Beachside Bliss at Netanya Noosa
Just moments away from Noosa’s beach, bush and bars, it’s clear to see why the newly revamped Netanya Noosa has been a favourite with guests for almost three decades, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.
If you were to conjure up the prime location for a Noosa holiday, it probably wouldn’t get much dreamier than being nestled between Hastings Street and Main Beach, right next to the iconic Surf Club and just a hop, skip and a jump away from the breathtakingly beautiful Noosa National Park.
Located in this enviable spot, Netanya Noosa offers a boutique hotel experience for those looking to make the most of the stunning scenery, exquisite dining and world-class shopping that Noosa offers with everything on your doorstep for the ultimate relaxing and hassle-free experience.
“Being right in the centre of everything, you always have something to do,” enthused Danielle McKenna, whose father Don Farrow founded Netanya Management back in 1994.
“You can go to the beach, go for a walk to the National Park and watch the surfers, enjoy oyster happy hour at the restaurants, or indulge in breakfast or lunch at all sorts of amazing cafés. People find their favourite places that they love, but the beauty of Noosa is that there’s always something new.”
Netanya Noosa has recently had a major renovation which continues the journey in providing the type of luxury visitors are craving.
The spacious, stylish apartments each have a personality of their own and feature one, two or three bedrooms, offering spectacular views across the sparkling Laguna Bay or out onto the hustle and bustle of Hastings Street.
The exceptional service matches the luxe aesthetics, with a friendly, experienced team that is happy to go above and beyond for guests at any time.
“The long-term relationship we have with our valued apartment owners speaks volumes of the quality of service that our dedicated team provide,” said Danielle’s husband Glen, the resort’s Chief Operations Officer. “We offer daily service to the rooms, and nothing is too much trouble for our team – whether you want an extra blanket or pillow, a bottle of champagne, or even some steak or sausages for the BBQ.”
Aptly for a business that’s been owned by the same family for years, the hotel is a popular spot for other families, with many guests visiting year after year.
“People have told us ‘I used to go with my parents’ or ‘I used to bring my kids and now I bring my grandchildren’, so we’ve really seen that generational impact,” Danielle said. “Creating memories for generations is something that’s second nature to us.
“It’s really nice to have such strong repeat business and know that people are building lasting memories here with their loved ones. We try to make sure when people come back they feel special, and that our service offering is constantly evolving so things are a little bit different each time.”
Another drawcard for families (and everyone, really) is the safe, enjoyable swimming conditions Netanya offers, with the calm, north-facing Main Beach – where children can paddle between the flags under the eye of watchful lifeguards – just moments from the resort, as well as Netanya’s own beachfront pool that’s heated to 28 degrees and features a shallow area for its smallest visitors to splash around in.
Thankful for the protection the lifeguards offer, the business has a special relationship with neighbouring Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, giving back by sponsoring one of its boats.
“Supporting the local community is something we’re very passionate about, and we can’t think of anything more amazing than the service the surf lifesaving team provides,” said Glen.
Danielle and Glen are also committed to supporting local and Australian brands in other areas of the resort, using plenty of Sunshine Coast and hinterland produce in their relaxed on-site café, Providore on Hastings, where guests can experience the flavours of the region; alongside partnering with iconic Australian wine brand Penfolds and local gourmet producers for their decadent in-room hampers.
The Resort boasts a range of fashion boutiques from Bellissima, Sabbia and Palm to Tommy Bahamas to explore before enjoying the views at Sails restaurant – and a gelato from Massimo’s is difficult to enjoy only once.
Sustainability is something they’ve incorporated both through a soap recycling scheme – where soap remnants are collected and reprocessed into new bars before being distributed to disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas – and the utilisation of a Queensland-based linen servicing company that uses innovative water and energy-saving technology.
Sadly, Danielle’s father Don passed away in 2017, but his close friend Victor Danko – who joined Netanya Management as a business partner in the mid-nineties – continues to be a big part of the brand, providing support and encouragement to Danielle and Glen as part of a relationship that binds the two families.
“I remember Don persuading me to come on board by saying it would be something for us to talk about over a game of draughts in our old age,” smiled Victor. “He was very successful in the advertising industry before founding Netanya Management and had a great eye for quality and detail, which is part of the reason the hotel feels so special.
“I wish he was still with us.”
And for Danielle, taking on the mantle of the family business is a way to feel close to her father and keep his memory alive: “He still guides a lot of our decisions and strategies,” she said.
What are the key elements for Danielle that make up a dream Noosa weekend?
“Family time is easy in Hastings Street, along with enjoying all the amazing experiences in the region, from the ocean, river and the hinterland,” she said. “It’s just so beautiful here; it feels like being on a tropical island.”
