Byron puts the RAIN in rainforest retreat

You know you're heading for a challenging long weekend away when you arrive at your hotel in the pouring rain and dash up to reception to discover there's no power, the plans for the evening dinner have changed and your room can only be accessed by golf cart due to the excessive flooding along the boardwalks. Whilst the rest of the world were rejoicing in the marriage of Wills and Kate this weekend, I was arriving in Byron Bay during a major storm to attend some good friends' wedding at the Byron at Byron. It was off to a rocky start but then somewhere between finding a torch to unpack our bags and rummaging through kitchen cupboards in the dark for a wine glass, the electricity came back on to reveal a gorgeously quaint hotel suite overlooking the lush green trees and a fast flowing lotus-filled stream, and suddenly I could see the light – no need to stress, this is meant to be relaxing!

The room had all the 5-star usuals blended with everyday conveniences and was quite spacious compared to a the typical one bedder including a large sofa, separate dining area and roomy bathroom with a deep, freestanding bath tub. My favourite feature was it had two enclosed balconies on either side of the apartment – one facing in toward the boardwalks and other apartments across the creek beds, the other affording a beautiful rainforest vista. And, we could leave our doors open to let the air breeze through, and just lock the door from the front security entrance. The main building includes a restaurant, function centre and verandahs with large reclining chairs and scattered sofas with tables, overlooking the magnificent pool area nestled below the spectacular rainforest canopy.

And all this seclusion and still only a 5-minute drive into Byron. It's got relaxation written all over it. Prepare to pay a little more to dine and drink in the restaurant but you can relax the next morning with a very tidy 11am check out. The grounds are just gorgeous and the windy walk through the trees to Meditation Point is well worth the stroll. Especially if you're in romance land with a lover!

Verdict: Love (after all we were there for a wedding which made the experience all the more memorable – thank you Nick and Leila!)

Byron at Byron Resort and Spa. 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay.

Live, love, luxury!

When someone says to you 5-star hotel, what is it that springs to mind? Spa bath in the suite? Swimming pool and sauna complex? Mouth-watering room service perhaps? Well for me, I like to imagine that I'm staying in a hotel room that is so lush, I never want to leave or worry about how much I've spent. For Oceans Hotel at Mooloolaba, their rooms do just that and more. Never before have I stayed in an ocean-front apartment with so much clean, open space with tasteful, modern decor that makes you want to stay a whole week. The notion of luxury suggests that you experience decadence for a limited time and then trudge back to your daily grind. This hotel's suites make you feel like you belong here. I stayed in a 3-bedroom apartment with a sensational kitchen (imagine you're on Masterchef) and superb living space, furniture arranged so that no matter where you sit on the lounge you can watch TV and see the waves crashing behind it. The whole time I found myself saying, 'I could live here' and 'I wonder how much it would cost to buy this apartment'. Signs that the place you're staying in does not disappoint you or fall short of your expectations. No cheesy beach-print canvasses on these walls or white wicker 3-piece setting in the lounge.



Whilst Mooloolaba isn't number one on my list of coastal destinations (it's a little bit family-oriented these days but arguably catered to parties of young people, recently post teens maybe) staying at Oceans made my experience all the more positive as I relaxed eight storeys high above the crowds and enjoyed the unspoiled beach views. The main shopping precinct beneath the hotel has all you need for a quick stroll down the esplanade with a cluster of cafes, a good bakery and a few boutique shops for the ladies to pop down and pick up a dress to wear out to dinner when they decide to stay another night. I recommend Raw Energy for breakfast – it has good coffee and a balanced menu with healthy options and hangover suppressants. Nightlife in Mooloolaba is fairly non-existent but a gathering in your room is never out of the question. Make your own fun I say!

Now for the reality check. Luxury like this does come with a price tag but in my opinion it is more affordable than many others on the Queensland coast. Our room was at the pointy end of price list but for 5-star convenience and class I was not deterred by the dint in my credit card. Book out a higher floor, larger apartment with a group of friends or three couples for a weekend away somewhere different and find yourself at Oceans.

Verdict: This one comes with Love. And thanks to all the gorgeous ladies who made our weekend momentous!

Oceans Mooloolaba Beach. 101-105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba