Noosa is one of those holiday destinations that never goes out of style. A picturesque mix of sub cultures – where premium retail stores and fine-dining restaurants blend seamlessly with frolicking, sandy children, paddle-boarders and one of the best surf clubs on the east coast of Australia.
Perched atop the hill of fashionable Little Hastings Street lies Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa. With 40 luxury villas and penthouses, what stands out about the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa is its commitment to environmental sustainability – operating under a green star rating for sustainable practice. The villas and the entire resort harmonise with the natural environment alongside Noosa National Park. The Outrigger site was formerly a banana plantation and grazing property which was revegetated with 36,000 trees, while existing old growth fig and bunya pine trees were incorporated into the property’s design.
My accommodation for a weekend was a four-bedroom, three-storey villa with twinkling views over Laguna Bay and Noosa Beach from the ample timber decks. Two and three-bedroom penthouses are also available. If driving, a double, lock-up garage is yours for the duration of your stay.
On the main living level, a fully equipped laundry and bathroom right at the entrance is cleverly positioned to wash the sand away from a day of surf and sandcastles. If you wish to cook, a full designer kitchen with Miele appliances offers everything you’d need to cater for your guests, before serving at the large dining table or in the sunshine on the outdoor setting on the deck. There’s also a TV and sound system on this level.
A third and lower level provides another three bedrooms, all with built-ins, another deck with a swinging egg chair and more comfortable outdoor furniture – along with another bathroom and sitting area with TV. If you have younger children or teenagers, this would be an inviting little retreat for the kids. The open stairwells, however, would probably prohibit those families with crawling or teetering toddlers still finding their feet.
There’s a private pool area available for the exclusive use of villa and penthouse guests. There are a few stairs to climb but the walk is worth it – with 180-degree views across the beach and national park. It’s incredibly quiet and tranquil up there – a dip in the pool is a highly recommended way to start your day of Noosa exploration and leisure.
When some spa therapy beckons, the onsite Stephanies Ocean Spa specialises in treatments for men and women and romantic couples spa treatments. In one of the 11 purpose-built treatment suites, you can choose from such therapies as the flotation pool, geisha couples bath suite, the vinotherapy suite and a rain therapy Vichy shower. During my stay, I indulged in an all-over body scrub featuring Stephanies coconut and lime scrub, followed by a hot stone back massage. The sensation of the hot stones feels like hot snakes sliding over your back, and if that sounds disconcerting, it isn’t – it’s sensual and relaxing. I left smelling like a tropical cocktail and feeling like I’d shed my layer of winter skin.
It’s a downhill walk down to the action of Little Hastings Street and the beachfront, which of course means an uphill walk on return – but a buggy system operates for all guests with a number to phone when you’re ready. There’s nothing like a resort buggy to make you feel like you’re on holiday! The walk is equally pleasant, though, with dedicated timber boardwalks taking in the lush greenery and the odd bush turkey gobbling along the path.
The View on Little Hastings Street Restaurant and Bar is aptly named, taking in the beach vistas. A daytime visit here is recommended to take full advantage of the views. Live music on Sundays makes this a casual, relaxing spot for an afternoon cocktail. Noosa, with its annual Noosa Food and Wine festival each May, has a vibrant food and wine culture. Some of the best restaurants in the area worth a visit include Ricky’s, Sails, Locale and Thomas Corner.