Kim's Beach Hideaway

FRINGED BY THE RAIN FOREST and fronting the Pacific Ocean, Kim’s Beach Hideaway is the epitome of barefoot luxury. Just steps from the horseshoe sweep of Toowoon (or should that be To-swoon?) Bay, this shamelessly romantic getaway makes the perfect wind-down.

Home is an individually designed timber bungalow complete with sundeck, shaded by giant century-old Norfolk pines and surrounded by lush gardens. Kick off your shoes, slip into a cool kimono and make yourself at home amid polished rustic comforts: cedarwood floors, Persian rugs, a DVD player and plenty of books. Cane furnishings and ceiling fans lend a distinctly tropical feel.

Choose a beach-facing bungalow with a private Jacuzzi, indoor spa bath or double shower temple, or a spa villa with your own heated saltwater pool on the sun deck. Some even come with toasty fires for cool winter nights.

Back to nature

Family-run Kim’s is all about cosseting comforts and back-to-nature indulgence. Everything is designed with privacy and indulgence in mind, and iff you’re after a few days of chill-out time in the sun, this place hits the spot. Lovers and world-weary townies adore it here.

Dining here is exceptional and a real gastro-experience. Listen out for the old ship’s bell that rings out three times a day, signalling the start of Kim’s legendary cornucopia buffets, laden with fresh chef-prepared seafood, sushi, home-baked breads, sensational desserts, chutneys and smoked salmon.

Outside, native birds flit among the canopy of palms, hibiscus and pine trees. Have a cocktail in the bar before dining al fresco on the terrace with waves unfurling in the background. With white powder sand just yards from your door (Toowoon Bay was voted Australia’s cleanest beach in 2007) and a symphony of surf to lull you to sleep, it’s a perfect place for us-time.

Be as active or lazy here as you want. Go swimming, kite surfing or boating, lie in the shade with your favourite novel or book a massage at Kim’s Pampering Place for the ultimate wind-down.

© Room for Romance