Narrows Escape review, Montville, Queensland: Weekend away

The chic pavilion interior.Credit: Fred McKie

HIGHLIGHT

Kicking back in the hammock watching the native birds on your own private feeder.

LOWLIGHT

A rainforest cottage overlooks the creek.Credit: Fred McKie

The absence of room servicing for such luxe digs.

THE PLACE

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville, Queensland.

The rainforest setting of Narrows Escape.Credit: Fred McKie

THE LOCATION

Tucked into lush remnant rainforest by Lake Baroon, Narrows Escape certainly feels like you've got away from it all, but in actual fact you're only a short drive away from many of the Sunshine Coast hinterland's most popular attractions, interesting country towns, sophisticated dining and fantastic bushwalks. A car is definitely recommended when staying here, although you could use the local taxi service.

THE SPACE

Guests are ensconced in six luxurious pavilions tucked in sub tropical rainforest at this adults-only retreat. Each one-bedroom timber pavilion is spaced well enough apart to offer total seclusion, with enough privacy to bathe while looking out through floor-to-ceiling glass windows at brush turkeys foraging in the scrub. There's also a saltwater swimming pool with waterfall set in a private garden and a forest trail with interpretive signage located on the two-hectare site.

THE KIT

Each recently revamped pavilion has a separate bedroom with luxury ensuite, a queen size bed, open plan lounge, dining room, a well equipped kitchen and Wi-Fi. Double whirlpool spas feature in the spacious bathrooms where expansive glass windows make you feel as if you're bathing in the rainforest itself. There's a log fire for winter months, and the airconditioning was certainly needed for the steamy summer weather. Shady timber decks offer creek or forest views and come with a gas barbecue and hammock. Each pavilion comes with its own feeder (and extra bird seed) so you can watch king parrots and other native birds up close. There's also a TV/DVD and DVD library but I didn't turn the television on once – life outside the pavilion doors was far more fascinating.

COMFORT FACTOR

Fluffy bathrobes, quality linen, heated towel racks and on-site manager round out the comfort level at this award-winning hosted accommodation (a Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame inductee), although the absence of room servicing was surprising. Book a treatment in your pavilion with Touch of Power (see touchofpower.com.au). Just open the doors for the soothing sounds of nature's soundtrack delivered along with a soothing aromatherapy or kinesiology massage.

THE FOOD

This is definitely the kind of place where once you've checked in you'll find it hard to drag yourself out for meals and a generous welcome platter, chocolates and substantial breakfast hamper featuring local goodies such as bacon, sausages, eggs and Maleney yoghurt ensure you won't go hungry. Each morning fresh, warm croissants are delivered in a linen bag and hung on a hook outside your door. If you can't be bothered venturing out, home cooked meals or barbecue hampers can be delivered to your room at an additional cost.

STEPPING OUT

Maleny Botanic Gardens, one of the most remarkable private-funded gardens in Australia, is well worth a visit, Flame Hill winery, just up the road, does a cracking shiraz and verdelho, and dinner at hatted Spicer's Clovelly Estate's signature restaurant is a must. To work off all the excellent local produce, book a walking tour with Offbeat Eco Tours.

THE VERDICT

Ideally suited for loved-up couples or singles seeking the peace and serenity of nature but in luxurious eco surrounds. You'll feel like you're staying in your very own tree house.

ESSENTIALS

Rooms are priced from $320 a night including breakfast hamper, welcome platter, complimentary port and chocolates. A three-day, two-night luxe trekking package is available from $1500 a couple, including luxury rainforest pavilion accommodation and breakfast, dinner at a local restaurant, guided walks and a private barbecue dinner. 78 Narrows Road, Montville. Phone [phone]; see narrowsescape.com.au.

The writer was a guest of Sunshine Coast Destination.