If you think holidaying in a luxury home that sits right on the sandy shores of a warm tropical island is an impossible dream, think again. Istania is an ultra-stylish and modern beach house on Queensland's stunning South Stradbroke Island, puts this dream within your reach. This self-contained, brand new holiday home is yours for the taking, and you reach this island gem by boat, a truly magical way to start your island escape.
As you step aboard the water taxi at Runaway Bay, just half an hour north of Surfer paradise, and set off across the water for South Stradbroke Island, you feel your cares and worries slip away. Arriving at Istania's private jetty, your escorted into a home so stylish it could grace the pages of any upmarket interiors magazine.
Sweeping decks look out over your private beach and lead down a few steps to Istania's sparkling pool - you can take a refreshing dip here or in the lagoon. And if you long to relax, slip into the soothing full-size spa. the outdoor area, complete with wicker dining setting and enticing sunlounges, melds into the large, airy, open-plan interior living area with expanses of glossy native hardwood floors, thoughtfully laid out modern furniture and a flickering fireplace for those cooler winter evenings.
It's the chic decorative touches that give Istania it's enviable style. Artwork adorns the walls of every room, vases of fresh and dried native flowers are everywhere, and lamps and light fittings have been skillfully selected to create a relaxing mood.
Your host, Tania Hindmarsh, says Istania has quickly becomepopular with newlyweds who crave the peace and simplicity of a beach holiday, but who don't want to compromise on comfort. "Istania gives couples all the they need for a luxurious romantic getaway: it's right on the beach, it has everything you need to stay here and do a little or as much as you like, and the house and island are truly beautiful places to enjoy your time together," Tania says.
Istania also appeals to groups of couples or two families who want to stay in a holiday home together and who require a similar standard of bedrooms for each party. there are four bedrooms in all. The two main bedrooms have alkl the facilities you'd expect in a self-contained apartment, with air conditioning, ceiling fans, ensuite - one has a double spa - TV/DVD/CD and tea/coffee making facilities. Fluffy bathrobes and crisp linen add a lovely, luxurious touch. The third bedroom has four bunks - great for families with kids - while the fourth room has two twin beds that can be made into a double for a third couple if required.
The gourmet kitchen is on the living area level, with stainless steel appliances, large fridge/freezer and everything you need to cook up a storm.
Alternatively, South Stradbroke Island is home to a cluster of large, well-attended holiday resorts, which puts you in easy reach of restaurants and cafes - from top notch beachside fish reataurant and A la carte French-inspired eatery to a poolside cafe where chips and toasted sandwhiches are the order of the day.
All the resorts have a host of activities, too, ranging from ocean fishing, watersports, kayaking, sailing and star gazing, which you can book and enjoy, but Istania puts you well away from the bustle of these populr centres.
South Stradbroke is noted as a natural haven, with 22 kilometres of pristine surf beach, walking tracks through melaleuca wetlands and friendly golden wallabies who are used to the island's human visitors.
