Just an hour’s flight from the bustling Sydney lies a family and couple’s retreat. Surrounded by elements of nature – mountains, beach, forest, we had the pleasure of experiencing one serene, unperturbed night at Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort.
Spending a few days in Coffs Harbour with Julie’s close-knit family gave me and Bhing the warmth in the midst of the cooling autumn weather. The spectacular view of the coastline made it hard for us to leave the Carlyles’ residence. The gentlemanly Mr GG drove us to Pacific Bay Resort’s extensive concourse. My eyes started to roam as they savoured the soothing greenery framing the property.
As we bade our temporary farewells to Brett, Bhing and I made our way to check in. The reception was housed in a spacious hall with comfy couches at the centre.
Checking in was fun hearing all new wave collection being played centrally. It was especially easy with all the courteous staff that manned their posts. As we were given the room keys, the staff handed us a map to guide our stay. We were booked in a Lagoon View Room at the Hillside Building a few steps away from the foyer.
The soft ambient daylight and fresh crisp air from the mountains welcomed our entrance to the suite. It was roomy with a double spa bath, laundry & fully equipped kitchen.
A king bed fitted with soft feather duvet awaited us. The living room also featured a double pull-out sofa bed for extra sleepers. The room had two large TVs – one in the living room and one in the bedroom.
But the songs of the birds that come and go at the verandah were enough to calm our music-loving ears.
The sliding screened windows divulged a closer look at nature, with views to the lagoon, the tennis court and the 9-hole par-3 golf course.
The night before check-in we had the opportunity to dine at their own Charlie’s Restaurant & Bar. Here we had one of the most cheerful staff and chef, tasty fare and the caramelised pecan ice cream that captured my heart.
Walking around the resort gave us a dose of fresh air, soothing colours of nature, and close encounters with kookaburras and seagulls.
The peace and quiet, the warm spa bath and the soft bed all collaborated for us to have one of the soundest sleeps we have had since we arrived in Australia.
We woke up with a pair of birds visiting our porch, chirruping alternately. I checked my watch; it was time for breakfast. Our room package consisted of full breakfast at Charlie’s. Do check out specials and packages to take advantage of offers at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. For April they had a great deal at $159 Resort Room for 2 adults including full buffet breakfast, with an option to upgrade to a Spa Suite.
As we headed to Charlie’s, we met a Filipino family staycationing in the resort. They live in Sydney and wanted some time away from the city for the school holidays. We chatted a little bit; they said they were happy to also have chosen Pacific Bay Resort as first timers in Coffs Harbour.
Breakfast was a smorgasbord of breads and pastries, fresh fruits, coffee, juices, sausages, bacon, salad greens, cereals. You could choose from various types of coffee and toast your bread.
Bhing and I were happy to see a seagull come close, an experience I won’t always have in Manila.
I still had the chance to roam around prior to check out. The hotel had a spacious bar where I had also spotted cricket star Michael Clarke’s uniform displayed to show to Locky :).
The stairways behind the bar on the second floor of Charlie’s would delight children at the sight of the game room.
Checkout was nice and quick, I didn’t have to queue. I walked to admire some paintings of a local artist hanging on the walls of the lobby. The flowing lines and vibrant colours drew me to have one last glance to bring back home.
It wasn’t long when I heard a beep. A smiling Julie drove in, ready to take us to our next gourmet getaway…
Gourmet Getaways would like to thank Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort for the opportunity to experience the lush property. The opinions contained in this review are written without bias and in accordance with Gourmet Getaways’ disclosure policy.
Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort
Cnr Bay Drive and Pacific HighwayCoffs Harbour NSW 2450 T: 1300 363 360