Mykonos, Magical Malindi win Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year

Designed by esteemed architects, built on a lifetime gardening passion and Mediterranean inspiration, these Sunshine Coast stunners are among Australia's best holiday homes.

A Mediterranean-style beachside castle and a rainforest retreat perched in the Sunshine Coast hinterland valleys have been labelled among Australia’s ultimate holiday homes.

Mykonos at Sunshine Beach has been crowned Australia’s Holiday Home of the Year by Stayz for its dazzling design and European getaway feel.

The Mykonos castle at Sunshine Beach has several entertainment areas, bedrooms and a heated pool scattered throughout the property. Picture: Stayz

The property was transformed into the ultimate holiday home in 2019 with not a cent spared in completely refurbishing the building.

The house was originally built in 2000 and used as a residential home but has been functioning as an Airbnb for the past two years.

Beach Holidays Noosa property manager Maryanne Bondzulic said the property is now worth about $10m.

Sunshine Coast’s top 10 most expensive and cheapest suburbs right now

She described it as a “local secret” but said word of the “boutique” home is spreading fast.

“The overall design of this home is relaxed and sophisticated with a nonchalant Mediterranean feel – the epitome of barefoot luxury,” Ms Bondzulic said.

This year marks the first time the house has been nominated in the Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year awards.

“We are thrilled and humbled by winning this prestigious award which truly validates our passionate and hardworking team,” Ms Bondzulic said.

The home, “full of luxurious character and charm,” lies in the heart of Sunshine Beach village and is a short walk from the beach, Ms Bondzulic said.

A breathtaking Obi Obi Valley home was also named among the top 10 holiday homes because of its stunning rainforest views and secluded and peaceful location.

Magical Malindi property owners Tony and Patricia Robinson look after the property along with their team of valuable helpers.

Mr Robinson said they travelled from Western Australia to visit their daughter and quickly decided to look for some land – ultimately falling in love with the Magical Malindi about 15 years ago.

The Magical Malindi property in the Obi Obi Valley has been ranked in the top 10 holiday homes in 2023. Picture: Stayz

The Montville holiday home has a massive view of rainforest and Lake Baroon. Picture: Stayz

The property, designed by Noosa architect Gabriel and Elizabeth Poole Design Company, was bought for $1.8m at the time.

The home is estimated to be worth about $4m now.

The long-time passionate gardening couple lived there for about five years before renting it out as a holiday home, and have poured their heart and soul into maintaining the luscious vegetation to this day.

Their vision for the home was to create a space for guests to “absolutely chill” and feel miles away from any civilisation.

Tony and Patricia Robinson lived in the Magical Malindi house in Montville about 10 years ago, after buying the property five years prior.

Mrs Robinson said she first felt a big shock when she received the email announcing they was in the top 10, and frantically made calls to find out if it was true.

The couple said they love to keep moving in their retirement and feel “immense joy” in seeing their guests’ happiness after their stay.

A getaway to Mykonos at Sunshine Beach – which sleeps eight – comes at a cost of about $1500 per night for a four-night stay and about $975 per night at Magical Malindi.

Take a peek inside the Magical Malindi holiday home:

Queensland snatched up a third spot in the top 10 rankings with a beachfront house at Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, boasting a modern design and stunning pool.

Originally published as Mykonos, Magical Malindi win Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year