It’s Not Just a Hotel

Posted by @thesoultravelgirl on October 10, 2016

It’s Not Just a Hotel; it’s the chance for ‘me’ time.

The calming view of Lake Kawana enriched a sense of peace over me as I sat outside on the balcony taking in the warming welcome of the early morning sun. Just minutes from Bokarina Beach in the Sunshine Coast, the location’s relaxed energy and vibe instantly greeted me, giving me no choice but to surrender to relaxation and a chance to enjoy some ‘me’ time.

Holidaying near the beach during the warmer months is a favourite of mine because there is nothing more rejuvenating than a refreshing dip in the ocean while being a part of Australia’s famous, chilled out beach culture. I like to take care of my skin especially whilst travelling, therefore I bring all of my products with me in flight-friendly jars however, if I am spending a day at the beach, I adopt a less is more approach. If you were to take a look into my beach bag, you would find La Roche 50+ sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, headphones, a large beach towel, bottle of water and a good book.

Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel (Aboriginal for wildflower and pronounced ka-wa-na) and its very own Wildflower Restaurant + Bar, sits perched overlooking the pretty lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the simplicity of a good cup of coffee while enjoying the light, summery breeze.

Chic and contemporary were the first words that came to mind as I walked through the doorway and was greeted by the team. The foyer is complimented beautifully with natural lighting, which gives a fresh and vibrant appeal, showcasing its features perfectly. Opening their doors in November 2015, it’s easy to see why this hotel is a favourite among locals, business travellers and families alike.

Tucked away in a quiet part of town, a short distance from Australia Zoo and Glasshouse Mountains, Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel has a modern feel, especially once you’re inside the rooms. Pillow-top mattresses, soft robes, crisp sheets and fluffy pillows helped me effortlessly re-energise after an early morning flight.

My favourite part about staying with Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel was definitely the opportunity to taste some of the amazing dishes created by Head Chef, Gareth Collins. Wildflower Restaurant + Bar is open to non-guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

My mouth was watering as the lunch dishes arrived to the table. I can be a bit of a health fanatic, so one thing I always look for when dining at restaurants is fresh and seasonal produce. As a Pescetarian, I eat a predominantly plant-based diet with the occasional seafood dish so I was pleasantly surprised with Collins’ Prawn and Vermicelli Noodle Salad and homemade nachos with guacamole and salsa.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you cannot go past their selection of chocolate, salted caramel and strawberry macaroons with your cuppa. These treats are incredibly fresh and indulgent. So much so, that I managed to eat five of them before eating lunch outside on the balcony and refused to feel guilty for it!

With a great atmosphere, Wildflower Restaurant + Bar provides an open and inviting layout, making it nice and spacious while still remaining cosy. I also liked that you could see the kitchen preparing my food!

As I sat enjoying the view of the lake with one, ok maybe two, macaroons in hand, I could see that this location’s serene view was certainly a feature of the hotel and would be wonderful for special occasions and events; and that is exactly what Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel offers. With two conference rooms that can host corporate functions, meetings and wedding receptions, this is a great addition for those who have a special event, especially on a holiday such as New Year’s or Christmas Day. The hotel is perfect for those on the go during the festivities and those in town for the Caloundra Music Festival, which is in its 10th year running.

Needing a holiday? The best thing about travelling to the Sunshine Coast is the fantastic weather year round so although it will be warmer in summer, it is still worth a visit during the ‘cooler’ months where you could make a visit to Underwater World Sea life or perhaps a road trip to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

If you’re staying in town for a couple of days, be sure to ‘wine down’ between 4-6pm daily for complimentary gourmet canapés from the kitchen and $5 drinks.

Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel
9 Florey Boulevard, Birtinya, Sunshine Coast QLD

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