Mountain high
Thoughtfulness, style and stunning views are on the menu at Sunshine Coast hinterland newcomer Scandi at Maleny
It’s the disconnect from the real world you didn’t know you needed. Turning onto the Steve Irwin Way with the afternoon light dancing through the seemingly endless trees, the stresses of the “real world” start to slip away.
The beautiful scenery as we make our way up the winding road is just a taste of what’s to come, with uninterrupted 180degree views to greet us at our home for the next two nights, Scandi at Maleny.
On arrival at the cabin 12 minutes out of town, the peacefulness envelopes. Long days in the office, deadlines, traffic congestion and household chores seem a world away. Walking into the luxury ecocabin, the first thing to hit you is the view – nothing but green as far as the eye can see.
Tiny cans of margaritas are on hand as a welcome drink and I know instantly I am going to feel right at home here. This is a cabin where everything has been considered. From the cosy throw rugs, to the modern decor and from the spice rack to the complimentary local cheese and butter in the fridge.
Owners Pete Coorey and Dee Montalva said that from the outset a huge focus for Scandi at Maleny was sustainability and they have taken great care to minimise their environmental footprint. The adultsonly cabin operates off rainwater only and uses a self-recycling septic system, with the treated water used to maintain the gardens.
The cabin boasts two master bedrooms, each with an ensuite featuring products from Maleny-based natural beauty company Mukti, as well as reusable makeup wipes you can take home with you.
“Every item in the cabin was considered in regards to where it was made and where it came from, favouring local products and suppliers where possible with extra points for environmentally friendly aware brands,” Dee says.
Inside the cabin Dee’s background as a wedding stylist is evident, with beautifully appointed Scandinavian-inspired styling throughout. There’s also an indoor fireplace for chilly hinterland nights, a fully equipped kitchen as well as an outdoor barbecue.
We take it all in, before ditching the comfy clothes for dresses and heels. It might be the Sunshine Coast hinterland, but there are still places to wine and dine.
The Tamarind is the destination for dinner – described as a modern Asian
restaurant, with a Thai heart – it does not disappoint. The three-course dinner, paired with a fresh and crisp prosecco, is the perfect start to a sister’s weekend away.
The hardest part of the evening is deciding which of the dishes to choose from executive chef Daniel Jarrett’s menu. For entree we choose the shiitake rice bowl and the macadamia-smoked fish salad, while for mains it’s the red Thai curry duck and chicken and lobster chow mein.
The food is delicious, the servings are generous and the staff are attentive.
Replete, we head back to our little piece of paradise – for the next two days at least. We light a fire, pour some drinks and indulge in some reality television.
After an amazing night’s sleep – yes, special care was even given to the choice of
bedding, with the mattresses among the best we have ever slept on – it’s time to explore the area. First it’s breakfast with a view at the cabin, eggs bacon and a sneaky mimosa. We hit the road and check out the beautiful lookouts on the way to Montville.
The main street is littered with charming boutique shops where we nab some bargains, before stumbling upon the Flame Hill Winery, where we enjoy a wine tasting and end up buying a bottle each.
The weather has started to turn, so after a lovely lunch at the Maleny Hotel, which is an awesome old-fashioned pub, we head back to the cabin, armed with some tasty Thai rissoles from the local butcher. The moody afternoon is just as beautiful, if not more so, than the sunny morning.
We walk around the grounds surrounding Scandi at Maleny, exploring the pristine mountainside and admiring the isolated homes we can see from afar.
The deck, with comfortable furnishings and candles, is the perfect spot to watch the rain roll in, before another night of fireplace cosiness. In the morning we wish we had one more night, but we head down the mountain lighter, certain we will be back to escape the “real world” again soon. The writer was a guest of Visit Sunshine Coast