Suite weekend break

IT'S the pillows that make the difference at the Noosa Sheraton Resort and Spa, writes Mike O'Connor.

Cocktail hour ... by the pool after the swim

SHERATON Noosa Resort and Spa has become as identifiable with Hastings Street as parking inspectors and highly priced frock shops.

When its construction was given approval, it was denounced by some as marking the beginning of the end for the top-end tourist town. The five-star property would destroy the quiet appeal of the village, they said. The barbarians would invade and they'd all check in at the Sheraton.

Years on, the development of Noosa continues apace, new apartment complexes creeping slowly up the hillsides and more hotels approved while the Sheraton sits serenely in the midst of it all.

Its unobtrusive design has folded into the landscape and become an integral part of the town. Just how long it has been part of this scene was apparent the moment we checked into the newly created spa suites.

Formerly the site of the executive offices, the decor of the suites sets them aside from the rest of the hotel. Stepping from the corridor with its turquoise carpet decorated with motifs of sea shells and starfish, the change in mood is as sudden as it is dramatic.

No marine theme or coastal influence here, just an unobtrusive international blend of white, beige, carpet and granite.

First impressions: The foyer of the Sheraton continues the marine theme which was chic when it was built but now is probably considered more eclectic than mainstream five star.

The large swimming pool remains the focal point of the property, guests in the rooms facing Laguna Bay enjoying the early morning sun on their balconies before descending to the pool. The salmon-hued colour scheme of the stucco finish gives a Mediterranean feel to the property.

The comfort factor: The new suites where we stayed have large, full-length glass doors opening out to a spacious private deck equipped with a spa protected by overhead sails.

In the room there's an espresso coffee machine, microwave, toaster, electric jug, crockery, cutlery, bar fridge and that one item which no bedroom should be without – a large, flat-screen television screen mounted on a swivel arm projecting from the wall and wired into a surround-sound audio system.

The king-sized bed was one of the most comfortable I have experienced and the pillows deserve special mention. They were big, fluffy and if pillow souveniring wasn't a criminal offence, they'd now be on my bed.

There's a long, granite-topped bench down one side of the room equipped with a broadband connection point, comfortable L-shaped lounge which could serve as a day bed and glass-topped table. Footlights activate automatically in the entrance way and bathroom to avoid any late-night stumbles.

The bathroom: The bathroom is marble with a large spa-equipped bath complemented by a shower. It's white, bright and roomy with a large glass window fitted with a privacy screen.

On-site facilities: The resort now has its own spa, the Aqua Day Spa which has eight treatment rooms offering a menu of massages, beauty and relaxation treatments. There's Cato's Restaurant and its adjacent bar which opens on to Hastings St – one of the best people-watching locations in town – and a gym and sauna.

The food: Cato's offers a la carte for in-house guests and a regular seafood buffet. Hastings St, with its broad selection of restaurants, is likely to tempt you from the hotel for dinner.

What else? The hotel has its own jetty giving access to the Noosa River opposite the hotel and pontoon boats and runabouts are available for hire. The river ferry also leaves from here.

How much: Noosa Lifestyle Spa Studio rate is $500 per room per night with a full hot buffet breakfast for two in Cato's Restaurant. Tel: [phone].