Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Set just behind the Gold Coast

the drive is memorable, with winding rimd% affording lovely views along the way. there are also some great cafels and restaurants at North Tamborine, which is a little quieter stav at Tamborine Mountain otters a variety and well worth exploring. ut experiences, including wilderness walks and st rme picturesque waterfalls. Curtis Falls and Witches Falls

(Quevnslancd's oddest national park) are two popular choices and the ancient cycads at iepido7am1,11 Grove .jrt' nut to tx' missed either. Another Popular .1spec t to the area is the restaurants, cafe, and Springbrook Plateau is a true gem of an area. a place of natural beauty accessed by a magical drive up the mountains. This is an area of dramatic gorges, waterfalls and exceptional forests. A natural wonderland. thousands of years in the making. 0 AAA I - maw --ter; - l� � ■►�� 04 Ri 11 r 0 Gold Coast and Hinterland 46 Avica Weddings and Resort Mernmac, near Surfers Paradise ppw if Cnr Gooding Drive & Boowaggan Road, Style: Luxury Boutique Resort & Wedding Venue Merrimac Qld 4 21 8

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Room Rates Per Couple: From $385 Tel: 07 5569 1299 Fax: 07 5569 1288 Please enquire for special offers Email: iniour-avica.com.au Bed & Full Breakfast Internet: wwnv.avica.com.au Not Suitable ti,,r (lhildwr, General Manager: Keith Gallagher AL • BL • DL • • 1('13 • 141(: • Vl Set just behind the Gold Coast on 116 hectares of private gardens and parklands is a boutique resort catering exclusively to romantic interludes and weddings. Avica offers discerning couples a special experience in accommodation and cuisine and with just twenty luxury suites, provides an intimate escape. Whilst Avica is intimate, its facilities exceed that of many larger hotels. The Brasserie offers casual dining, there is a bar and the Wattle Room features exceptional cuisine. The new day spa is one of the best in Australia with beautiful private Spa Conservatories with lake views. The gardens at Avica are beautiful, with a lake that is home to black swans, a picture-perfect lakeside chapel for weddings and wildlife that obviously revels in the oasis of the resort grounds. The pool, outdoor spa and tennis court allow guests to be as active or relaxed as they wish. Avica is refined, relaxing and romantic an elegant choice for a unique wedding, romantic holiday or special occasion. Close to all the Gold Coast attractions, this is our pick for a coastal stay.

Id Coast and Hinterland

spacious villa is in its own private garden setting with secluded verandah. Villa Alba is a haven for people seeking to tap into the unique Noosa style, while only a few minutes removed from the bustle of Hastings Street. Hosts Tom and Diana have a warm and unobtrusive approach, which ensures guests will relax and de-stress, returning home refreshed. With Diana's background in natural therapies, guests can indulge in aromatherapy and other body treatments in the privacy and comfort of their villa or perhaps in the beautiful spa room overlooking the tropical gardens. Romantic poxolside dinners for two can be arranged for couples wanting a very special experience. Villa Alba is perfect for corporate functions, retreats, meetings and lunches with its central entertaining area overlooking the pool. With spacious entertaining areas, it is a superb venue for weddings and other special cel(4)rations. Location: 131 km or 85 minutes north of Brisbane. Map 4. RA 7 D13. RM 39 E10. 1 Facilities: Four villas (lounge, bedroom with 4maim: king bed, kitchenette, ensuite with sunken bath, private deck, TV, VCR and CDI. Swimming lxxol, entertaining deck, orchard and billabong. Tropical continental breakfast included. 61 I li �lII Itt !!r; 1 1 1 : i. Id Coast and Hinterland .I Ruffles lodge - close to the coast action but a world away when you want to escape, while The Golden Door Health Retreat offers a very .'. !ti y t ii ✓r•1✓.' '� -' rt'11::•�� •. &,i. t y t. s f �,'ti'l �ol�Caasf.� Knfievlcw�rl 11 0 _^ 0 1W 9 i d a 7f at f=�/ 0 0 660-riV 71h % lamborine �10ountain (taking in the areas of Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle I leights and surrounds) is just an hour south Brisbane. Whichever way you approach, for hours, browsing from shop to shop. galleries, particularly along Gallery Walk - a whole street devoted to arts, crafts and eating that will keep confirmed shop-a-hohcs cxcupied

really come into their own when they host s11, dinner parties for guests.

air-conditioning); two deluxe cottages have DVD and surround sound theatre. Full cooked breakfast delivered to 59 cottage. Dinner and catering by arrangement. ..Sunsr ine Coast and Hinterland 46 Noosa Valley Manor Doonan, near 1 1 ; \% u", hf ).►e1. I )11„11,111 Olel S ;(�.� K(►r►nl K,rit•• I't•r ( r )ul►It• Irr ►►il �1e1 ; t, , X1'1 TO.- 07 5471 0088 Fax: 07 .547 1 (X)66 Minimum two night, -it vcckcrid, Email: n(x)s4,_b'.+I►e•v'_manor@bigpond.com Bed & Full Breakfast Internet: ww v.n(xxavalleymanor.com.au Not Suitable for (h►ldlr •rl Hosts: Murray and Kathleen Maxwell Ef1pos •B( • Nt( •17 St% Iv: t: k g.1nt Sarlditi �ne M.lne,r I1unlhe•r is of (? Elegance is the word 1I1,,-, 1 11111e 1 lllltl( , \',ile 1 ) Mull 'i\ , ►lnel I\,ljllle � i !jIl I 1 l ► 1 , 1 , 1 , ; 1 ; 1c' 1 11 'll !" '!• you walk though the door at Noosa Valley Manor. MacGregor Room. With French doors that open In a large lounge that features a stunning 180- out to the terrace and garden, coupled with 1111. degree hay window, a grand piano sets the tone. linens, pure cotton sheets and fluffy to\\ e dk Ow' There are so many features that invite you to pause decor is understated elegance at its lx and relax, from the many cosy sitting areas in the Breakfasts are not to be missed. Kathicri, lounge, to the terrace and the award-winning orchestrates a symphony that changes dail garden, with its many water features, and a always with cereals and fruits to start follm% 1 e swimming pcxol and spa that personify Noosa by eggs benedict with crispy pancetta one living at it best. morning and perhaps ricotta pancakes witil Four rooms share the Scottish heritage of hosts maple syrup the next. But Kathleen and Murr,r\ really come into their own when they host s11, dinner parties for guests. By prior arrangem('t you can enjoy a three-course meal with champagne, all under the ,�,.1tr hi;;! ( )T re -sl(li r1! \\1•,1le• I I, +tti� �i1 Location: 1 ; I k111 „r 6 1 1 lll lUte'1 l U,l [h t )l e► lirisl)dne. Map 4. RA 7 D13. RM 39 F Il Facilities: Four ensuite rooms. Lounge tire,. s\Nimminu, ; 11 ,1 1 1 ,; ,. � ( 1 1 „I., , , ; ►' ll 60 breakfast serve ! Villa Alba Noosa Valley 191 Duke Road, Noma Valley QId 4562 Room Rates Per Couple: From $185 to $325 Tel: 07 5449 1900 Fax: 07 5449 1300 Weekly and long stay rates available Email- rriti %Illaalba.net Minimum two nights at weekends preferred Internet: www.villaalba.net Bed & Breakfast Provisions Hosts: Tom and Diana Hannemann Not Suitable tnr Children ,Rahkbc by Arrangem nil Style: Luxury Tropical Villas V o 134 • 1)( • Fftpx►• • %1( • ' I With a long standing reputation for style, luxury and generous hospitality, Villa Alba's tour beautifully appointed contemporary tropical villas are set in a natural amphitheatre overlooking the Ncx)sa Hinterland. Each

Room Rates Per Couple: From $165 to S28

Internet: www.createx.com.au Accommodation Only Owners: Sandy and Michael Children Welcome Style: Architect Designed Waterfront Home Cash Only Voted Australia's House of the Year by the Australian Institute of Architects, Halcyon is a modern take on the traditional Queenslander. With a nod to Japanese simplicity and a dash of striking Mexican colour, Halcyon features a clever use of louvres to capture the cooling river breezes. Halcyon's rooms include a very spacious master bedroom upstairs with spa ensuite and study, two lovely queen bedrooms and three fantastic single rooms. The open plan lounge, dining, fully equipped kitchen and family room all have views onto Noosa River as well as the sunny courtyard and 18-metre pool. Breakfast beneath the Pandanus tree, dangle your feet (and a fishing line) off the jetty and later enjoy a refreshing ale on the deck overlooking the river. Halcyon is equally adept at hosting family holidays or getaways with a group of friends. It is also an easy level walk to dozens of restaurants, the beach and the buzz of Hastings Street. A stylish sense of fun and private waterfront location make this a stunning Noosa choice. Location: 136 km or 1 '/, hours north of Brisbane. tttt, Map 4. RA 7 D13. RM39F11. rr Facilities: House: six bedrooms (sleeps up to 11 ! ■om nine). King master (spa ensuite), two queen rooms (one with ensuite), three single rooms. Main bathroom. Lounge (CD, TV and DVD), family room (TV and video), kitchen, powder room, dining, study, double garage. Pbol, jetty, 58 kayaks, bikes, BBQ, portacot, pram. Lake Weyba Cottages Pereaian Beach, near Noosa 0 ^1) ( Iar(n(km Road. i'ciegian licat_ h (.Id 47)7 Room Rates Per Couple: From $165 to S28( Tel: 07 5448 2285 Fax: 07 5448 1714 Minimum two nights at weekends Email: into !: l,akeweybacottages.com One cottage wheelchair accessible Internet: www.Iakeweyhacottages.com Bed & Full Breakfast Hosts: Samantha and Philip Bown Not SUitahl(' for Children Style: Private Lakeside Cottages AF•hr • ( II()•A 1C •VI The setting for Lake Weyba Cottages is unique by Lake Weyba in a beautiful Wallum bush setting, yet minutes to the best Sunshine Coast beaches and cosmopolitan Noosa. Hosts Sam and Philip have created a haven for couples based on their extensive international hospitality experience. There is simply nothing you will want for when staying here, from guided nature walks, canoeing, fishing and bird watching to sumptuous hot breakfasts delivered to your private cottage. Romantic dinners are also available in the cottage, catered by a chef whilst guests enjoy the sunset on the verandah. One of the unique experiences is taking a swim in the natural swimming pool - a beautiful crystal clear lake with its own sandy beach and island gazebo (also a perfect vantage point for stargazing over wine and cheese). Mountain hikes are available and a paddle up the nearby creek will take you into an unspoilt natural environment. The beautiful grounds at Lake Weyba Cottages 0 are perfect for a wedding party and a marquee can be arranged for a romantic and memorable reception. Location: 133km or 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Map 4. RA 7D13.RM39F11. Facilities: Eight spa cottages (kitchen, lounge, wood fire, king bed,

Food is the centerpiece at the ChoOk, from the wonderful breakfasts featuring Jane's

in easy reach and Jeanne and Maurie can guide \-ou to the very best of each. Location: 116km or 90 minutes north of Brisbane. N • i RA 7 E12. RM 39 L7. Facilities: Six self-contained cottages (full kitchen, TV, 1)VD, wood fire, AC, spa, verandah, gas BBQ). Salt water swimming pool. Breakfast provisions provided for the first two mornings. The Spotted Chook Ferme Auberge (VlonlvillP r, sub 11 1 i s : 176 Western Avenue (PU bu\ 'yb', Montville QId 4560 Room Rates Per Couple: From S 170 to $240 Tel: 07 5442 9242 Fax: 07 5478 5811 Bed & Full Breakfast Email: i:i.i l,;, .p ttedchcwk.com Minimum two nights at weekends Internet: www.spcotteclchoook.com ( H% Arrangement Hosts: lane and Leeroy Hutton 1 •f�c •(H(,)•l)("•Eitj •1(f3 •.�tc , •kI Style: Fun French-inspired Country Inn Member: 13BF-Q Within minutes of arriving at The Spotted Chcxok you know you're in for something special. Inspired by hosts Jane and Leeroy's travels in rural France and Austria, they brought home with them fond memories of the ferme aulx�rge - a country inn where glorious food is mixed with antiques and welcoming hosts to create a unique experience. Being just a little zany, Jane and Leeroy couldn't help but add a little fizz to the ferme auberge concept. The result is a charming place named after their much loved spotted chooks, where vibrant French wash paints in watermelon and lime form a colourful backdrop to funky country furnishings and local artworks in rooms with fun names like Watermelon and Snow Pea. And we're not the only ones impressed - this reviewer met a couple that has stayed 40 times in three years, they love it so much. Look out for the new cottage, to be opened by these special, long time guests. Food is the centerpiece at the ChoOk, from the wonderful breakfasts featuring Jane's 'Breakfast Ambrosia' to the highly recommended, romantic candle-lit dinners with an international country-style - definitely worth staying in for the night. 0' 'V Location: 116km or 90 minutes north of Brisbane. off- M -n `tap 4. RA 7 E12. RM 39 U. ,r '`oA,awo ;�.. III up„_ Facilities: Four ensuite rooms, each with verandah #1k - access, some with claw foot bath and wood fire. Full breakfast served. Gourmet dinner by prior arrangement. 57 Sunshine Coast and Hinterland Halcyon Noosa Sound N(x )S.1 '(Ml)d. Q1s ( at t i(kJI Ofl gn(Ii (>1 L•nyurr\ Rate Per Night (House): From $430 to $890 Tel: 02 9907 0140 Fax: 02 9948 0250 Minimum seven nights in peak season Email: lnfov-( re,itex.com.au Minimum three nights in low season