Toowoon Bay - image credit: Seafarrwide
The hustle and bustle of busy Sydney can sometimes make you feel burnt out. If you're starting to feel tired and run down, it's a sign you need to get away. A short weekend escape from the city is ideal to recharge your energy levels.
Less than two hours drive north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a luxurious retreat located right on the beachfront of beautiful Toowoon Bay.
Kims Beachside Retreat is over 131 years old and is famous for its unique location and history. The retreat was originally built back in 1886 when a local seafaring merchant Captain Frans Charlson put up some simple tents along the shoreline and started hiring them out. Eventually, timber cabins were built and improvements continued over the years into what is now 34 luxury beachfront bungalows and spa villas.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
My partner chose our weekend escape accommodation as a surprise for me. I had no idea when we were driving up the coast as to where we would be staying. I expected he had booked an
Airbnb place. I was absolutely delighted and impressed when we arrived at the famous Kims Beachside Retreat.
We parked inside the top level car park and made our way down the timber walkway to the main reception. The timber walkway is hemmed in either side by tall bamboo and gives a feeling that you are entering a tropical rainforest.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
The reception check-in is down the timber walkway in the main building. The restaurant and bar area enjoy a spectacular beachfront view.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
The reception staff were so friendly and professional. We had originally booked a garden villa but as they knew from my partner it was to be a romantic getaway, they had decided to surprise us with an upgrade to a Bungalow with an outdoor spa. The bungalow was set right at the end of a row of bungalows which gave us even more privacy. The inside was spacious and luxurious and had a lovely outlook.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
The bathroom was stylish with a large double shower that had twin shower heads and jets on two levels for an all over body spray and water massage. There was also a large bathtub spa.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Our balcony overlooked the lower beachfront and garden villas. We could hear the waves rolling in on the beach and glimpses of blue ocean sparkled through the trees.
Of course, we had brought our own supply of champagne and nibbles. The outdoor deck spa was the perfect incentive to crack open our first bottle.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Our weekend booking included a seafood buffet for two and breakfast each day. Drinks and canapés were being served in the main building bar area from 6.00pm and we were fortunate there was also live music booked. The bar looked lovely all lit up at night. It felt like we were on a tropical island sitting outside enjoying the warm evening sea breeze.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
I've always loved a seafood buffet and we weren't disappointed with the spread. There was an abundant supply of fresh king prawns, crabs, oysters, sushi and sashimi.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
A variety of hot and cold dishes, baked fish, roasted meats, curries, vegetarian options, desserts, cheeses and bread varieties.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Of course, we overindulged in the fresh seafood and could hardly fit in any of the hot food or desserts. Thankfully, we had booked a two-night stay. We vowed to be smarter on our second night to allow space for the hot dishes and desserts.
It was so lovely to wake up early to the sound of birds singing in the pine trees and the waves rolling onto the beach. Guests were enjoying the spectacular morning view while indulging in a delicious breakfast buffet.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Again, the buffet was fabulous. Plenty of variety, bacon, eggs to order, pancakes, cereals, fruit and I particularly enjoyed the different bread varieties, butter and honey. I had to go back several times for more!
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Feeling the threat of a carb coma, we decided it would be best to walk off our breakfast feast. The beachfront in front is calm and ideal for swimming, further past the rock ledges is a surfers dream with undulating waves rolling against the shore.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
We had a lovely day swimming and sun baking, then back to our deck for more champagne in the outdoor spa before dressing for another indulgent buffet dinner.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Before dinner, we went for a walk along the bottom area where the garden Villas face the beach and discovered the ancient small railway lines that were still intact.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
Image credit - Seafarrwide
We took a lovely sunset stroll along the beachfront before another delicious buffet dinner.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
It really was my type of weekend, a room with a view, luxurious, outdoor spa, plenty of great food, stunning ocean views, pristine beach for swimming and a feeling of total relaxation. Another bonus is if you want to get away from the sound of children, this retreat is
Adults only! I didn't want to leave!
Check out the website for more details and room rates. Yes, it is a luxury retreat so you can expect the prices to reflect the standard. Personally, I feel that this option compared to staying a night in a 5-star Hotel in the city is preferable for what is included and the location.
I will definitely go back again!
Image credit - Seafarrwide
