In an era when nature-based getaways are in high demand, a new luxe glamping retreat has opened on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast providing the ultimate revitalisation holiday break.
Starry Nights has been three years in gestation, and very much a family effort of Shane and Nicole Nelson, who wanted to ensure the perfect location and environment for their eco-retreat.
Currently, two tents have been opened, but more will be added in 2021, though only on the basis that each tent is totally secluded from their neighbour.
Starry Nights is located in Woombye, in the foothills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, just a short drive to the famous Hinterland 3Ms – the heritage villages of Montville, Maleny and Mapleton – and just 20 minutes to the beaches and Sunshine Coast Airport.
Set on 17 hectares, Starry Nights is about immersing in serenity and nature, while enjoying the retreat’s distinctive style and character.
Centre-stage of the property are the glamping safari-style suites. Vast in size (75 square metres) and totally designed to showcase the natural setting, features include a king-size bed (with USB chargers), lounge area, kitchenette, a fireplace for cool winter nights, ensuite rain head shower and toilet, and an imposing, freestanding bathtub that makes the most of the views, while still ensuring total privacy.
The raw and earthy style glamping tents and all the interior furnishings have been designed by Shane and Nicole, whose belief in sustainable development can be seen throughout.
They made the tents using natural building materials, the floors are finished with a natural hard bees’ wax oil, the kitchenette is made from solid wood (no plastics), and doonas and rugs are either organic linen or natural wool fibre.
Built off the ground, the tents feature full length “windows” that in winter can be rolled down to insulate the space, with heat provided by the rotating fireplace, while in summer the flaps can be raised to capture breezes from the surrounding forest. There are also four ceiling fans for any very warm days.
The Nelsons take an equally sustainable attitude towards the food they serve. A breakfast hamper is delivered each morning for guests to cook at their leisure. The breakfasts feature eggs, vegetables, nuts, bush tucker and fruit from Starry Nights’ own gardens, complemented by the best local produce, including milk and yoghurt from nearby dairies in Maleny, organic coffee from Clandestino in Noosa, and meats from farmers markets.
Guests are greeted with a welcome cheese platter with Australian organic sparkling wine (for guests who book directly with their website).
An expansive communal recreation lounge is available, where guests have access to dining facilities, a pizza oven, sauna and pool table. Guests can order organic wines, beers, and fruit juice or make themselves tea and coffee to consume while enjoying the views and colourful birdlife.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a haven for trekking, wellness, markets, cooking schools, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, making Starry Nights the ideal base for an indulgent long weekend or extended stay.
