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The Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s reputation as an outstanding tourist destination has been upped another notch by The Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville winning a coveted HMAA 2010 National Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence announced on Friday night, 24th of September on the Gold Coast.

The Narrows Escape was one of 84 finalists from all over Australia, including the Brisbane Marriot Hotel, Novotel Canberra and Melbourne’s Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens. The popular boutique resort has already done the Hinterland proud with previous accolades from the HMAA and Queensland Tourism in 2009. 

This year, The Narrows Escape won the HMAA’s 4.5 Star Hosted Accommodation category and also finished as a finalist in the Property of the Year category.

Offering self-contained accommodation for couples only, Narrows Escape is nestled in two hectares of pristine rainforest bordering Kondalilla National Park on the Blackall Range. It provides a romantic getaway for honeymooners and jaded city-dwellers seeking a luxurious weekend or mid-week tree change.

With its six beautifully appointed private spa cottages, luxury is guaranteed at The Narrows Escape, with what proprietors Mark and Joanne Skinner describe as an “unexpected level of customer service” and a “yes attitude.” Their resort’s environmental authenticity is also a major priority for this dedicated couple who excel on all fronts, due to their combined personal and professional ideology.

“When we bought this place four years ago, we invested not only in a business but in a lifestyle for our families, and it’s certainly delivered dividends in all respects,” says Joanne. 

“It allows us a happy, healthy work-life balance which is hard to find these days. I think our contentment shows and, when you combine that with this magnificent natural wonderland, you have a truly memorable tourism experience, our aim is to have our guests wanting to return time and time again.”

The National Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence are presented annually by the Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association (HMAA) in recognition of professionalism and excellence in the Australian accommodation industry. This year’s winners were announced at a gala function on 24th September at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

“We’ve had a fun and productive 12 months, our aim being to raise the profile of our piece of paradise on the local, domestic and international stage,  not just The Narrows Escape but this whole beautiful region,” says Mark. “It’s a labour of love, a commitment we take seriously, and it’s a win for the whole hinterland.”