SOFITEL NOOSA PACIFIC RESORT
The scent of change is in the air at this Noosa stalwart. That’s Sofitel’s house
fragrance wafting through the lobby, imparting notes of rose and bergamot, just
one of many Gallic touches introduced since Sofitel took over from Sheraton two
years ago. There are pre-dinner “apero chic” soirées in Noosa Beach House or at
the new riverside Riviera Bar; Mumm, Badoit and Evian in the minibar; a “bonjour”
from smartly attired staf; and the signature Sofitel candle-lighting ritual at dusk.
Spacious guestrooms in a palette of cream, stone and coral are largely unaltered.
Blue and white parasols have sprouted poolside, and five new cabanas with
butler service border the lagoon and its retro swim-up bar.14-16 Hastings St,
Noosa Heads, (07) 5449 4888, sofitelnoosapacificresort.com.au
Noosa’s best-located lodgings
deliver the luxury of space;
even entry-level studios have spa
baths and 55 square metres of real
estate. On the doorstep are Hastings
Street’s boutiques, Main Beach and
Noosa National Park.
How considerate to have
a well-stocked bottleshop
on site, allowing guests to charge
drinks and deli items to their rooms.
A French-accented bufet
breakfast served in the
light-filled Noosa Beach House
includes a mix-your-own juice bar,
barista-made cofee, Viennoiserie,
and breads with mini Bonne Maman
jams. Approach the omelette station
for a change from standard hot options.
Choices, choices: Champagne in
a poolside cabana, or cocktails
at the swim-up Water’s Edge Bar?
Perhaps a gin-fuelled Riviera Sunset on
the balcony of the riverside Riviera Bar
or a round at the busy Noosa Beach
House Bar? Or retire to your balcony
with a drop from the bottle shop.WHERE Downtown
Noosa Heads. COST
From $285, with
breakfast. AT A
GLANCE 176 rooms,
suites, residences and
penthouses, adjoining
rooms; bars, restaurant,
pool, day spa, gym,
sauna, paid valet and
self-parking, self-service
laundry. IN ROOM
Paid WiFi, bath, balcony
or courtyard, some
kitchenettes, pillow
menu, Lanvin toiletries.
BEST ROOMThe
best entry-level room
with river views is
No. 624. (“Village View”
rooms have views of the
rooftop of the adjacent
shopping centre.)SPICERS CLOVELLY ESTATE
The check-in routine at Clovelly
Estate sets the bar high. First, a
personal welcome from the manager.
Then a flute of prosecco – on the
lawn, in the shade of the jacaranda
- while staf explain the many
ways you could spend your time
here: boules or a bike ride, morning
yoga or afternoon spa session,
and apéritifs beside the fire pit. With
hinterland surrounds this stunning,
it almost feels like a bonus when
the comfort levels and service
standards are so impressive.
Expect spacious marble bathrooms,
some with double showers and
spa baths, pretty linens, cute nooks
and light-filled, French-inspired
interiors. Plus smart food and wine.
38-68 Balmoral Rd, Montville,
1300 252 380, spicersretreats.com
Breakfast is an indulgent afair
of stacked rye pancakes with
caramelised banana and celeriac
ganache, say, or the full catastrophe
served on the terrace with barista
cofee and serene garden views.
There are nine hectares of
grounds to explore; at the very
least take a 10-minute stroll at sunset
to the Lake Deck pavilion for golden
views through the treetops to Lake
Baroon. Return here for morning yoga.
The Long Apron is a destination
in itself, serving five-course
tasting menus or fixed-price three-
course à la carte. Both start with smart
snacks and progress to cured scallops,
perhaps, or Angus skirt steak with
tendon pufs and parsnip crisps. A new
room-service menu is available during
restaurant hours.
Dress up for blood-orange
Negronis on the terrace in
summer, or by the fire pit in winter.
The minibar yields surprises: a mini
Collet Brut, Heathcote shiraz, and Ortiz
anchovies and crackers among them.WHERESunshine Coast hinterland, a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and an hour from Noosa.COSTFrom $399, with
breakfast.AT A GLANCE10 rooms, one cottage; bar, restaurant, pool, day spa, free parking.IN ROOMFree WiFi, some
terraces, spa baths and balconies, pillow menu, Appelles toiletries, heated bathroom floor and towel rail.BEST ROOMS
Splash out on a spa suite, turn on the jets, sprinkle your “bath caviar”, and pour a glass of Champagne.
QueenslandSofitel Noosa’s pool.Spa Suite.GOURMET TRAVELLER 171