Sandcastles
Sandcastles in Noosa epitomises that serene image of a summer getaway.
Regional managers Gary and Debra Murnane have together fused a lovely location with absolute luxury and a sense of fun to create an experience for their guests that ticks every box.
The Murnanes have enjoyed a long, successful career in the management rights industry, starting over 19 years ago at Sunshine Beach. They have spent time managing a variety of properties, ranging from a resort in Mooloolaba, to university student accommodation at Sunshine Coast University that, altogether, has afforded them a wealth of understanding within the industry.
“Over the years one learns that position is very important,” Debra explains, “we had a few years break and after missing being involved with the industry we heard that Sandcastles was for sale on Hastings Street. What better position!”
Indeed, location-wise, it would be very difficult to protest the allure of Noosa’s prized Hastings St. Equipped with world renowned restaurants and cafes, designer shops and boutiques as well as quaint grocery stores, a stunning boardwalk and a breathtaking beach, this coveted area leaves no stone unturned in terms of ‘things to do’ for visitors.
“Sandcastles itself is conveniently located on the beach side of Hastings St, guests have beautiful Noosa Main Beach out the front door of their apartment and shops and restaurants out the back door.”
It gets better still, according to Debra, Sandcastles is nestled at the very end of the street to give it a more secluded, protected feel; slightly separate from the hustle and bustle yet very much ‘in’ on everything Hasting St has to offer… Including, on occasion, celebrity sightings in nearby restaurants!
Another thing the Murnanes have learnt over the years, they say, is the importance of respect in bringing about a harmonious, profitable atmosphere for their property and thus, their guests.
“We regard our partnership with the unit owners as something that is mutually respectful.
When the owner is mindful that we are also an owner, they can appreciate that we also have the best interests of the building at heart. We feel that the unit owners and managers should work united and we have found that this can only benefit both the building and the business within – for everyone involved.”
The building itself has undergone a fair amount of development in recent years, adding to its luxury feel. “The building had an extensive external renovation just before we arrived and was ready to move forward,” says Debra. “Internally, there have now been many changes of varying degrees; from the never-ending soft furnishing re-fits, to full scale renovations – one apartment has had three refurbishments since we have been here.”
This kind of dedication to the building speaks volumes for the Murnanes’ work ethic, which they say “drives them to keep striving for new ways to increase returns”.
“Sandcastles has a lovely boutique feel to it, which enables us to give our guests a more personalised stay and service, and so we do enjoy a very high rate of repeat guests.”
Clearly, this wonderful work ethic is born from a genuine joy the Murnanes possess for the service they provide at Sandcastles. “We have met some lovely people that we always look forward to returning; we even time our holidays so we don’t miss out on being here when some of them stay.” And if their steadily increasing rate of repeat guests is anything to go by, this sincere work ethic is definitely worthwhile!
“There are 14 apartments in Sandcastles, all of which are in the holiday rental pool. It also has three shops that front Hastings St. Most apartments face the beach with an extra two two-bedroom apartments that enjoy a view of the majestic Noosa Woods.”
Each apartment glows with modern spaciousness and luxuries, sporting HD LCD colour televisions, DVD players, stereos, Austar pay TV, fully equipped kitchens that include dishwashers, air conditioning, fans and heaters, hair drying and ironing equipment as well as beach equipment for the convenience of their guests. This is without even considering what else the hotel has to offer by way of friendly tour information, car hire, a heated pool and children’s pool, a stunning barbecue area and, of course, direct beach access.
Sandcastles, as “the connoisseurs choice on Hastings St”, is a breath of fresh air! For everyone desiring the serenity and fun of a summer getaway on the Sunshine Coast, it is absolute beach front accommodation, perfect in every way that it should be. At any rate, it’s certainly not hard to see why, after six years managing the place, Gary and Debra Murnane don’t see themselves moving on any time soon!
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