Elise Hassey
The tropical village vibes of Hastings Street, Noosa’s main drag, have long attracted visitors from across Australia, but especially from the chillier southern realms. They don’t call it Melbourne’s most northerly suburb for naught.
There’s now yet another reason to stay a while, with the opening of Elysium, a complete overhaul of the former Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. It’s still part of the same family, but is now a member of MGallery, a collection of unique boutique hotels crafted to sit comfortably, seamlessly, within their location. Certainly, the redesign by Melbourne studio Mitchell & Eades, with its Mediterranean undercurrents and casual elegance, fits the mood of the locale.
The 175-key property has a cavalcade of room categories, including breezy guest rooms, spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, and wellness suites that each come with a private outdoor magnesium mineral pool, in-room infrared sauna, and yoga and Pilates accessories in a fitness closet, as well as a custom minibar stocked with tonics and juices. All rooms have an outdoor space and views of either Noosa River, ocean, pool or village.
The place to be is level six, also known as the Elysium Floor. Here, the rooms and suites appear similar to those below it – pale blue tones, sun-bleached timbers, rattan lampshades, tactile linens, art by West Australian Sarana Haeata – but with a slight elevation. There are bespoke Elysium mattresses that can be tailored to individual firmness preferences, Espa bathroom amenities and the services of a butler, who can book tables, organise excursions and even arrange a special dinner aboard a Noosa gondola.
The beach is just a short stroll away, or you can remain sand-free at the lagoon pool, with its low-slung lounges shaded by navy-and-white striped umbrellas. Book a cabana for the ultimate in sun-drenched privacy or make the most of Noosa’s only swim-up bar. There’s more water therapy at Aqua Spa, with its steam room, sauna, mineral pool and a variety of restorative treatments and wellness journeys.
The glittering jewels in Elysium’s rather sparkly crown, however, are street-front Bar Capri, a perfect spot for watching the passing parade with a chilled glass of Franciacorta as the afternoon slips away, and Cibaria Noosa, which sits above and behind it. Sydney restaurateurs Anna and Alessandro Pavoni have brought a touch of Italia to the Sunshine Coast, with a menu of fresh seafood, artisanal salumi, pasta and wood-fired steaks of all descriptions – beef, lamb and swordfish included. Nab a seat at the kitchen counter and leave room for the tiramisù.
How we pick the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards winners
All winners in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards have been determined by Gourmet Traveller editor David Meagher, deputy editor Ceri David and digital editor Georgia Condon. We also sought input from our team of luxury food and travel industry experts including our Victoria state editor Michael Harden, Queensland state editor Elliot Baker, New South Wales state editor Alexandra Carlton and travel writer Carrie Hutchinson.
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