Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Costa Nova Sunshine Coast Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: My Costa Nova Apartment – It’s Messy, It’s Real, and Honestly, I’m Kinda Smitten (Mostly!)
Okay, so you're thinking about Costa Nova, that adorable little slice of Portugal with the candy-striped houses? And you’re looking at this "Escape to Paradise" apartment? Buckle up, because I just got back from a stay, and I’m ready to spill the (slightly salty) tea. This review is gonna be less polished travel blogger and more…well, me after two weeks of sun, sand, and a whole lotta trying to figure out the Portuguese coffee machine.
First Impressions – Accessibility & The Great Elevator Debacle
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility? They mention it, and there's an elevator (which is a huge win, because let's be honest, climbing stairs after a day of exploring is nobody's idea of fun). However, the elevator… well, let’s just say it had a personality. Sometimes it was there, sometimes it wasn’t. One morning, I swear, it was talking to me (or maybe that was just the effects of happy hour cocktails?). If you genuinely need smooth, reliable elevator action, double check the current status upon booking. Seriously. It took a while to calm my nerves after that.
Internet: Praise the Wi-Fi Gods (and the Occasional Disconnect)
Thank the heavens for the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, baby! And in the public areas too. I needed that, desperately. I mean, who am I kidding? I was practically glued to that thing, updating my Instagram, or trying to figure out how to order food (that’s where the Wi-Fi for special events comes in handy – who knew?). There's also a Internet [LAN] option in the rooms, but honestly, who uses a cable these days? Just a quick note, though: the connection hiccuped on occasion. Not a dealbreaker, but it did make scheduling a Zoom meeting a bit… stressful.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitize All The Things!
Okay, major props to them for taking the whole COVID situation seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – they were ON IT. I witnessed the staff working as a team to provide Professional-grade sanitizing services– top marks. They left Hand sanitizer everywhere, and I even had a Room sanitization opt-out option (which I never used, because, you know, paranoia). There's also a Doctor/nurse on call – which is always reassuring. However, I did notice a few stray crumbs under the sofa on the third day. (Nobody’s perfect, I guess.)
Food, Glorious Food – And the Coffee Conundrum
Let's talk food. There's a Restaurant! And a Coffee shop! Yay, carbs! The Breakfast [buffet] was decent; Asian breakfast was an option, which seemed a bit random, but hey, options are good. There was also a Breakfast in room option - which was tempting for those lie-ins. The coffee/tea in restaurant was, let's just say, a quest. The Portuguese are passionate about their coffee, and the machine in the restaurant…well, it had a mind of its own. I probably spent an hour one morning just trying to get a decent espresso. But it was still nice, after figuring it out. There was also Room service [24-hour] which was fantastic, and I may or may not have ordered a midnight pizza one night. Don't judge.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Poolside Bliss (Mostly!)
Okay, this is where things got interesting. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. You know, that perfect shade of turquoise that just screams "vacation"? Check. Pool with view? Yes. The view was a breathtaking, if slightly crowded, vista. There was also a Poolside bar, which, obviously, was a highlight. Happy hour? Yes, please! And honestly, sitting by the pool, sipping a cocktail, was one of my all-time favourite ways to relax.
And, for those seeking to elevate their relaxation game… the Spa! Now, I love a spa. I've had massages, body wraps. The Spa/sauna area itself was wonderful. The sauna was toasty, and the spa/sauna was a real treat. I managed to avoid the Steamroom, just a personal preference.
Extra Points for the Kid-Friendly Touches (and the Lack Thereof)
There were some elements for the kids, such as a Babysitting service and Kids meal. It has Family/child friendly mentioned in their list, but I didn’t see that many kids around, which was a-okay for me, I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Rooms: Comfy, Cozy – But With a Few Quirks (and a Broken Shade)
The rooms? Generally, lovely. The air conditioning worked like a charm, which was essential. There was a coffee/tea maker, which, thankfully, was easier to operate than the restaurant's espresso machine. The Free bottled water was a nice touch, and the bathrobes were fluffy and luxurious. Oh, and the blackout curtains! Pure bliss for a late-night sleeper.
But… there were a few snags. One of the window that opens was stuck, making fresh air a challenge. Also, the mirror in my bathroom was a little… crooked. And the extra long bed was a lie. But hey, I survived. These were minor things.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpectedly Helpful
They had all the usual services: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, concierge, and luggage storage. There was a Gift/souvenir shop (tempting). The cash withdrawal was convenient. I also liked the Contactless check-in/out. It was a real time-saver.
However, I missed the pets allowed option, since I would love to bring my cat Luna with me.
Overall Impression: Would I Go Back? (Probably!)
Look, "Escape to Paradise" isn't perfect. There are quirks, minor hiccups, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by a malfunctioning coffee machine. But… the location is fantastic, the staff is friendly, the pool is divine, and the overall vibe is relaxed and charming. I had a truly wonderful time.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for a stylish, well-located base for exploring Costa Nova, and you don't mind a bit of imperfection, then absolutely, book this apartment. (Just double-check the elevator situation beforehand.) Costa Nova itself is a gem, and this is a pretty decent place to call home for a while. And hey, even if the coffee machine tries to drive you mad, at least you'll have a good story to tell. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about. Now, where's the Sangria?
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Costa Nova Chaos: Sunshine Coast, Australia (A Messy Itinerary)
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this ain't your polished, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is REAL LIFE, folks. This is me, Sarah, navigating Costa Nova Holiday Apartments on the Sunshine Coast, armed with sunscreen, a questionable sense of direction, and a deep-seated fear of sandflies. Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Arrival, Panic, and the Promise of Coffee (aka The "Oh God, I Got Here" Phase)
- 10:00 AM: Brisbane Airport. Ugh. Airports. Why are they always so… airporty? Sweaty, crowded, the air thick with the scent of desperation and overpriced lattes. I managed to (miraculously) find my luggage and the rental car. Let the driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road adventure begin! Pray for me, and my sanity.
- 11:30 AM: GPS drama. Okay, so maybe I took a wrong turn. Twice. I blame the lack of sleep and the insistent Aussie accents on the radio. "G'day, mate!" Shudders. Finally, after a wild goose chase involving a very confused kangaroo, I arrive at Costa Nova.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in. The receptionist, bless her cotton socks, is unbelievably nice and patient with my jet-lagged, frazzled state. The apartment itself? Alright, not bad. Cleanish. The balcony does have a killer view of the ocean. This is going to be my happy place. Now, where's the coffee?
- 1:00 PM: Coffee acquisition. Found a decent cafe down the street. Bless the baristas who understand my inner turmoil. First sip? Pure, unadulterated bliss. This is what I need.
- 2:00 PM: Unpacking, a bit. I throw my suitcase at the corner, grab my swimmers, and sprint towards the beach, after all, it's just a few steps away. The sand is so soft, the clear sky, the waves crash on the shore, a real beauty. I feel the urge to dive in.
- 3:00 PM: First beach encounter. Holy. Moly. The ocean is gorgeous! I dipped my toes in, it feels amazing. There were kids splashing, people sunbathing, dogs running around. I walk a little further from the crowd of people. The peaceful sensation of walking on the seashore, with the noise of the waves, sooths almost everything.
- 4:00 PM: Beach bumming complete. I got slightly burned and a little hungry.
- 5:00 PM: Supermarket sweep. Grabbed snacks, wine, and the essentials (aka, chocolate). I'm prepared for the evening.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset. From my balcony…it's stunning. Pure, unadulterated gold and orange. I can't believe what happened to me, I deserve this. I grab a glass of wine, watch the sunset, and I am in a good mood.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Fish and chips. My first Aussie meal. Delicious. Greasy, yet delicious.
- 8:00 PM: Regret. The fish and chips were delicious, but I feel bloated, so I guess the regret is here.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Sleep like a baby, thank you.
Day 2: Surfing Lessons? (Narrated with Increasing Doubt)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. I think I slept 10 hours straight, which is an achievement because I never sleep that much at my own place.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The balcony view is a winner. This is the life.
- 9:00 AM: The decision. Okay, I promised myself one adventurous thing. Surfing lessons. I registered for it.
- 9:30 AM: Panic set in. I've never surfed. Like, ever. I'm more familiar with the beach from a lounging position. But, you know, "when in Rome…" (or, you know, Sunshine Coast).
- 10:00 AM: The instructor, a tanned, ridiculously attractive Aussie bloke with a name like "Kai," is attempting to instill confidence in me. I'm pretty sure my face is betraying the fact that I'm terrified of the ocean.
- 10:30 AM: First attempts. I fall. A lot. I swallow a lot of saltwater. I look like a beached whale. Kai is patient. Surprisingly. "You got this, mate!" he yells. Right.
- 11:00 AM: I make a connection with the board. I stood up for like, a few seconds. Pure joy! I feel like a god. For a few seconds, I surfed!
- 11:30 AM: I fall again. Hard. I think I might have a concussion. Maybe. Kai is helping me and giving some instructions.
- 12:00 PM: Surfing lesson over, with a few bruises. Exhaustion. I'm shaking my head. That was a real workout. I'm ready to consume an entire pizza.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Pizza, obviously.
- 2:00 PM: Beach time, but in a very relaxed way. I found a nice spot, where I chilled the afternoon away, reading a book and enjoying the sun (carefully now, with sunscreen).
- 5:00 PM: I made a decision: I will try surfing again.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset. This time, a different color: pink. Almost as perfect as yesterday.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The supermarket did a good job with the supplies this morning. I prepare pasta.
- 8:00 PM: Relaxing time. The sunset, the surfers, the ocean, the waves, are all I need now.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Feeling confident, ready for the next day.
Day 3: (The "Too Much Sun, Too Little Brainpower" Edition)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, feeling refreshed. I skipped the running part this morning.
- 10:00 AM: I went for a little walk. Found a stunning cafe, and had breakfast there.
- 11:00 AM: I headed to Eumundi Markets. Oh, it was too much. Too many people, too many smells. The crafts were beautiful. I decided to buy a painting that matches my apartment.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the markets. Pretty tasty, but the crowd was really overwhelming.
- 2:00 PM: Relaxation. Headed to the beach again. This time, I fell asleep. I slept like three hours straight.
- 5:00 PM: I woke up with a strong sunburn.
- 6:00 PM: I got my apartment ready for dinner, and I took a strong shower.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and a glass of wine.
- 8:00 PM: I started rewatching a movie for the third time, but after all the sun, I can't concentrate.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Feeling very tired.
Day 4 - 7: The Last Days (A Montage of Messy Bliss)
- Day 4: Headed to Noosa National Park. The walk was strenuous, but the views were stunning. Perfect.
- Day 5: Another surfing lesson (I got a little better, honestly!) followed by a visit to the Underwater World, very interesting. I should do this more often!
- Day 6: I went to a place where you can find local wines and have a tasting, I'm not sure I remember it too much. I think it was great.
- Day 7: Departure. I'm sad to go. This place made me feel good. I'll miss the sea. I'll miss the food. I'll miss the sun. But most importantly, I'll miss the complete and utter relaxation.
Final Thoughts:
Costa Nova… it wasn't perfect. There were sandflies, a questionable choice or two (okay, several) in the souvenir department, and moments of sheer, unadulterated awkwardness. But it was real. It was messy. It was honest. And, most importantly, it was mine. Would I come back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Now, where's the sunscreen… and maybe some chocolate?
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Malioboro Prime Hotel, Yogyakarta
So... what *is* Escape to Paradise anyway? Is it actually paradise?
Okay, okay, first things first. It's a super charming apartment on Costa Nova's Sunshine Coast. Think: colorful striped houses, the smell of the ocean, and probably some seagulls squawking. "Paradise?" Well, depends on your definition, right? If your paradise *includes* a breathtaking view, delicious seafood, and maybe, just *maybe* a slight sunburn from lounging on the beach all day, then yeah, it's probably close. Don't expect perfectly manicured lawns or butlers, though. (Darn it!) It's more... lived-in charm. Like, the kind of place you can actually *live* in. With maybe a slightly wonky window in the bathroom. (More on that later... the saga of the leaky window...)
Where exactly IS Costa Nova? I'm geographically challenged.
Right, good question! It's in Portugal. On the coast. Okay, I can be more specific. It's near Aveiro, which is known as the "Venice of Portugal" (though let me tell you, I'm not sure about the gondolas over there). Think... Northern Portugal, near the Atlantic. You can probably find it on a map. Seriously, if I can, anyone can. I did take a wrong turn *once* on the way to the beach and ended up... well, let's just say I saw a lot of cows. Lots and lots of cows. But hey, the scenery was lovely! And I finally made it to the beach, eventually. Google Maps is your friend. Seriously.
How many people can the apartment sleep? I have a whole army! (or just, like, three of us)
We can accommodate a certain number of people based on bed configurations(check descriptions). But, an army? Let's say you have the *option* to bring your favorite family to a place like this, or maybe just the love of your life, who knows? Let's just say: check the listing. I’m telling you, though, the apartment IS NOT a barracks. It’s designed for comfort, not boot camp. Too many people would be a nightmare... Imagine the bathroom queue! And the fighting over the best view from the balcony... Ugh.
What amenities are included? Do I get a private jet? (Just kidding... mostly.)
Okay, reality check time: no private jet. (Come on, let a girl dream!) But, the apartment *does* have the essentials. Think: a fully equipped kitchen (thank goodness, because I LOVE cooking), Wi-Fi (essential for Instagramming those gorgeous sunsets), and probably some towels. Don't expect gold-plated taps. We're going for *comfortable living*. There's a washing machine (hallelujah!), so you don't have to pack a suitcase full of clothes. There are also plenty of restaurants around, so if you’re not so into cooking, you can always find somewhere good to eat.
Is there parking? Because parallel parking is my nemesis.
Yes, there IS parking, and no, it's not necessarily a terrifying, stress-inducing experience. I've managed to park there myself, so I'm confident you can too. (And I’m notoriously terrible at parallel parking). It's usually street parking. Just... be patient. And maybe avoid the spots closest to the beach on a busy Saturday in summer. Seriously, you'll be circling for hours, and trust me, you don't want to miss sunset. It's an experience you should *never* miss.
How close is the beach? Because I'm all about the beach life.
You're in luck! The beach is, like, right there. Practically on your doorstep. You can practically smell the salt air from the balcony. Seriously, you can probably roll out of bed, stumble down a flight of stairs, and be burying your toes in the sand within minutes. It's *that* close. I once forgot my sunscreen (rookie mistake!), ran back up to the apartment, and was back on the beach before I even realized it. Convenience is key! You know, I can almost smell it now… the salty air, the toasted bread... Oh, I’m getting hungry.
What's the food situation like? Because I live to eat.
Oh, the food. Prepare to be amazed. The seafood is *divine*. Think: fresh, grilled fish, mountains of prawns, and the most amazing clams you'll ever taste. And the bread! Crusty, delicious, and perfect for soaking up all those flavorful sauces. The local restaurants are awesome. I have my favorites - the ones with the slightly grumpy but secretly lovely owners. You absolutely *must* try the local pastries too. Beware: they are addictive. My jeans have definitely had to adjust to my Costa Nova lifestyle. It's a culinary adventure, and I haven’t regretted a single bite.
Tell me about the view. I want to feel like I'm living in a postcard.
Oh, the view... it's... well, it's the *reason* I fell in love with the place. When I first saw it, I literally gasped. Like, a full-on, cartoon-style gasp. Imagine: the boundless blue of the Atlantic, stretching to the horizon; the kaleidoscope of colorful houses lining the coast, like a giant, happy painting; the seagulls soaring overhead, squawking their goofy greetings. The sunsets are legendary. The sky erupts in a symphony of colors – fiery oranges, blushing pinks, deep purples… I once spent an hour just sitting on the balcony, watching the sunset. I couldn't move. I didn't *want* to move. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. It's the kind of view that makes you forget all your worries. Until, let's say... you have to deal with the leaky window...
Okay, you've mentioned a leaky window... What's the deal with that?
Alright, alright, let's talk about the infamous window of doom. It's in the bathroom, and let me tell you, it has a mind of its own. During a particularly enthusiastic rainstorm (and we *do* get rainstorms, it's the Atlantic, after all!), it decided to let a little water in. A *little* water. Okay, maybe a *lot* of water. It wasPopular Hotel Find
