Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa.

The brand new Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa, the first 5 star resort for 10 years to this famous coastal strip and just a 3 minute drive from the iconic Hastings Street, provides more than a photographers delight and challenge as we found out last week.

A combination of exquisite textures in furnishings, decor and outfitting, experiences, fine food presentations, nature at your doorstep and a little luxury cannot help a shutter finger clicking.

At the Mii Spa, ‘a place for your total indulgence and rejuvenation...’ you can gain enough photographic inspiration alone from the photos in the booklet of what’s on offer. Though the mind may wander like mine did visualizing inspirational images I’d like to capture as it relaxed into a state of almost comatose under the hands of one of the masseurs. This has to be one of the best spa treatments on the Sunshine Coast. (It is reported Augustine did have to almost physically drag Danielle away for their next appointment).

In the kitchen, master chef Lee Jeynes from Wales, serves delicious cuisines prepared to perfection in Restaurant Aroona. Even breakfast is not overlooked, the Egg Benedict’s cooked to perfection – an important factor for some of the Bluedog Photography crew, especially me (Augustine). What could one expect from an international award winning chef!

Then there’s Michael. He’s the manager of Shades Bar, open daily and leading out to the sheer drop pool falling into a wetland dotted with water lilies and fringed with rushes and grasses attracting birds, frogs and other native animals into an area of complete bush refuge in this busy tourist strip.

For the night birds, spot the stars in the water, listen to the tones of frogs echoing through the valley and in the distance is that the high tide you can hear rolling in heralding another day of top surf conditions.

The mist rises early across the lagoon and valley as the golden light of dawn gently falls across the fully self contained luxury studios (1-3 bedroom available). A spiral staircase leads up from our two bedroom apartment and affords me a vaster view. Again I click away.

All too soon it’s time to pack the camera gear and head to the next destination. However, allow us the opportunity to return with photography friends and what would our answer be – yes of course! 

Maybe a top place for a Sunshine Coast Bluedog Weekend Retreat? Let’s face it we all love a little 5 star every now and then. 

Bluedog Photography