Backyard Break at Netanya
Feeling like y0u need a break before you have a breakdown but struggling to find the time to plan your escape? Deb Caruso discovers the answer might just lie in your own backyard.
Noosa holds a special place in my heart, particularly Netanya Noosa as I first met my now-husband John at the neighbouring Surf Club; we had our first date at Lindoni’s (part-owned by Locale’s Rio Capurso); shared our first kiss on Main Beach at the front of Netanya and spent our first few days as husband and wife there after getting married at Sails Restaurant.
Fast forward 17 years and it’s 9pm on a school night and I’m sitting on the beach listening to the soothing sounds of the waves and mesmerised by the reflection of the almost-full moon on the ocean.
Just a few hours ago, I was in the office frantically finishing off a photoshoot schedule for this edition and juggling all the other deadline-driven and business management priorities.
For now, thanks to the team at Netanya Noosa, I feel calm, relaxed and a million miles away – holiday vibes!
I’m staying in Netanya’s beautifully refurbished one-bedroom Premium Beachfront Penthouse and taking advantage of the short staycation to enjoy all the elements that make Noosa such a popular destination.
Talk about ‘beach chic’- the stunning renovation includes sleek and stylish cabinetry and curved plaster walls that reflect the undulating sand that is so close it is almost within reach.
Netanya is known for its beachfront location and it doesn’t get much better than this!
The welcome pack in the room includes local hits such as Kenilworth Dairies and Max + Tom cheeses, Nutworks Macadamias in Manuka Honey and Ugly Duck Quince Paste plus a bottle of Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Brut Rosé – part of Penfolds’ Cellar Reserve range that is exclusive to Netanya’s in-house guests and indicative of the range of delicious goodies available to purchase from Netanya’s Providore on Hastings.
It’s the perfect accompaniment for a stunning sunset, best viewed from the large balcony or private rooftop terrace.
John and our 14-year-old Max have joined me for the afternoon and dinner before they head back home to allow me some solo time.
We feel so at home, it’s hard to leave the sanctuary of the room and that view but dinner beckons and we’re spoilt for choice on the dining mecca that is Hastings Street.
We settle on one of our all-time favourites, Locale, which is just across the road, and never disappoints with exceptional food and warm hospitality.
After dinner, it’s perfect weather for a stroll along the boardwalk and the buzz and energy of this magical place transports you to another world and my soul settles into the holiday vibe again.
I’m not normally one to rise early, but I don’t want to miss a moment of this magic so I set an alarm for sunrise and collapse into the luxurious king-size bed for one of the most rejuvenating sleeps I have had in a while.
If you think Noosa is gorgeous by day, you should see it at daybreak! I throw on my bathers, grab a towel and room key and walk the few short steps onto one of the world’s best beaches as I seriously contemplate how I could make my stay at Netanya more permanent!
Starting the day with a swim in the crystal clear waters of Laguna Bay is certainly good for the soul and I consider walking the boardwalk to Noosa National Park before settling for a luxurious rainfall shower back in the room.
Everything you need for laid back luxury is at your fingertips from the Appelles amenities to the special Providore on Hastings Sunshine Social coffee blend which I enjoy on the balcony while reviewing my schedule for the day ahead. Not a bad office to work from.
Normally I am so exhausted planning and preparing for a holiday that it takes a few days to unwind however I’m amazed at how relaxed and rejuvenated I feel after less than 24 hours staying at Netanya Noosa.
Better still, my little getaway required minimal planning, resulted in no lost time travelling or waiting for flights, there’s no language barrier and best of all, I’m helping local businesses.
The money I save by not having to pay for flights or other transport means I can spend more on accommodation, dining out, shopping and experiences – right?!
I think a staycation is the new vacation.
And I’m not alone. Strolling down the boardwalk after dinner, I spotted the familiar faces of local real estate agents Kate and Tony Cox enjoying dinner at Sails. Equally busy people, Tony has been our drinks writer for the past decade and Kate has worked in real estate for 15 years.
Turns out, they are regular staycation fans with Kate sharing that they often stay at Netanya – and love it!
“It was so different actually staying on the beach instead of just visiting it,” she said.
“We would get ‘home’ from work to our accommodation and have a drink on the balcony, then just go down the lift and you are there, ready to experience one of the fabulous restaurants.
“Then after dinner a visit to Happy Pops while walking on the beach and then back to your resort room.
“We travel for hours, and sometimes days, to experience what we have in our own backyard.
“It was the best few days.”
I agree and vow to make a staycation an essential part of my wellness plan, maybe I’ll even let the boys join me for longer next time.
Netanya Noosa offers one, two and three bedroom apartments epitomising laid back luxury at one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
And it’s in our backyard.
