Sunshine Coast Escape: Highwood Park's Luxurious B&B Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Sunshine Coast Escape: Highwood Park's Luxurious B&B! I've got a lot to say, a lot to feel (dramatic pause), and I'm going to try to wrangle it all into something resembling a coherent review. Warning: May contain traces of rambling, opinions, and my absolute weakness for a good cup of tea.
Let's get this out of the way: Sunshine Coast Escape is trying to be fancy. And, generally speaking, they succeed. Think "luxe" but with a healthy dose of "laid-back Sunshine Coast chill." Now, whether the "chill" balances the "luxe" is where things get interesting.
First Impressions & Accessibility:
Right off the bat, I was a little worried. I'm a massive fan of a good B&B (the breakfast, people, the breakfast!), but I’m also someone who wants the place to be…well, accessible. And I'm talking about more than just ramps, though thankfully, access seems pretty solid. I am happy to report: they've got an elevator, which is a HUGE win, and their facilities for disabled guests are in place, and not just an afterthought. Though, I should add, I didn't personally test everything, so accessibility might not be 1000% seamless for everyone. However, The fact that they are making an effort to do it at all already puts them above many.
Staying Connected (or Disconnecting!)
Alright, let's talk tech! Because, let's be honest, in this day and age, it’s essential. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Music to my ears! And the Internet access – wireless was fast and reliable, thank goodness. I’m thinking of the Internet – LAN, but I would rather avoid it. I'm on vacation. I want things simple. The important thing is, they got good Internet access, which means you can work, stream, or just endlessly scroll Insta, guilt-free.
The Rooms: My Kingdom for Blackout Curtains!
Okay, the rooms. They're… well, luxurious. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? DOUBLE CHECK. (My sleep schedule and I breathed a collective sigh of relief!). I could sprawl out on the extra long bed like I was Cleopatra, and generally speaking, daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. I especially appreciated the fluffy bathrobes and the complimentary tea (told you I loved tea!) in the room. Little touches like slippers, and fresh linens make a big difference. I loved my reading light, and I was feeling good using the socket near the bed. Each room had an in-room safe box – good for peace of mind. The TV had satellite/cable channels, but honestly, I was so blissfully disconnected from 'real life' that I barely touched it. Oh, and a mirror, of course. Though let me just say, do not look into a mirror after enjoying said tea!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie’s Paradise (with Caveats)
Now, the exciting part: the food! Highwood Park knows its food. There are restaurants on-site. They have Asian breakfast and I was happy to try the Western breakfast. There's a bar, naturally, a coffee shop, a poolside bar, and even a snack bar. They offer a wide array of desserts in restaurant and I enjoyed the Salad in restaurant, as well as the Soup in restaurant. I never tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and I wish I had. Coffee/tea in restaurant provided me with a constant source of energy. The bottle of water was a nice touch. The breakfast [buffet] was a decadent affair. I am a fan of Breakfast service, I have decided. I am pretty sure the Happy hour was fun, but I missed. If you’re feeling fancy, there's also room service [24-hour].
Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, this is where Highwood Park really shines. They have: Spa. Spa/sauna. Sauna. Steamroom. Massage. Swimming pool. Swimming pool [outdoor]. I think I need a nap after all of that. Okay, okay – I may have spent a significant portion of my visit devoted to the spa. I treated myself to a Body scrub and Body wrap. The massage was divine. And the Pool with view! Oh, the pool with the view! It was an Instagrammer's dream. And mine too, to be fair.
But, a cautionary tale: they also have a fitness center, which I totally intended to use. Nope. I was far too focused on horizontal relaxation.
And that’s the thing, isn’t it? Highwood Park sets you up for relaxation. They practically force you to unwind (in the best way possible). Oh, there are also Foot bath. I swear it was a whole new world.
Things to Do & Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Pool
While I was supremely happy just floating in the pool and getting massaged, there are actually other things to do! They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Ironing service,Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge/on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking. I found nothing I needed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Sanitized!)
In the age of… you know… it's very reassuring to see a place taking hygiene seriously. Highwood Park excels here. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, implement Daily disinfection in common areas, and have Hand sanitizer everywhere. There are Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even have Safe dining setup. It feels like they've thought of everything, which is a relief. They also had First aid kit, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and they are always open.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
Did I mention it is a Family/child friendly location? If you are traveling with children, Highwood Park has Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Quirks & The Imperfections:
Okay, look, no place is perfect. I did notice:
- The "high-tech" features of the room were a bit… well, dated. I had some trouble getting the TV to work. But honestly? I didn't care. See above re: relaxation.
- Service was generally excellent, but sometimes it was a little slow. But honestly, I blame myself. Everything was so nice that I kept wanting more of it.
The Verdict & The Offer: Escape to Bliss!
So, the big question: Would I recommend Sunshine Coast Escape: Highwood Park? Absolutely. I would. It's a place to truly unplug, to indulge, and to forget about the stresses of daily life. It’s not always perfect, but that’s part of its charm.
Here’s the Deal:
Book your escape to Sunshine Coast Escape: Highwood Park now and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, because you deserve it.
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability).
- A voucher for a delicious spa treatment.
- Early check-in and late check-out to maximize your relaxation time.
- Use code "SUNSHINEGETAWAY" at checkout for an EXTRA 10% off your stay!
The Sunshine Coast is calling, and Highwood Park is waiting. Book your escape today and treat yourself to a slice of paradise!
Birmingham's BEST Inner City Apartments: Luxury Living Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is Highwood Park B&B, Sunshine Coast, through the bleary, slightly-sunburned, and perpetually-in-need-of-coffee eyes of… well, me. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
Highwood Park B&B: A Sunshine Coast Sojourn (aka, My Attempt at Relaxation… Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Gecko Hunt (Spoiler: They Win)
- 10:00 AM (God, I'm Late): Flight lands. Brisbane airport. The air already smells like something I can’t identify, but it's definitely not the stale office air I'm used to. Already feeling a tiny sliver of the promised chill.
- 11:30 AM: Pick up the rental car. This, my friends, is where the adventure really begins. Pray for me. I'm convinced I'm going to kill the car – or myself, trying to navigate Australian roads. (Left-hand driving? My brain is already yelling "NO!")
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Highwood Park B&B. And wow. Seriously. Wow. This place looks exactly like the pictures… which, let’s be honest, is a miracle in itself. The veranda? Glorious. The gardens? Lush. The hostess (I think her name is Brenda?) is all smiles and "G'day, lovey!" immediately makes me feel like I've known her my whole life. She's a gem.
- 1:30 PM: Unpack (or rather, dump) suitcase in the room. The room is a dream - big bed, balcony, overlooking the rainforest, which is awesome. But then I find a tiny gecko. Yes. A gecko. And now my mission? To get it out of my room without setting fire to the whole place. This is where the "relaxation" bit goes right out the window. It involves a lot of panicked flapping, a broom handle, and a near-heart attack. Ultimately, the gecko, being much smarter, escapes under the door. Game over, lizard wins.
- 2:30 PM: Forced relaxation: Tea on the veranda. Brenda's scones are AMAZING. Seriously, angels sing when you bite into these things. I end up eating three. Definitely a good move.
- 4:00 PM: Stumble down to the beach. The sand is so white it almost hurts my eyes. The ocean is the purest blue I've ever seen. I have a complete moment of, "Okay, maybe I can do this relaxation thing."
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Brenda’s cooking is legendary. Tonight? Barramundi. I almost cry. It's that good.
- 8:00 PM: Stare at the stars, feeling a tiny bit less stressed, but with a deep fear of geckos.
Day 2: Beach Bliss… and a Near-Death Experience with a Wave
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of birds. Actual birds! Not the cacophony of city traffic. I decide I'm actually not allergic to getting out of bed at a reasonable hour. Success!
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More scones! I’m officially addicted. And Brenda, bless her heart, keeps refilling my coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Beach time, round two! I'm determined to conquer the waves. I strut down the sand like a seasoned surfer. Turns out, I’m more of a "spilled out of a wave like a beached whale" type. Surfing? Nope. Body surfing? Absolutely not. I got dunked. Water up my nose, sand in my…well, everywhere. Humiliating. But also hilarious. I survived!
- 11:00 AM: Recover from the ocean trauma. Read a book on the veranda (post-wave-near-death-experience).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Delicious! Brenda has some sort of magical way with food and has me completely convinced I need a bigger stomach to enjoy everything.
- 2:30 PM: Drive to Eumundi Markets. Chaos. Beautiful, glorious chaos. So many stalls! So much to see! So many smells! I buy a ridiculously large hat and a piece of pottery that I probably don't need. But it's art, dammit! I'm supporting the local artists! (My bank account might disagree.)
- 5:00 PM: Back at the B&B. Collapse on the bed. The sensory overload from the markets was intense.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Brenda has outdone herself this time. The food isn’t just delicious, it’s a love letter to Sunshine Coast ingredients.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt stargazing again. This time I make it five minutes before the gecko-phobia creeps in. I retreat indoors.
Day 3: Rainforest Ramble and a Seriously Epic Sunset
- 8:00 AM: Morning walk through the rainforest. The air is thick, green, and alive. And I hear so many interesting bird calls, I feel like an ornithologist.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast: Brenda gives me the “look.” This is the “You-haven't-eaten-enough-scones-today” look. I comply.
- 10:00 AM: Guided Hike to Kondalilla Falls. Okay, this is actually beautiful. It's not all beaches and eating. The falls are amazing. The hike, however? A bit… challenging. (I realized I'd forgotten to pack any kind of proper hiking shoes. Oops.)
- 1.00 PM: Lunch at a cute little cafe in Montville. Quaint, charming, and filled with tourists (including me, of course).
- 2 PM: Drive back to the B&B, feeling like the world is going to throw more challenges and I feel like I may win a battle.
- 6:00 PM: Prepare for Sunset. Brenda's local tips are gold.
- 7:00 PM: Oh. My. God. The sunset! The sky explodes in colours I didn’t even know existed. Pink, orange, purple, gold… breathtaking. This is why I came to Australia. This moment? Priceless.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Highwood. We sit on the veranda and Brenda, out of the blue, tells me about her life, her kids, her past. It's a moment of intimacy and connection I didn’t expect.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Deep, satisfied sleep. No geckos, no waves, just peace.
Day 4: Departure (and a Fond Farewell to Scones)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast with Brenda. The scones are… everything. I will miss them. And Brenda.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Say heartfelt goodbyes. Promise to come back.
- 10:00 AM: Drive to the airport. My heart is already starting to ache a little at the thought of leaving this piece of paradise.
- 11:00 AM: Return rental car, and pray I haven't caused too much damage.
- 12:00 PM: Flight departs.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the real world. Until next time, Highwood Park. You were exactly what I needed. Thank you.
Post-Trip Reflections:
- Would I recommend Highwood Park B&B? Absolutely. Run, don't walk. Especially if you love scones.
- Did I conquer my gecko phobia? Nope. Still terrified.
- Did I master left-hand driving? Nope. I'm pretty sure I was a hazard.
- Did I relax? Eventually, yes. The Sunshine Coast has a way of working its magic.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Maybe I'll bring a gecko-proof room protector next time. Or just stay close enough to Brenda's scones to survive.
Sunshine Coast Escape: Highwood Park's Luxurious B&B - The Unfiltered Truth (and Maybe a Few Tears!)
Okay, spill the beans: Is Highwood Park *really* as fancy as it looks online? I mean, is it actually worth the splurge?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to give you the lowdown, the dirty truth, the... well, you get the idea. Fancy? Oh, it’s fancy. Like, *“did I accidentally wander onto a movie set about rich people?”* fancy. Marble everywhere. So many fluffy towels I felt like I was drowning in them (in a good way, mostly). But is it worth the splurge? That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it?
Here's the thing: I went with my partner, Mark, and we were celebrating our anniversary. We'd been saving for months (eating ramen, avoiding the pub, the whole shebang) and, honestly, I was a little terrified of being disappointed. I mean, the photos are stunning. Then, we were welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine - I immediately forgot my anxiety and started enjoying the place.
Here's where it gets real: Remember that time Mark accidentally *smashed* a vase in the lobby? The one with the, like, a thousand tiny gold flecks? (Don't judge, he gets clumsy when he’s nervous.) That moment? Oof. My heart leaped into my throat. The owner, bless her heart, just chuckled and said, "Things happen!" *That*, my friends, is the sign of a place that's actually worth the price tag. The staff are all great, the food is outstanding, and the view from the room was breathtaking.
So, yeah. Splurge-worthy? For a special occasion, absolutely. Just... maybe warn your partner to be extra careful around anything remotely breakable. And pack extra insurance.
What's the deal with the breakfast? They keep raving about it. Is it actually *good* good, or just Instagram good?
Oh. My. Word. THE BREAKFAST. Listen, I'm a self-proclaimed breakfast aficionado. I've eaten my way through more greasy spoons and overpriced brunches than I care to admit. Highwood Park? They *get* breakfast. Like, really, really GET IT. No dry, sad scrambled eggs here. We're talking perfectly poached eggs, fluffy omelets, homemade pastries that could make you weep with joy. They had this French toast, I'm not kidding, that was like eating a cloud of caramel and happiness. I still dream about it.
It's not just Instagram-worthy. It's "I-woke-up-early-and-can't-wait-to-eat-breakfast" good. It was *so* good. I ate until I was physically unable to move. They even had this fresh-squeezed orange juice that tasted like sunshine. I swear, I gained five pounds just from the breakfast alone. Worth every single calorie (and the resulting gym membership, probably).
Is the location actually that great? Is it all just pretty pictures, or is there stuff to *do*?
Okay, the location. Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, the photos are gorgeous. Rolling hills, ocean views… it’s postcard-perfect. But it's not just a pretty face. There’s *stuff* to do. We went hiking, which was, frankly, a bit of a disaster. I’m not exactly a mountain goat, and I ended up covered in mud and feeling a little defeated. But the views from the top (once I finally got there) were spectacular, as promised.
If hiking isn't your thing (and let's be honest, maybe it isn't mine either), there's kayaking, whale watching (seasonal, of course!), and charming little towns to explore. I’m not gonna lie, my idea of exploring involved a lot of sitting on a deck, reading a book, and sipping wine. That's a valid option too. Depends on the day, honestly.
The B&B itself is secluded, which is what makes it great. It felt like we were on another plane of reality.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Alright, here's the truth, the raw, uncensored version. There are a few tiny little things, sure. The WiFi was a bit patchy in our room. Which, you know, in a place like that, is actually kind of a blessing in disguise. Forced digital detox! My partner and I, we needed that. The price is definitely steep. And, honestly, sometimes I felt self-conscious in my slightly-stained jeans amongst all the polished perfection.
There were moments I found myself wondering if *I* belonged there. Am I sophisticated enough? Do I know which fork to use? (I still don't, I just wing it.) But then I remembered, I'm on vacation and nobody cares. It's a minor detail and the good outweighs the bad by a landslide.
And in the rare instance of the WiFi being down, let's be honest. The view, the breakfast, the sheer peace of the place. You will forget your problems and that's what matters. It is worth it.
Is it kid-friendly? Or is it more of a romantic getaway place?
Honestly? I’d say it's *mostly* romantic. I didn't see any kids, and I don't think kids would necessarily *get* the vibe. The decor alone is enough to make me think kids running around will destroy something. It's all very pristine, very… delicate. I’m imagining little grubby hands all over the antiques, and suddenly, I’m stressed out. (Sorry, kids – not entirely your fault.)
That said, I *think* they might accommodate families. You'd have to call and check. But if you’re looking for a place to truly relax and reconnect with your partner, escape the world and be utterly pampered, then you've found it. Romantic. Absolutely romantic. Maybe leave the kids with Grandma. Just my semi-biased opinion, though!
.What was the *best* part of your stay? Be specific! I want the juicy details.
Okay, here's the juicy detail you've been waiting for. The *best* part? Hands down, no contest, it was the afternoon Mark and I spent on the balcony. The weather was perfect: sun, a gentle breeze, the scent of the ocean... And the view! Pure bliss. We had a bottle of champagne, some local cheese, and just… *talked*. No distractions, no work emails, no TV. Just us, and the sound of the waves.
We usually have loud conversations, constantly interrupting each other and arguing about the mundane details of life. But here, we were quiet. We connected in a way we hadn’t in a long time. It felt like we were teenagers again, falling in love all over again. It mightStaynado
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