There is no lobby. It’s more of an office, tucked behind lush flora and landscaped fountains and streams. There’s a restaurant and spa. But there’s a peaceful silence, broken only by chirping birds and the occasional, albeit unrelated, thwack of a golf ball. Roads wind through manicured gardens, a profusion of botanic beauty.

THE SPACE

Resort employees pride themselves on being part of a family. They’re quick to tell the history of the surrounds, from when the Starkey family bought the land from John Hoffman, to when construction began in 1997, to when the spa was built in 2007. It’s a common theme, a number of staff in synch with their appraisal: “We’re big enough to offer all the creature comforts. Yet, we’re small enough to be a bit like a family.” The advantage of that is that referrals are made easy – to the spa, golf course, restaurant and accommodation.

THE KIT

Apartments are comfortable and roomy. There’s a dining table, fully-equipped kitchen for dining in, a lounge with cable television, separate bedroom, small outdoor area overlooking the golf course, and a bathroom with something many hotels lack – good water pressure.

COMFORT FACTOR

This is one of the better spas around. “A heightened sense of well-being,” say the ads, and they mean it. The hydro-massage pool is one of only three in Australia. Water jets are designed to attack muscles all over the body, from head to toe. Walk a path as jets start on the calves and work their way to the hamstrings. They’ve also got a flotation pool, heated outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, showers, treatments – ahhh, breathe in, breathe out.

FOOD

Each of the apartments has cooking facilities and there are shops within 5 minutes of the resort, but on-site Asian-inspired fusion restaurant, Relish, is well worth a try. Whole barramundi comes drizzled with a spicy salad, crispy rolled pork belly sits in a shallow pond of yellow curry, and crispy fried chilli with scallops is a standout entree on a menu which changes seasonally. It’s also the place for breakfast, particularly on sunny mornings overlooking the golf course. It’s generally standard buffet fare of bacon, sausages, eggs, fruit salad, yoghurt and a selection of breads and pastries.

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

Pro golfers might have a different view, but when three kangaroos line up to usher you from the 6^th green through to the 7^th tee, that’s a special experience. But recreational hackers beware, there’s water in them there hills – plenty of ball-hungry water. That makes for beautiful scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and one of the most enjoyable golfing experiences available on the coast.

THE VERDICT

Unlike popular Hastings St in Noosa, there isn’t any walk-in traffic here, which is why reception works regular business hours. But there are plenty of golfers who’ve harboured this as their special secret over the years. Money has been invested by the owners into accommodation and the golf course, and the spa is one of the most luxurious around. A good way to enjoy this place is to plot your ideal break, and see if there’s a package to suit. Some of the better deals are for those wanting to combine accommodation with golf or other luxuries.

HOW TO GET THERE

Noosa is a comfortable 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Links Drive is off Noosa Springs Drive, tucked in bushland behind the heart of Noosa Heads.

ESSENTIALS

Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, Links Drive, Noosa Heads. Rooms start at around $199 mid-week with a minimum of two nights, but for those wanting more than just a room – such as golf, spa, dining – it’s worth a scan of the website. There are plenty of packages which might suit, such as unlimited golf and breakfast for $320 a night for two people. Weekends often book out. Phone 07 5440 3300, see noosasprings.com.au.

• The writer was a guest of Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort.
• See other great Queensland Escapes.