My fourth visit to The Hideaway Noosa Mens Resort and once again, it confirmed to me what a special place this is. I've read all the reviews with interest and a couple of things have struck me. If you are expecting a 5 star resort, with marble floors, room service and fine decor, you will be disappointed. It's not that sort of place. What it is, is a lovely small completely private time capsule, where you can completely unwind and relax, safe in the knowledge that you can be yourself. It's such a complete pleasure to be able to enjoy the beautiful Queensland sunshine clothing optional if you want to, and no one bats an eyelid. Being a gay resort, of course there is plenty of action if you want to join in, but there is no pressure to be anything other than yourself. I've always met some lovely people during my visits, and this time was no exception. Living in a country where the weather is at best unpredictable, it was a joy to spend time round the pool, with a coffee or beer, connecting with other gay men.
What really makes this resort so special is the Manager, Luiz, who I've got to know over the last couple of years. He continues to improve the standard year on year. Luiz always makes people feel welcome, is around when you need something and always discreet. He has the knack of making you feel like a valued guest, and was really helpful when I needed to contact the car hire people as I decided to extend my stay and my UK mobile was proving a problem.
Most of the poolside rooms have been updated and I stayed in room 1A which is round the back. It was perfect, being quiet and well equipped, with a very comfortable bed, great bathroom and everything you could need. Spotlessly clean, with plenty of towels, pipping hot water, fridge, aircon etc.
Peregian beach is a lovely small village, with plenty of places to eat and a very good IGA supermarket, bottle shop, pharmacy, GP etc. I'd highly recommend the 20 minute stroll from the resort along the beach for breakfast.
To get the most out of staying at Mens Hideaway, as a visitor from overseas, a car is really helpful if you want to explore Noosa, or other places along the coast, but there is a frequent bus service if you don't want to drive. However the sort of guys I've met on my visits are more than happy to give you a lift somewhere and that's the real joy in this hectic life we all seem to lead, connecting with like minded people, sharing a meal, glass of wine or a beer and swapping stories. It's been said before, but the owner of the resort has found a gem in Luiz, I really don't know of anything as unique as Mens Hideaway anywhere else in the world. Highly recommended and I will return for sure when I next visit down under. :-)