The awards are organised by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the peak body for tourism and hospitality in this state, with Tourism Queensland an award partner and sponsored by Queensland Airports Limited.
“We have been delighted to be finalists in these awards in each of the past two years, so this win is even sweeter,” said Narrows Escape co-owner Mark Skinner.
Owners Mark and Joanne accepted the award on Friday night at the gala event, which included special guests, Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Tourism Jan Jarratt.
“There were four other finalists in our category, including another Sunshine Coast B&B, we are just so proud to see the Sunshine Coast region receive recognition” said Mark.
Next March, Mark and Joanne will travel to Cairns where they will compete in ‘the biggie’, the Qantas Tourism Awards in their category (Hosted Accommodation) as the Queensland finalist.
Joanne and Mark passionately operate the six fully self-contained cottages set in two hectares of pristine rainforest in the Blackall Ranges.
The facility is designed as a couples retreat, for people seeking the seclusion and tranquillity of nature in sensitive environmental surrounds.
Each cottage has a separate Queen size bedroom, ensuite, open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen. The ensuites feature spa baths set in red cedar and marble.
In winter the log fires cosy up the cottages and the air conditioning is rarely needed in the coolness of the summer rainforest.
The decks, overlooking the ‘clear as a gin and tonic’, meandering stream are furnished with lazy hammocks and gas barbeques for alfresco meals.
The saltwater swimming pool with waterfall is set in a private garden away from the cottages. Nearby a thatched lawn pavilion stands which invites guests to while away some time reading, sipping a glass of wine or just taking in the beauty of the bush in total serenity.
Inclusions in the packages for couples are breakfast hampers, fresh croissants, welcome platters, port and chocolate. Gourmet dinners are available to enjoy in the guests own cottage or bookings can be made at the many dining options in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.