Esther Kieft and Joost Geurtsen found Nelly & Woods on the Sunshine Coast
This southeast Queensland staycay ticks all the boxes for a romantic getaway - and it’s pet-friendly. Take a tour.
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The daughter of a diplomat, Esther Kieft grew up living in seven countries across three continents.
Her upbringing sparked an enduring passion for discovering beautiful places, shared by her husband and hospitality pro Joost Geurtsen, who she met in the Netherlands.
Now, the couple have traded in corporate careers to help fellow wanderers discover their own pocket of peace on the Sunshine Coast.
“After years in London and Brisbane, we felt the pull of a slower, more intentional way of living and found our home in the hinterland in 2021,” Esther said.
“Nelly & Woods Collective Stays was born from our love for special places and our desire to offer guests a space where slow stays meet sustainability and design.”
The duo, along with their toddler Liam and four-legged adventurer Hunter, run two accommodation options on a former pineapple farm at Palmwoods.
Into the Woods is a nature-wrapped couples’ retreat, while new addition Nelly is a cosy container home ideal for romantic getaways and solo stays
“One of our favourite features of both of our accommodations is the handmade outdoor bath, where you can relax under the stars surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland,” Esther said.
“As you soak in the warmth of the bath, the firepit crackles nearby and you can hear the birds singing as the afternoon fades into evening – it’s a peaceful, magical experience that connects you to nature.
“Inside, we’ve carefully curated every detail, from the furniture to the decor, selecting pieces from brands we love and use ourselves.”
Nelly is pet-friendly, with canine visitors invited to curl up on a Henlee vegan leather dog bed and enjoy a special treat on arrival.
“As pet owners ourselves, we often found it hard to find beautiful stays that welcomed our four-legged family members without compromising on design,” Esther said.
“It always felt like we had to choose between style and being able to bring our dog along.
“That’s why we made it a priority to create a space where both pets and their owners could feel comfortable without sacrificing the aesthetics or experience.”
A photographer can be added to the guest list too, with Nelly & Woods collaborating with local snapper Bryony Dux from Dux till Dawn Photography on shoot-and-stay packages.
“Many of our guests come to celebrate special occasions, like a recent proposal at Nelly, and we can’t wait to help future guests capture these milestones on camera,” Esther said.
The getaway is in the leafy hamlet of Palmwoods, a “hidden gem near the busier towns of Montville and Maleny”.
“Palmwoods boasts a fantastic local food scene – dine retro-style at Rick’s Garage, enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce at Homegrown Cafe, and indulge in delicious Asian fusion at Piggyback,” Esther said.
“We’re also excited about the newly opened The General Store Palmwoods, featuring beautiful homeware and unique finds.
“Just 10 minutes from Nelly & Woods Collective Stays, Kondalilla Falls with its beautiful waterfall and scenic walking trails is a must-see. Plus, the beach is just a 25-minute drive away.”
While Esther and Joost are savouring the same slower-paced life they promote to guests, they aren’t used to standing still for too long.
The couple have just embarked on renovations for their third slow stay, this time in Tasmania.
“I was working full-time in corporate up until October – you never know where life leads you,” Esther said.
“We have just bought our next stay in Chudleigh, set to launch in time for summer.
“On top of that, we’re working on a digital course to help other short-term rental hosts.
“This work is a true passion for us and our guests constantly inspire us to keep growing.”
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Originally published as Esther Kieft and Joost Geurtsen found Nelly & Woods on the Sunshine Coast
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