Mr & Mrs Smith

Spicers Clovelly Estate

Sunshine Coast, Australia

Teaming flirty French style with rustic Australiana, rural retreat Spicers Clovelly Estate in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland likes to surprise. Sure you can romance it up in the rainforest, or escape to Noosa's blissful beaches, but the Provençal touches, chic suites and velvety rolling lawns at this classy country estate radiate Euro charm. Impeccable gourmet credentials and a spoil-you spa seal the deal.

Need to know

• Rooms 10, all suites.
• Rates Double rooms from $220.54 (AU$226), excluding tax at 10 per cent.
  Prices have been converted from the hotel's local currency (AU$226), via XE.com, using today's exchange rate.
• More details Rates include a full hot or cold Parisian breakfast, tea and coffee.
• Facilities Spa, gardens, library with books and DVDs, free WiFi throughout and guest bikes. In rooms: flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player, iPod dock, minibar, GHD hair straighteners, L'Occitane toiletries.
• Poolside Making the most of its rustic setting, the outdoor pool is edged by green grounds dotted with white sunloungers and wicker deck chairs, perfect for sunning in style.
• Check-out 11am, or later if available for AU$100 an hour. Check-in, 2pm.
• Children Clovelly Estate is an adult retreat and isn’t suitable for Junior Smiths. Only teens aged 16 and over are welcome, although exceptions may be made for events. Bag the Luxury Spa Suite, with separate living area, for family stays.
• Eco-friendly Seasonal, locally sourced food is served at the hotel's restaurant, with some produce grown on site. Clovelly Estate also recycles and offers guests free bicycles for gadding about.
• Also This is a non-smoking property. Pets are not permitted. For an added French touch, enjoy elegant high tea with a twist, served with Parisian pastries on the shaded veranda

Food and drink at Spicers Clovelly Estate

• Hotel restaurant

  Taking the hotel's French provincial theme as inspiration, renowned chef Cameron Matthews heads up the Long Apron, combining classic European flavours with fresh local produce. Opt to dine à la carte on seasonal delicacies such as Hervey Bay scallops with cucumber, yoghurt and a squid-ink cracker, or embark on a gourmet journey with the Long Apron’s renowned tasting menu, accompanied by matching sommelier-selected wines. For tips on replicating the signature dishes, sign up for one of the cooking classes that Matthews runs once a month.

• Dress code Chic but casual, like the setting. It's all about understated country elegance.
• Top table Pull up a pew at the communal French Table in the open kitchen and graze while watching Cameron and his crew of flambéing minions whip up culinary delights.
• Last orders The Long Apron serves lunch from 12pm to 3pm, Friday to Sunday, and dinner from 6pm to 9pm, Wednesday through Monday. Score a drink at the bar until 9pm.
• Room service Available from 6pm to 9pm, with a range of light, healthy home-cooked bites.
• Hotel bar

  Decorated with dramatic black-lacquer furniture and graceful French antiques, the Lounge Bar at Clovelly is a stylish spot to enjoy an apéritif or an after-dinner Cognac. Perch on a high-backed stool at the curvy stone bar or sink back into a cosy armchair by the majestic marble fireplace. The cellar flaunts an extensive selection of fine wines from Australia and Europe (including France, bien sûr!), and the knowledgeable sommelier is on hand to help you navigate them.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...

Spicers Clovelly Estate 68 Balmoral Road, Montville, Sunshine Coast, 4560