The love keeps coming for a Sunshine Coast luxury rainforest retreat that has taken out gold in the 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Family-owned and operated Narrows Escape at Montville – six secluded villas on the edge of Kondalilla National Park – was named Best Hosted Accommodation in the national awards celebrating tourism business excellence.
As well as appreciating villa verandas, log fires and spa baths looking out to the tree canopy, guests regularly praise the attention to detail of retreat hosts Ali Kahn and Xochi Lindholm – from generous breakfast baskets and complimentary cheese platters to filling requests for hand-picked roses on arrival and surprise hand-written notes from loved ones.
The coveted title follows global accolades in May last year when the retreat was named most romantic hotel in the world in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Narrows Escape topped the list of Top 25 Hotels for Romance – World, ahead of competitors from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Construction is under way on two more Balinese-style villas with individual plunge pools to add to the existing six villas, nestled discretely amid the 2.8ha rainforest site.
The latest night of nights for the national tourism industry saw a packed house at the black tie event at Novotel Sunshine Coast Convention Centre in Twin Waters.
Another family-owned local business, Pelican Boat Hire, grabbed bronze in the Tourism Retail and Hire Services category.
That business has operated for more than 60 years from the same site on the Noosa River foreshore next to The Big Pelican at Noosaville.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said it was an exciting night for tourism operators that showcased how important the national tourism industry was for the economy.
“Hosting the Awards gave us the means to showcase our very own distinct Sunshine Coast tourism experiences to industry peers from across the nation, and notably, our welcoming spirit,” he said.
“Montville’s Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat taking gold for Hosted Accommodation is wonderful acknowledgement of a tourism operator’s ambition to provide outstanding service and encourage visitation to our beautiful Sunshine Coast.”
Overall, 75 awards were presented across 25 categories.
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience was inducted into the Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for taking the top honours in Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries for the past three years.
Among other winners, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria took home gold for Major Tourist Attraction, and Saffire Freycinet triumphed in 5-Star Luxury Accommodation and Freemantle Prison for Cultural Tourism.
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The tourism industry has faced incredible challenges over the past two years, with businesses requiring strong resilience and strength to survive.
Australian Tourism Awards chair Daniel Gschwind said these national awards were testament to the commitment of Australian tourism operators who continued to deliver excellent experiences with sheer passion and commitment throughout the challenges.
“The businesses that are here tonight have led the way in re-imagining their products so they can continue to provide quality visitor experiences throughout the pandemic,” he said.
“With our open borders and international tourism resuming, tonight is a timely reminder of the vast range of exceptional tourism products and services available and to focus on a strong tourism future for Australia.”
State Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the awards recognised the Australian tourism industry’s commitment to recovery.
“Over the last two years, resilient tourism operators have sought and found opportunities to build back better,” he said.
“The Australian Tourism Awards highlight the initiative of operators striving for recovery and excellence in the delivery of outstanding visitor experiences.
“As we rebuild inbound international tourism, these awards are a great opportunity to show the world and the nation the best of Australian tourism.”
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated the latest awards recipients.
“The Australian Tourism Awards is a celebration of adaptability and creativity across the tourism industry, and we’re proud to have welcomed so many industry leaders and innovators to Queensland’s spectacular Sunshine Coast for the Awards this year,” she said.
“It’s been a joy to celebrate a sector that has shown determination and innovation in the face of a global pandemic.
“Pre-pandemic, Queensland’s tourism industry alone was worth around $28 billion and employed more than 234,000.
“I’m grateful to all the recipients and nominees who have and who will continue to contribute to our economic recovery from the pandemic and beyond.”
