'I stayed at the Sunshine Coast's buzzy new hotel, and it was worth the 40-year wait'
The opening of the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is big news. It's the first of its kind to open in the area in more than four decades, and the buzz around it was palpable.
Sitting just 100 metres from the Mooloolaba Beach esplanade, this 12-storey hotel is no grandiose eyesore.
Its coastal elegance blends effortlessly into this Sunshine Coast town. Adorned with sandy stone detail, curved edges, and luscious greenery, its contemporary design feels like a breezy addition to the area.
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The new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is the first new Sunshine Coast hotel in 40 years. Supplied
As an expat who has only ever visited the more 'on the map' places like Byron Bay or Noosa, the addition of the Avani bolsters Mooloolaba's status as a top holiday destination option.
Mere minutes away from a sprawling beach boasting bustling coffee shops, oceanfront dining, and vast sea views, here's what it was like to stay at Avani Mooloolaba.
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The room
After checking into the hotel, I made my way up to the sixth floor to check out my room. Feeling jaded after a long weekend, I was eager to relax and reinvigorate.
After swiping my key card and taking my first step into the space, I knew I was in the right place. My room offered the perfect coastal escape – neutral, with pops of earthy tones and ocean blues – recalibrating my nervous system.
The hotel lobby sets the scene for your stay. Avani Mooloolaba
The layout could be polarising. It was one room, where the bathroom bleeds into the bedroom; the giant (like, huge!) bathtub backs onto the equally luxurious bed. So close and yet it doesn't feel squashed. And since I was travelling solo, I loved it.
Even though the shower and toilet were hidden behind frosted glass doors, the openness of the space might be awkward of you're travelling say with friends or as a new couple.
The cushy king-size bed looks out onto the balcony, which overlooks the rolling waves, where I was sure to enjoy my morning coffee.
One of my favourite things about the Avani Mooloolaba is the attention to the small details. Deliciously cosy robes and slippers were provided, which felt divine on a particularly grisly morning.
I've never had a better bath in my life. Supplied/Siena Hocking
The bed came with a pillow menu – quite literally – where you could choose from three different types of pillow depending on your sleeping preferences.
Other stellar amenities included a walk-in shower (decked out with fancy Malin+Goetz products), fancy wine glasses (to accompany a well-stocked mini-fridge), fragrant bath salts, a Bluetooth speaker, and even razors are supplied.
The amenities
When I eventually left the slumber of my oh-so-soft bed, there were ample amenities to take advantage of.
Take the opportunity to unwind with the hotel's spa. Not just any old spa, the space feels more like a sanctuary tailored to your specific needs.
De-stress and unwind in the hotel's spa. Supplied/Siena Hocking
Melt the day away in the Finnish sauna before experiencing specialised, flowing massage therapies like the Surfers Release and The Mooloolaba Melt, alongside organic facials and full-body polishes.
My massage was so good, I was devastated when it ended.
If you're a fitness enthusiast and in need of an endorphin boost, then you're in luck with the hotel's sleek fitness studio. With a mix of cardio and weight equipment, it has everything you need for a quick vacation workout.
Oh, and how could I forget the rooftop pool? The views were breathtaking enough, let alone the dip itself. With comfy loungers, it's a perfect spot to relax for the day.
Is there a better setting for a sunny day? I think not. Supplied/Siena Hocking
The food
I opted to start my mornings at a glacial pace, which involved ordering room service for breakfast. I chose the avocado on toast, a freshly squeezed orange juice, and a coffee to gear me up for the day.
This wasn't just any ordinary avo – oh no – it was fresh and decadent without being pretentious. There's also an all-day menu that's available 24/7 for whenever hunger strikes.
For an elevated dining experience, there's the all-new Sully's Rooftop. Perched on the 12th floor, and open to the public, it's the perfect blend of modern Australian dining that feels refined, yet casual.
With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can enjoy local seafood, seasonal hinterland produce, and a sunset cocktail over the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sunshine Coast.
The food was honestly to die for. Supplied/Siena Hocking
My particular favourite was the Smoked Wagyu Beef Snag – a delicious ode to the Bunnings sausage sanga. Obsessed.
Also opening is the First Avenue Cellar & Bar – an intimate, moodily lit wine bar that offers something a little special. Overseen by Head Chef Hamish Pink, the menu offers European-style share plates, bar snacks, and bites that speak directly to the local produce.
And if you're in need of a chilled coffee or pre-dinner tipple, the downstairs Lobby Bar is there to kick-start your day or evening.
Would I stay again?
In all honesty, I would rush back to the Avani Mooloolaba. What's not to love about a beachside hotel that boasts a wealth of good food, rooftop sundowners, and rooms that offer a taste of luxury?
Rooms at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel begin at $319 per night.
The writer stayed as a guest of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel.
