Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat

Had a lovely mid-week stay at the Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat. The cabin was very spacious with a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace and spa bath, bedroom and large bathroom with double shower, as well as the deck with BBQ. We took advantage of one of the packages offered - 'Hinterland Highlights' which was perfect with most food and some activities organised for us to simply enjoy. The food hampers were very generous. We especially enjoyed the picnic hamper that we took to Maleny Botanical Gardens (wine, cheese, crackers, salami, salad, fruit, bread, juice, and chocolates) and the BBQ hamper (steaks, sausages, baked potatoes, garlic bread, salad, ice creams) that was delivered to our cabin. The breakfast hamper was good as well, complimented with fresh croissants each morning. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed the relaxing stay and chance to explore the area.

1. Summary a. location was nice but not worth the money and wouldn't recommend to friends b. We have stayed in better 3 star accommodation 2. Overall vibe was that the ownership had changed hands and the bare minimum was being done on maintenance a. some of the decking boards had been replaced but others were soft and on their way out but not replaced b. the vertical slats on some fence/screens around villas had been replaced but the top had not been squared off to match the original installations and left different length slats i.e. lack of attention to detail and quality 3. The initial reception was friendly but we had difficulty understanding what he was saying 4. The croissants each morning were nice and warm 5. Mosquitos in outdoor area so couldn't sit for more than 10 minutes to enjoy the scenery 6. Lounge chairs had padding that never dried despite having at least one day with no rain so were unusable 7. Bed was way too soft 8. Didn't automatically replenish the following - had to ask a. coffee beans b. fire starters 9. The milk frother on the coffee machine didn't work 10. Chocolate left on the bed had expired several weeks earlier 11. Magnesium pool wasn't warm enough. Could only stay in for 5 minutes at a time 12. Instructions weren't correct a. the flue for the fire was to be pushed to the right to increase airflow when starting the fire but it needed to be to the left b. spare firelighters were to be found in the third drawer but there weren't any

This property advertises itself as luxury, which I’m not sure I agree with. It’s not five star in terms of facilities or service. However, it has an overall charm about it that makes for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. We stayed in Rosella for 2 nights which is one of the rainforest rooms, so we didn’t get a plunge pool. But the villa is large and very well equipped. The owners are very welcoming and have tried to think of everything to make your stay comfortable. We bbq’d both nights, as after eating out for the last 2 weeks it was nice just to be able to eat what and when we wanted. We purchased the bbq pack from the hotel on the first night, which was reasonable value. We saw quite a bit of wildlife from our rear deck, an iguana, cockatoos and 2 possums. To sit on your deck in the evening and have a possum come down and eat the bird food right in front of you is amazing. Overall I recommend this hotel and would have no hesitation in returning.