H4C’s Editor-at-Large checks into Elysium Noosa and discovers an effortless coastal escape where river and sea converge.
Reviewed by: Rhonda Bannister
Noosa Heads has been my go-to holiday destination since my first visit four decades ago, so I wasn’t surprised when it was crowned ‘Best Town’ in the Readers’ Choice Awards, Australian Traveller 2025. The reasons for its popularity are many, but put simply, Noosa’s geography is its magic wand!
The Pacific Ocean rolls in on one side, calm and blue at Noosa Main Beach, while just beyond, the Noosa River drifts in the opposite direction, wide and glassy, catching the afternoon light. Between them runs Hastings Street, a strip of boutiques, restaurants and low-rise resorts that has long defined this corner of Queensland as one of Australia’s most enduring holiday destinations.
Elysium Noosa stands out for its location between the river and the sea—inviting couples to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy stylish rooms that offer a true sense of escape.
Mitchell & Eades, an interior architecture and design studio from Melbourne, was tasked with reinventing the iconic hotel building that started life as the Sheraton, was reimagined as the Sofitel, and is now transformed into this five-star beauty with all the hallmarks of a European beachside resort. The classic stripes, rattan furniture, artworks and playful design details would be equally at home on the Italian or French Riviera.
Room for Two
Accommodation at Elysium reflects its unique setting, connecting guests to the outdoors through private balconies with river, pool, ocean, or village views. There are 175 rooms and suites, including the amazing Wellness Suite, with an infrared sauna and magnesium mineral spa, and the Prestige Suite, with a formal dining room, dedicated living area, a separate sleeping sanctuary, a bathroom with a deep-soaking tub, and a spacious terrace.
We stayed in an Ocean View Junior Suite on the 6th level, enjoying stunning views of the ocean and pool below from sunrise to sunset. Our spacious room featured soft whites, blues, turquoises, and sandy tones that echoed the environment. The king-size bed was so comfortable that it was hard to leave, but the sunrise urged us out for a walk along the boardwalk to Noosa National Park. After a shower and coffee, we relaxed by the pool and enjoyed the swim-up pool bar—the only one in Noosa.
Couples can ease into Noosa’s rhythm—morning beach walks, boutique browsing, leisurely meals—or retreat for privacy. Elysium puts couples in a prime position for both.
Food and Drink
Food is central to the Noosa experience, and at Elysium, it begins at your doorstep. The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Cibaria Noosa, is the first Queensland offering from celebrated Sydney restaurateurs Anna and Alessandro Pavoni, the acclaimed culinary force behind the well-credentialed Ormeggio at the Spit, Mosman, Cibaria Manly and a’Mare at Crown Barangaroo.
On the night we stayed, we dined with a small group of friends and shared loads of plates from different parts of the menu, including the Salumeria, Antipasteria and Spaghetteria, before jumping into the Bisteccheria Grill menu. I can highly recommend the Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe, the Buffalo Mozzarella with zucchini and its flowers with mint oil, and the Sardinian flatbread. Chef Alessandro’s signature dish, the wood-fired Spaghetti all’Astice, featuring hand-made pasta and fresh local lobster in a rich tomato sauce, is not to be missed. The chef also suggested we try his favourite, the Fritto Misto di Mare, a vibrant medley of lightly fried local seafood. It’s a large menu of very tempting dishes, but if you want to make things simple, maybe try a few of Chef Alessandro’s recommendations.
Fronting Hastings Street, Bar Capri brings a relaxed Mediterranean elegance from morning to late night, where you can enjoy barista-made coffee, breakfast and delicious lunch options from Cibaria’s all-day menu through the afternoon, and a spirited aperitivo culture at dusk.
Of course, stepping beyond the hotel places you in the heart of one of Australia’s most celebrated dining strips. Hastings Street offers endless choice, but having Cibaria and Bar Capri on hand adds a layer of ease.
Venturing Out
Elysium offers couples unique access to both the ocean and the river, offering two distinct ways to craft memorable days together. On the ocean side, Noosa Main Beach is one of the few north-facing beaches on Australia’s east coast, which means calmer waters and year-round swimming. It’s ideal for couples who want to ease into the day with a dip in the ocean or simply stretch out on the sand. A short walk leads into Noosa National Park, where coastal trails wind past headlands, hidden coves and sweeping ocean views. For those seeking something a little off the main track, I highly recommend following the lesser-known Tanglewood Track. This shaded path leads through quiet forest and eventually opens onto Alexandria Bay, a pristine, uncrowded stretch of sand that feels like a true hidden gem—perfect for an intimate picnic or a peaceful swim away from the crowds.
On the river side, the Noosa River invites paddle boarding, kayaking, or simply sitting still as the afternoon unfolds. Heading downriver on the Noosa Ferry is always a treat and gives the opportunity to stop for lunch at one of the riverside restaurants along the way to Noosa Marina.
Ultimately, Elysium excels because it unites location and thoughtful design for couples seeking a perfect short-break or holiday retreat. Younger couples will find lifestyle and movement; older travellers will appreciate comfort, walkability and ease. For honeymooners, the setting delivers effortless romance with beach, food, wine and time.
Images: Elysium Noosa
Rhonda Bannister
Rhonda co-founded Holidays for Couples more than 30 years ago, establishing it as Australia’s leading voice in romance travel. Now retired from day-to-day operations, she continues as our editor-at-large, travelling widely and reporting with a special focus on experiences that resonate with couples over 60.
