art of the fun of planning a holiday is the level of expectation that pre-escape daydreams can place on the selection of the ideal holiday venue, and as we all know the choice is myriad. Finding the right holiday to appease every member of the family is difficult enough, and with the trend multiplying to include the extended family, another family or even your children's best friends, the pressure can be daunting.
Our insatiable need to have to look, feel and touch before we commit is fueled by the internet which allows us to view image galleries and take a 3D tour before we hand over the credit card details. But how often do you arrive to find that the glossy, sophisticated abode you fell in love with on the internet is actually a photoshoped version or what the owners "dream" renovations are going to look like after the impending property boom.
So I did the research, checked online, got the brochures and spoke at length to the delightful owner, who had no problem answering the multitude of questions I had. All the precautions taken care of, I booked and started dreaming of a luxury weekend ensconced at the Jewel of South Stradbroke Island: Istania.
Glistening like an exotic pearl in the middle of an oyster shaped canal, Istania is easily the most glamorous and well appointed holiday house on South Stradbroke Island. An enjoyable 20-minute cruise across the Broadwater, expertly chauffeured by Gold Coast Water Taxis, and we were disembarking at our own stunning private beach house. It seemed fitting to remove our shoes and pop the champagne cork simultaneously, basking in the glory of having found somewhere that actually surpassed everyone's expectations at the very first glance.
Gloriously designed, built and furnished, beach chic and contemporary glamour - calm and relaxed yet sophisticated and indulgent. Arriving from the water the first impact is of grandeur, with generous outdoor areas flowing seamlessly into indoor living spaces. Huge sliding glass doors are concealed magically into wall spaces, providing a house-length buffer from the outside when needed, without ever disturbing the sublime aquatic view.
Coastal colours of white, turquoise and lime flavour the interior, proving a visual feast of cool tranquility and blending like a tropical cocktail with timber features in rich tones of caramel and coffee. Spacious and ambient, the tone is luxurious, yet unpretentiously comfortable. With two master suites, each with their own private and glamorous ensuite bathroom there is enough room to easily please two families. And rest assured both masters are equally indulgent, meaning there will be no pre-holiday squabbles about who gets what room.
Similarly the children will also be impressed. With four custom-designed bunk beds running the entire length of one wall, the kids will become part of the nautical theme, immersing themselves as masters of the helm in their cabin style bunks. Top to toe has never been so exciting! With an adjoining nanny or granny's room and a very grown up ensuite with sliding shoji doors, there will be no objections at bed time and you will find your children enjoying their own level of quiet-time.
Up a flight of gleaming polished stairs and the master suite above is a paradise of aubergine, apple and white. The ensuite floats above the room on a raised platform and offers every luxury imaginable, including a generous spa and plenty of fragranced potions to add to a steaming bath of heavenly bliss.
Relaxing is compulsory and with the modern conveniences on offer at Istania, you may find yourself drawing up plans to redesign your own home as the combined functionality, practicality and absolute livability of this home is exceptional. The kitchen and adjacent dining and living areas are all open plan creating easy interactive zones that belie convention. Polished floorboards merge with timber decking and the hub of the home is a flexible space that could be indoors, outdoors or somewhere in between.
A stunning white, silver and mint gourmet kitchen is the visual anchor of the home, with the top of the range appliances to deliver effortless convenience for your every whim. Istania is also well stocked with quality beverages that can be purchased through a room style provision ensuring the enjoyment of indulging does not have to be punctuated by a provision visit to the local shop. A barbeque area joins the kitchen and provides ample space to relax while keeping an eye on the kids in the pool, on the jetty or exploring the surrounding bushland abundant with wallabies.
This house has the well loved feeling of home, and with the expert influence of owners Charles Moore and wife Tania Hindmarsh a dynamic building and interior design duo, you cannot help but be inspired by the creative genius that has given this home it's vibrant energy and casual appeal. Artwork beckons attention from walls and colourful niches house a selection of treasures chosen for their synergy with sea and sand. Fluffy towels, robes and sumptuous bedding encourage you to get cosy and bathrooms are hotel luxurious. Light floods the home with sunny ambience, louvers directing the flow of breeze and the overall feeling is relaxed coastal chic.
With an ethos of sharing and enjoying, Tania has ensured that your Istania experience is never rushed. Check out is at your leisure on the final day of stay, giving you time to include every last minute of your last day as part of the holiday and not some mad dash for the usual 10am deadline. Lingering that little bit longer softens the sadness of leaving but don't be surprised if you are planning your next visit long before the time to leave actually arrives.
