Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is well named: every year it basks in 300 days of sunshine and that makes it just perfect for an escape from gloomy southern days.
Tucked in under the towering presence of Mount Coolum is the Coast’s best-known resort, Hyatt Regency Coolum. The resort prides itself on a high level of sophistication and service, delivered with informality and a ready smile.
Here you can live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies (without roughing it) amid 150 hectares of lush natural woodlands, bushland, rainforest, wallums (small shrubby trees native to Queensland) and gardens. Naturally, the resort fronts the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and two kilometres of pristine beach.
The jewel in the crown is a Par 72 PGA Championship Golf Course designed by renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The best time to play is early morning or in the cool of the evening. Clubs, shoes and golf carts are all available at the Pro Shop, and there is an on-course food and beverage service.
For the full self-indulgence experience, book yourself in for a treatment at The Spa, a casually elegant edifice in the centre of the resort that offers small and intimate private rooms, private courtyards and large open spaces. There’s an aqua-aerobics pool, outdoor unisex spa, men’s and ladies’ lounge with steam and sauna and extensive relaxation areas.
The only challenge when dining will be “which restaurant?” There’s Italian, Asian and modern Australian, an on-site Swiss pastry chef who makes all the desserts, breads, cakes, muffins, scones and pastries and each of the half dozen or so restaurants has its own style and even its own suppliers. Dine al fresco, dine formal or dine casual – the choice is yours.
A week at the Hyatt Regency Coolum won’t be long enough to experience all it has to offer. With nine pools, a fully equipped gymnasium, a creative arts centre, seven floodlit tennis courts, a Village Square (shops, restaurants and bars) and more, why would you bother with the complimentary shuttle into Noosa?
Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort
Warran Road, Coolum Beach, Queensland
07 5446 1234
http://coolum.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
coolum.regency@hyatt.com
18-hole par 72 PGA Championship Golf Course, 6263 metres
18-hole round: $110, 9-hole round: $72, motorised cart: $40 (18 holes for two players)
Nine outdoor swimming pools.
Tennis centre, 7 floodlit courts.
Beach with private access.
Eight bars and restaurants on-site.
Dine-in room service.
Cash-free environment (all purchases are charged to the room).
Shuttle service within the Resort and complimentary daytime shuttle to Noosa.
Children’s activities at Camp Hyatt for children six weeks to 12 years.