The first night was magical. I had just married the love of my life, celebrated with friends and family in my favourite place in the world the Sunshine Coast, and we left to spend our first night as a married couple. Little did I know the exquisite honeymoon my husband to be had booked for us, and that it would soon become our favourite place to stay.

We were driven up the through the winding roads on the edge of the Blackall Range, to a quaint rural town called Monteville. We arrived at “Secrets on the Lake” in pure darkness where my new husband used the torches left for us to lead us to the most private of all the tree houses “Secrets” Cabin. The darkness meant that I didn’t see much of anything on the way up the wooden pathway, and the heels and heavy wedding dress made it seem a longer walk than it actually was.

As we opened the carved wooden door we were greeted with rainforest/panpipe music, scattered rose petals, a bottle of wine and the most luxurious cabin I have ever seen. The cabin was decorated with leadlight windows, carved wood bannisters, benches, kitchen and wrought iron details that is the creative work of the family who own this gem along with many other artists – you can read more about the artists here.

The greatest secret about this cabin is the shower room (yes room) with dual shower heads and a full length window that brings the rainforest inside and boasts a beautiful view of a small waterfall when they’ve had rain. If that wasn’t enough you can also enjoy a two person spa bath with beautiful amenities and chocolates with a view of Lake Baroon and the privacy to open the window for fresh cool air. On cold nights you can light a fire in the fireplace and snuggle on the sofa to waych a movie or listen to music.

Outside is just as delightful with a two person swinging recline seat also with views of Lake Baroon, an area for having a meal, and a barbeque you can use to cook onsite (there is also a kitchen if you wish). My only advice is never to leave your meal outside unattended for even a minute, my husbands toast was kidnapped by a devious possum!

The prices can feel a little much for anyone who hasn’t been here but I can reassure you that it is well worth every penny. Not only do you get to stay in the wonderful place but you get a breakfast hamper that includes homemade treats, local produce, gourmet items, breakfast items, and much more. In the morning you wake to hot croissants in a heat bag left at your front door to avoid disturbing your time alone. You really don’t need to leave and if you want to eat in you can try the food in the cafe/restaurant in the main house or order a barbeque or picnic hamper. George, Aldy and their team are always eager to make your stay memorable and comfortable and they are the kindest people. For them Secrets isn’t just another boutique accomodation, this is their passion and their pride and it is evident in everything you will see and experience.

Nearby in the main street of Monteville you will find a gourmet chocolate shop, poets cafe, clock shop, pizza store and many more. If you want to get out and about you can try out one of the many walks in the area or even visit the beach that is only around 30-40 minutes away.

We first stayed at Secrets on the Lake in 2008 for our honeymoon and we returned a few times after that staying in some of the other cabins, and we recently gifted our daughter a night there for her twenty-first birthday since we are still in England and couldn’t celebrate with her. We certainly do look forward to staying there again when we return and if you would like to check in out too head over for a virtual tour and book.

NB. Photos here are from our most recent stay in November 2018 in one of the other cabins.

Cheers From Queensland, Tams