Noosa Has Some Seriously Luxurious Secrets. This One Has a Waterslide.
What Does $7,000 a Night Buy You in Noosa? Prepare to Be Surprised.
It had been 17 years since visiting the glorious Sunshine Coast town of Noosa, and back then the digs were a hostel and the travel companion a backpacking Irishman from Galway.
How things have changed. Said Irishman was ditched long-ago and my taste in accommodation (and men) has become far more refined, and expensive. But even trading single beds and doof-doof sounds of a downstairs’ DJ for king-size mattresses with custom-select pillows and silence, I still wasn’t prepared for the loveliness of Belmo’s Beachfront Hideaway at Sunrise Beach.
Upon arrival it’s obvious it has a bolder personality than many luxury, ocean-front properties. And that is thanks Michael Broeren of M Design exterior and London studio Jimmie Martin’s interior design.
Funky art and pops of colour, such as an eclectic red poodle lamp stand, velveteen cushions and a delightful leopard motif throw rug, greet us immediately on the ground floor.
The perfect Noosa holiday rental for families or a girls’ weekend
This is the type of “fun house” you would hold a big family get-together or girl’s/hen’s weekend. There’s plenty of room with bunk beds, a master bedroom with a TV that lowers from the ceiling at the flick of a switch and two-east-facing double rooms with quirky décor, including “I’m a f***ing star” cushions.
But my gasp is saved for the huge window which is set flush against the water of the outdoor pool, like being in an aquarium but instead of watching sea creatures, you can watch the kids (or grown-ups!).
Accommodation with180 degree views of Sunrise Beach
We’re taken upstairs and it’s breath-taking, with 180-degree views of Sunrise Beach from ceiling to floor windows that allow the sea breeze and Noosa light to fill the kitchen, dining and lounge areas. And if you are lucky, spotting whales on their migration south.
There’s an abundance of space – a nook for games, uber comfy couch for afternoon naps, shiny yellow dining table for meals and plenty of outdoor seating. Also on this floor is the master bedroom, complete with a walk-in-robe, bathroom with Swedish sauna and a poolside view – but I do believe these days you need a cert IV to be able to successfully use the lighting, music and fan electronic panels.
This holiday rental comes with a water slide
It’s all fabulous but the piece de resistance is the water slide. Yes, a water slide that pumps a high-speed flow, torpedoing you from top to bottom into water that is the perfect temperature for spring.
While I wax-lyrical about Beachfront Hideaway, it would be remiss not to mention the other Noosa properties that Belmo has in their portfolio. While I am mad for a palette of fuchsia, yellow and red, I (kind of) understand if others prefer more subtlety with their luxury stays.
Noosa accommodation vibes are at One W
If your vibe is beige on beige with tones of caramel, then One W exudes atypical Noosa feels. Facing the river, the upstairs deck is the ultimate space for entertaining and the roof top pool is incredible. This is what is meant by “quiet luxury”, and I am still coveting the stovetop in the immaculately designed kitchen.
However, these two properties are not located in Noosa. From Beachfront Hideaway it was a 10-minute uber ride into town and given how much the crowds swells driving is not recommended.
If you would rather roll out of bed, into the pool and then straight onto the sand at Noosa’s Main Beach, Belmo have five beautiful beachfront properties. These are apartments and while they are smaller, they make up for it with location, location, location. Tingirana, On the Beach, Stay Noosa, 71 Hastings and Fairshore all have premium position on the promenade and access to resort-style pools.
Still within walking distance but up the hill offering spectacular views is No 1 Hastings, with 22 apartments. We are told that families here have been returning for more than 30 years for their annual holiday.
Before Noosa became a playground for the rich, its popularity was due to the magnificent geographic trifecta – a north-facing protected bay, national park and Noosa river entrance. And it is stunning.
But Hastings Street now is almost a victim of its own success. While high-end restaurants, cafes and bars are plentiful, in peak season it is teeming with visitors and getting a booking anywhere can be tough.
Mariella Mexicantina in Peregian Beach is a find
We are taken further afield for a quieter meal where there’s no need to rush, or noisy queues. Peregian Beach is a lovely surfside village outside Noosa and Mariella Mexicantina is fantastic.
Go for antojitos (little cravings) and sensational margaritas served by the loveliest wait staff in Noosa. The produce is locally sourced and sustainable and if you prefer your tostadas and tacos with wine rather than margaritas (I ask why?) the list is Australian and biodynamic/organic.
Returning to Noosa after such a long spell made me realise why people keep coming back. It is as much for the climate and natural beauty as the gracious hospitality … and your own water slide.
Beachfront Hideaway is $7,000 per night. For more information on Belmo properties https://belmogroup.com
To make a booking at Mariella Mexicantina, https://www.mariellamexicantina.com.au
Kylie Keogh stayed as a guest of Belmo Group.
