Looking for a romantic getaway on the Sunshine Coast? Nowhere does couples retreats quite like this postcard-perfect region located two hours by road north from Brisbane. From pristine beaches and cosy cafes to lush hinterlands with cascading waterfalls, the Sunshine Coast is a haven for lovers seeking an intimate getaway. Whether you’re craving action and adventure or the blissful embrace of seclusion, relaxation and indulgence, this curated guide covers the Sunshine Coast’s crash pads for couples.
HOLA Eumundi
If a bohemian art gallery hooked up with a stylish boutique hotel, Eumundi’s House of Local Art (HOLA) is the lovechild that would result. Paintings, sculptures and assorted other works by local artists are scattered throughout the grounds, rooms and public spaces; lush greenery creeps up walls and spills over balconies; and soft linens, chunky glassware and handmade ceramics add delicious texture and interest. HOLA is positioned overlooking the main street, between the Imperial Hotel and Joe’s Waterhole Hotel, so there’s often live music belting from one direction or another. But no matter how spirited the singer, top-notch sound-proofing makes these 15 rooms whisper-quiet.
Best feature – Ensure you stay includes Tuesday or a Friday night, so you can explore the colourful Eumundi Markets in the morning.
Lovestone Cottages
This love nest in Montville is perched high on the rugged Blackall Range is set on five-acres of lovingly restored native bushland. Three cottages (Maple, Quandong and Rosewood) were similarly refurbished to contain wood-burning fireplaces, deep spa baths built for two which overlook ferns and palms, king size beds, double showers and free-flowing living areas which encourage loved-up guests to cocoon in privacy and comfort. The botanically-inspired interior contains blonde wood floors, earthy rattan rugs, and a dramatic feature wall which reflects the greenery outside. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen and a fridge stocked with sparkling wine, chocolates, and breakfast provisions. From the bed, made up with baby-soft linen and laden with pillows, guests can see out to the wrap-around rainforest which stretches down as far as Lake Baroon.
Best feature – You can book in-room massages which add to the air of indulgence.
Narrows Escape
Located on the edge of Kondalilla National Park, Narrows Escape is made up of eight exclusive villas equipped with crackling log fires and made-for-two spa baths. It’s a luxury escape which caters for those who love to connect with nature but return to creature comforts at the end of the day. A true rainforest retreat, Narrows Escape is situated near a range of short, half- and full-day hikes, which venture out to spectacular waterfalls, secluded swimming holes and (with barely a half hour drive) to some of the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches. Narrows Escape is also located nearby Queensland’s Great Walk which connects a network of national parks which are home to more than 300 species of birds.
Best feature – A tropical gazebo onsite provides a comfortable spot to read a book, sip on a cocktail or savour a picnic.
Spicers Clovelly Estate
If a stay at Spicers Clovelly Estate feels like a sleepover at a (wealthy) friend’s country manor, it’s because this European-inspired property started its life first as a farmhouse and then a grand family home. It’s easy to slip into a relaxed frame of mind here. When I visited, my partner and I had enjoyed a three-course lunch, a soothing 90-minute couples massage in the onsite Spa Anise, and an afternoon nap before dinner. The degustation dinner here is a real drawcard. Head chef Geoff Abel took the helm in early 2023, putting his own stamp on the French-inspired seasonal menu which celebrates sustainable local producers including The Falls Farm, Mountaintop Mushrooms and Little White Goat Cheese. Everything is made in-house, including bread and butter from Maleny Dairy Cows, while honey is extracted from onsite beehives
Best feature – A short stroll through bushland will bring you to the Lake View Deck which offers views of the sun setting over Lake Baroon, along with glasses of red wine and marshmallows to toast over the open fire.
Motel Caloundra
In a delightful continuation of the retro motel makeover trend, Motel Caloundra recently reopened after refurbishments to the former Caloundra City Centre Motel. Stripped to its bare bones, hotel developers Andrew and Lucy Pink (who are also behind the Loea Boutique Hotel and the Maleny Lodge) worked with Maeva Hospitality’s Scott Armstrong to modernise the 9-room property. New double-glazed windows were installed, and deluxe interiors (including king beds with organic cotton sheets) were installed. Motel Caloundra is aiming to be the Sunshine Coast’s first net-zero energy hotel, thanks to a rooftop bank of 47 solar panels, plus back-up batteries. It’s not the most expensive pick of the bunch, but if you’re watching your pennies, Motel Caloundra offers a simple but stylish stay.
Best feature – You’re in easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and a long stretch of sand.
