Sandcastles: Seclusion steps away from Hastings St
Iconic Hastings St is Noosa’s natural wonder, surrounded by the calm waters of Laguna Bay, Noosa National Park and the tranquil Noosa River.
It is no surprise that it is a firm favourite with visitors from all over Australia as well as overseas but back in the 1960s this beautiful holiday destination was little more than a difficult-to-access campsite. Hastings St visitors had to take a boat trip from Tewantin to the sandbanks that we now call Hastings St – that’s how remote it was. Today, visitors are very fortunate to have easy access to such a breathtakingly beautiful location.
Situated at the quieter end of Hastings St is Sandcastles, No 1 Hastings St, nestled next to the natural Noosa Woods but maintaining an absolute beachfront outlook. This location evokes a true sense of seclusion and quiet, just steps away from the buzzing but relaxed, pedestrian-friendly, beachside thoroughfare.
Where an eclectic mix of locals and visitors enjoy the cosmopolitan cafes, designer shops and alfresco dining.
Debra Murnane, the very proud resort manager of Sandcastles says, “The position of Sandcastles is truly something special. Add to that the smaller size of complex that gives it a more personal boutique feel.”
With a background in hospitality, Debra and Gary Murnane have owned management rights for 20 years, after moving to Noosa from Echuca/Moama on the Murray River with their three children. Sandcastles, Noosa, is their fourth property and they have enjoyed being at Sandcastles for over eight years. Now that their children have flown the nest they enjoy managing Sandcastles as a couple.
Sandcastles is a splendid boutique resort, one of those truly special places where guests experience the luxury of being able to walk straight down to the stunning Main Beach from the pool and BBQ area. The fabulously modern, spacious apartments do not disappoint and they boast sea and park views overlooking the heated pool and spa.
The property underwent major renovations nine years ago to completely transform the exterior, with new a pool and tiling fit throughout. Even in the stunning low and leafy paradise of Hasting St, Sandcastles most definitely stands out as one of the most attractive buildings with its picturesque gardens and lawn.
Debra says, “We are always doing internal renovations to varying degrees but this year underwent several bathroom replacements at the one time, which was hard at the time but very glad to have it done.”
There is always a pressure to keep standards at the highest possible level and she confirms that, “Our guest feedback has been tremendous.”
Debra and Gary are great hosts and they admit that their greatest achievement has been to accrue a clientele that returns to Sandcastles year after year. There are many reviews on TripAdvisor to confirm this with guests Leigh and Terrie saying, “My family has just returned from yet another amazing and relaxing trip to Noosa. We’ve been making our annual pilgrimage to Noosa every September for over ten years and all of our stays have been at our favourite home away from home: Sandcastles.
Simply put, the location is second to none (the real Number 1 Hastings Street); the property is super comfortable; the managers Gary and Deb are easy going, very professional and great hosts; and every experience we’ve had has been first rate. What more can we say, if you’re looking for a chilled out and friendly place to stay with no attitude in Noosa you can’t go past Sandcastles.”
These are the sorts of resort managers that enjoy spending time with their guests and quite a few of their repeat visitors are now counted among their greatest friends! This is a couple that go the extra mile when it comes to customer service so their guests will come back time and time again – it’s that simple. When asked why they have so many repeat guests Debra says: “Because we look after them so well, it’s a good feeling.”
Starting out 20 years ago, resort management was a very different animal; the technological boom has been astronomical and something of a challenge for this couple. Debra recalls that two decades ago everything was done manually but their years of experience and fantastic attitude have stood them in good stead.
The couple has wholly embraced the changing landscape of resort management. It is an ever-changing and most challenging industry but with hard work and the right attitude, this couple proves that successful managers are those who work hard, learn hard, embrace change and “go that extra mile” for their guests.
Their advice to those new to the industry is: “This is certainly not a 9 to 5 job, so don’t expect it to be or you’ll be disappointed.”
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