Montville’s Narrows Escape Retreat named by Tripadvisor as most romantic hotel in the world

A hinterland retreat has been named the most romantic hotel in the world one year after the new owners were forced to close the business for months.

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat owners Ali Kahn and Xochi Lindholm, with their daughter Razli, were honoured their hotel was named the world's most romantic.

A hinterland retreat has been named the most romantic hotel in the world one year after the new owners were forced to close the business for months.

Love is in the air at the Sunshine Coast with Montville's Narrows Escape Retreat and many other hotels nabbing top spots at Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Awards.

The Montville retreat was named the world's most romantic hotel and topped the list of 25 Hotels for Romance in the world, ahead of competitors from Europe, Asia and Africa.

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat was recently named the world's most romantic hotel in Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards.

Owners husband and wife Ali Kahn and Xochi Lindholm said they were humbled by the award after a challenging 12 months.

"We bought the business in April 2019 so we celebrated our one year anniversary in COVID lockdown which was somewhat devastating," Ms Lindholm said.

"We were shut for two and a half months but we used that time to do upgrades.

"We spent every morning and night painting, sanding decks and doing everything we could to get everything ready while hoping we could reopen."

Ms Lindholm said she believed it was their holiday packages - which include experiences within the hinterland - that set them apart from the rest.

Element on Coolum Beach Luxury Resort Accommodation was named Top Hotel in Australia in Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards.

The couple also manage two boutique hotels in India.

Several other Sunshine Coast hotels were recognised in the awards including The Falls Montville which was named the top small hotel in Australia and the third best in the world.

Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat came third in that category and the Blue Summit Cottages at Maleny was named the top bed and breakfast in Australia.

The Falls at Montville was named the top small hotel in Australia in Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Awards.

Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive Matt Stoeckel said the awards showed businesses did not have to be big and grand to be the best.

"What clearly resonates most with travellers is the experience, the connection with the landscape, and the hosts who deliver the hospitality," Mr Stoeckel said.

"What is common with all the hotels that were recognised in these awards is the personal touch, the attention to detail, and delivery of a memorable stay.

"These retreats and B & Bs are very often in stunning locations, where nature is at the fore of the experience, and the hotel operators do everything they can to connect their guests with the environment - whether it is exploring the local area, finding outstanding restaurants, markets or galleries, or just providing a sanctuary where they can make the most of their precious escape."

Originally published as Montville’s Narrows Escape Retreat named by Tripadvisor as most romantic hotel in the world