Why we love Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort

If a vacation is all about ‘vacating’ your everyday life, it doesn’t get much better than vacating to a five-star resort.

While normality might entail reading reports, nabbing a seat on the bus and deciding what to cook for dinner, resort life calls for reading books, nabbing a poolside cabana and deciding which cocktail to have.

And there is no better place to make the switch to your holiday self than at the Noosa Sofitel Pacific Resort.

With the stylish design and elegance the Sofitel brand is renowned for, luxury vibes greet you as soon as you enter the hotel foyer. Arriving late morning, reception staff strike the perfect balance between five-star polish and beach town friendliness and they hustle to get our room ready well ahead of the 3pm check-in time, a nice touch.

We’re spoilt with a pool and ocean view studio room on the top floor. It’s hard to beat that view!

The room is spacious, complete with a king bed, sofa, TV area, kitchenette, dining table, a spa bath and separate shower. But it’s all about that balcony and the view.

I’m a sucker for a great hotel pool and the Sofitel doesn’t disappoint. The centrepiece of the hotel’s sprawling grounds, get in early to grab yourself a poolside cabana or kick back under an umbrella on one of the many deckchairs.

Feeling thirsty mid-swim? The swim up bar has you sorted!

You can also order food to eat poolside. I personally couldn’t say no to fresh local Mooloolaba prawns.

No judgment  if you spend your whole day here BUT if you want to get active, the gym is one of the best equipped I’ve seen in a hotel in a long time. Or you can get pampered in the world class AQUA day spa. And the beach, of course, is just across the road.

A resort wouldn’t be complete without an onsite restaurant and this one even has a celebrity chef to its name. Peter Kuravita, chef, restaurateur, author and media personality, brings his unique style of cooking to the Noosa Beach House. Hot tip if you’re staying on a weekend: the five pot curry lunch on Saturdays and Sundays allows you to try five of Peter’s Sri Lankan curries for $38 per person.

The restaurant also hosts the hotel’s buffet breakfast, a well-stocked variety of all the usual breakfast faithfuls from fruits and cereals to pastries and cheeses. But you’d be crazy not to take advantage of the made-to-order omelets and crepes – yes with Nutella and strawberries. Go there, you’re on holidays after all.

If you’re after a casual bite to eat, the Noosa Beach House Bar offers an all-day dining menu, great cocktails and even better people watching over popular Hastings Street. There’s also the River Lounge Bar for a more intimate drink and sunset views.

It’s the little things that make a good stay at the Sofitel a great one. We’re treated to a bottle of Moet and a cheese plate on arrival, put to good use one evening with a seafood feast on our balcony. The midday check-out is also a big plus. And the easy access to Hastings Street (in all its boutique shopping and restaurants glory) has you right among the action but still with the benefits of resort privacy and exclusivity.

All this makes Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort a fantastic spot for a cheeky five-star getaway. Just be warned returning to reality after living the luxe life here will tough!