Staycations are a vibe right now. Because we’ve been cooped up at home for months on end, and interstate and international travel is not an option—little luxuries like hotel stays are a great way to get out of the house, pamper yourself a bit and (sort of) satisfy the travel bug.
Helping us out is the breezy and brand new Loea Hotel. A boutique number that opened its doors quietly a couple of weeks ago, this single-level, palm-fringed oasis is satisfying all our needs when it comes to hunting down the best hotels on the Sunshine Coast for a little post-iso R&R.
Owners Lucy and Andrew, along with their three young kids, found and bought what used to be a conventional (read: plain) Maroochydore motel last year from their home in the UK. What followed was an international move to the Sunshine Coast, followed by five solid months of renovations, with the help of local builders Cross Constructions, to bring their dream of Loea to life. And now, we all get to reap the rewards.
Sitting directly across the road from the glistening Maroochy River, Loea is the chic seaside stay you’ll be recommending to anyone who will listen. Inspired by warm beach days, it’s stylish but laid back, and totally Instagram-worthy. Boasting 10 beautifully-decorated rooms, a magnesium pool and a tranquil garden decked out with festoon lights, plenty of lounging furniture to relax on and a retro-looking, citron-style truck that pumps out fresh coffee for guests, this is the perfect place for a little staycation.
Choose between a double room, twin room or the spacious family room, complete with bunks by local Sunshine Coast furniture company, RAW, and rest easy knowing each is as calming as the next.
The attention to detail across all the rooms shouldn’t be shrugged off— there are king beds, luxury linen, ensuite bathrooms stocked with Maleny’s Mukti Organics body and haircare products, local artworks and Smart TVs. Plus, we’re loving all the rattan furniture—think bed heads, console tables and pendants—sourced at local homewares store Hello Trader. Basically, if you’re praying for rain so you don’t feel guilty about not leaving your room for the whole stay, we get it.
Something that could get you out the door though, is the free bike hire on offer. If hitting the waterfront pathway on a white cruiser, complete with tan handles, a basket and the wind in your hair, doesn’t scream holiday, we don’t know what will. And with Ocean Street and Cotton Tree a short and very flat pedal away, you can hit some of the Sunshine Coast’s best restaurants and beaches without jumping in the car at all. Heaven.
Ready for a local vacay? Prices start at $190, and it’s worth mentioning that if you’ve got a special something coming up—wedding, family get-together, corporate event—Loea also allows the opportunity for exclusive hire. To find out more or to book a night away, head to the Loea website.
Looking for more local stays? Check out the best Airbnbs on the Sunshine Coast.
Image credit: Villa Styling | Loea Hotel