Hale Lani, Apartment 2 (Penthouse)

The true essence of coastal style is as much about serenity as it is about your surrounds. And this opulent penthouse in Sunshine Beach has an expansive and appealing abundance of both. Positioned along the suburb’s prestigious The Esplanade, the three-bedroom property sits nestled across the road from the beach. And while this creates a distance of but a few metres from front door to golden sands, it represents an entire journey away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Reflecting the gentle charms of its beachside enclave, the spacious retreat is superbly finished for maximum pleasure and leisure. Both the bedrooms and living areas embrace a soothing interior palette, where the warmth of timber in all its shades merges into the soft appeal of neutrals, and crisp white and cream set the stage for bold pops of colour. All are underscored by a focus on comfort, and on enjoying moments of together and of alone time.

The open-plan living area in the penthouse serves as a warm and inviting lifestyle hub, bringing people together to live, laugh and dine. The designer kitchen has plenty of room for talented home chefs to unleash their creativity in ways they may not always have time to do at home. The conversation and catch-ups can continue while they work, with expansive bench seating drawing on natural textures to provide an inviting drawcard, including for casual eating. Other options for meals include the dining room, chic lounge or the front balcony, where a sunlounger, table and chairs present spectacular ocean views in background to activities ranging from brunch to the enjoyment of a good book. Direct access outdoors is also available from the bedrooms.

On the other side of the kitchen, a large glass panel gives easy access to an appealing alfresco entertaining zone, which comes complete with a sizable barbecue, table and chairs. Private and secluded, it adds to that sense of distance from the grind of everyday life – especially with an icy glass of champagne in hand.

With a lift ensuring ease of access, the retreat’s other features include an inviting private pool. But for those who like a little surf or sand with their water, the ocean’s proximity serves as a siren song.

With the patrolled flags and surf club lying just a few hundred metres down the beach, and a surf break not far away, all ages can enjoy the pristine expanse of golden sand however they enjoy, from keeping watch for shells to splashing in the shallows or constructing a sandcastle. As the area draws smaller crowds than higher-profile hot spots, it’s the ideal place for family fun.

Also close by are the retail and food of Sunshine Beach Village and the delights of Noosa National Park, whose beauty, flora and fauna unfolds under a lush green canopy. The park also give access to a coastal route all the way around to the retail and restaurant precinct of Hastings St and, of course, the acclaimed panorama that is Main Beach. Take your fill of their attractions, and the delight that comes from not being bound by a schedule. Then head back the way you came, exploring myriad beautiful bays and coves along the way. Or, jump in your car for the short drive back, which can also be routed to take in the riverside appeal, shopping and dining of Gympie Terrace.

It’s all about that sense of possibility where one small step is a big leap away from the everyday. Embrace and enjoy your escape.