Should you Stay or Go Now?
With all the rigmarole of going overseas or interstate the staycation is here to, well, stay. But why choose ‘Stopathome’ writes Helen Flanagan, when you can sleep under the stars – four, five or even six!
Looking for a getaway you take when the getaway with time constraints is out of the question? How about somewhere cute, quirky, eco-savvy or totally glam, a place to make your heart beat faster or where you can live like a Tsar without leaving your backyard.
Shaken not stirred or on the rocks? Yes, it doesn’t get more tantalising than First Point, in a lavish 3-bedroom apartment overlooking Little Cove, with its own pool, direct beach access and uninterrupted azure ocean views. Turn left onto the boardwalk to the world-famous Noosa National Park and World Surfing Reserve, Boiling Point, Dolphin Point, Fairy Pools and Hell’s Gate. Turn right. Noosa Main Beach and sophisticated Hastings Street with its bevy of beachside restaurants and boutiques is almost on your doorstep.
Experience all-American-style glamping in Waternest, a 1965 silver bullet Airstream imported from Los Angeles, permanently pitched on a grassy knoll in host Christina’s beachside garden at Sunrise. Wake to waves breaking onshore, spend the morning surfing, swimming or walking on the beach, freshen up with an open-air shower under the bougainvillea and cook breakfast in the fully-equipped kitchen.
Italian red wine, San Pellegrino water, Segafredo coffee, cheese, fruit, and olives plus beautiful Saya products including suntan lotion are just a few of the complimentary pleasures.
Arrive by helicopter at the 40-hectare Mayan Farm in the Noosa Hinterland playground of Kin Kin, and let the unwind begin at Mayan Luxe Villas, which exude natural warmth, contemporary flair yet blend with the surrounding farmland and environment.
Constructed with sustainable rammed earth and recycled hewn timber from the property, with polished concrete floors and bespoke features throughout, co-host Brett’s craftsmanship is evident.
The east and west-wing suites have a deck and king-size master suite, and one has a kitchenette, laundry and alfresco bath with a view. The central living pavilion has a queen suite with access to a separate guest bathroom, a massive open-plan space with seating for seating 10, a chef’s kitchen and butler’s pantry.
Outside overlooking the plunge pool and surrounding farmland, are additional entertaining areas which include a pizza oven and firepit.
Owner and chef, Jodie Williams, who also has Black Ant Gourmet and the Kin Kin General Store has designed Mayan Luxe Villas around entertaining in style and will cater for 20 banquet-style or a cocktail party for 50.
Wish to be transported back to those heady days of Bali and a sanctuary for the soul? Prepare to be entranced by Palmyra an ultra-luxury retreat with two houses, set amongst verdant rainforest, beautiful flora, and amazing fauna, on 10-hectares, 20-minutes from Noosa Main Beach and 10-minutes from the famous Eumundi Markets.
Serenity begins the moment you enter the estate across the wooden bridge over the creek, and a magnificent white residence wrapped by a verandah is revealed through the trees. A dreamy setting complemented by a 7-bedroom, 6-bathroom retreat for a memorable stay or perhaps a yoga or wellness escape.
The elegant main living room has a chandelier from Turkey above the 14-seater dining table; the master suite with sauna, looks out to the 20-metre infinity pool with two gazebos; and the chef-approved kitchen has all the bells and whistles for lavish entertaining.
Mary-Ellen Odijk of With Style is the genial host and happy to organise catering as well as activities for families, corporates, and wedding guests.
When it comes to cute, sassy and Instagrammable, the winner is Loea Boutique Hotel. With no international travellers and state borders opening and closing haphazardly, Andrew and Lucy Pink’s dream of recreating the classic “warm breezy beach days”, no matter the weather outside, but with a fresh, modern chic look, could have easily turned into a nightmare, but they achieved it in buckets and spades.
They wanted a calm inviting space, so combined soft whites and neutral tones with the warmth of natural materials such as rattan to give it that understated coastal look. They offer simple yet uncompromised luxe at an affordable price – ten beautifully styled suites with incredibly comfortable beds, luxury quilts and pillows, linen bedding, complimentary organic skincare, a tropical garden with magnesium pool and classic white cruiser bikes for guests.
A reimagined vintage-style food truck acts as the reception for guests but also serves up locally sourced food, and hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages.
When you wish upon a star make it the big one shining over Domic, (meaning dome in Russian), an award-winning mansion in Sunshine Beach, built at a reported cost of $21 million. Domic Noosa, is for those seeking an authentic eco-friendly haven with ultimate barefoot uber luxury. The curved roof is covered with native landscaping, fusing the 4-level structure with surrounding bushland and sand dunes. Inside vaulted ceilings are lined with acoustic panels.
Six mega master bedroom suites have private balconies with dynamic Coral Sea and Noosa National Park views. There are 10 bathrooms. The entertainment level showcases a bar, cinema, gym, spa, steam room, sauna, ice bath, also an external entertaining area with a 2-metre pool. complete with cocktail bar, day spa, BBQ facilities and a 25-metre swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Of course, privacy is second-to-none.
Oh, to live like a Tsar or movie star without leaving your own backyard. What about Christmas? Don’t let the eye-watering rent of $80,000 a week, one of the most expensive holiday rentals in the country, faze you.
Stay home but don’t stay in – staycay the right way!
