast eggs from their own chickens, the quaint shower heads from reclaimed metal, to the photos on the walls done from a door frame
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Date of stay: September 2017
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Rooms are pretty equal, all very nice
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Santa Paloma was my base during the Sardine Run this year. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this guest house. After being on the water for nine straight ours there is nothing better than sitting on the porch relaxing, listening to nature and watching wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. A truly amazing way to unwind. The owner Jacques and his daughter Nadia were fantastic. They make sure you have everything you need. Food was great every night and they truly accommodated to there guests (catered to my allergies with no problems). The rooms were great. Had everything you need.
The coolest thing about the guest house is that it is completely self-sustainable. They really do their best to take care of the land they are on. When I come back for the Sardine Run, Santa Paloma will definitely once again be my home base.
Cheers!
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Date of stay: May 2017
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for one night in March during our annual road trip - this year 40 nights in 11 properties, so this review is relatively objective.
Relatively easily found, with some of the approach track needing a little care, but no major problem.
Well - where to start ?
Brilliant location on a rise overlooking a pond, fields and woods, complete with various game. Accommodation ranging from our 'family' en suite room to I think a bunkhouse. The communal area was very 'hostely' but full of warmth and character, with dining and recreational areas in what had presumably previously been a barn as evidenced by feeding troughs and various items of farm machinery/equipment on display.
Our room was comfortable, with a bunk bed supplementing our double bed. Did the job without being in any way luxurious, which is something that's not claimed anyway !
Our need for dinner was confirmed on the cellphone during the afternoon and consisted of a simple well cooked meal. The honesty bar provided cold beer and wine.
The owner and his staff are obviously in love with the place and their lifestyle, which makes for a very pleasant atmosphere.
Great to sit outside in the evening with a beer watching the world and the game go by !
Breakfast was simple, but adequate.
Amazing value for money.
It's not the style of place that we normally stay in - more perhaps for 'genuine' travellers - but would return if in the area again - it's brilliant and we sincerely hope that the owners' aspirations for his property materialise - LOVED IT !
Highly Recommended
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Date of stay: March 2017
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived there for the Ironman weekend and it is the most beautiful place I have ever been. It is a family business and the owner and his daughter was brilliant and helped where ever they can. The best part of the weekend was, it was quiet and a rainy weekend. You can literally sit on the porch and watch the animals walk in front of you - blesbok, springbokke, perde etc. It was really fantastic. We played pool on the porch and ping bong in the living area. We enjoyed it so much we will definitely be back! Thank you everyone so much for making it a wonderful stay!
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Date of stay: January 2017
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Best views with great family rooms. Peaceful and luxury stay at Santa Paloma
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the East London area.
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeEast London
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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