Two nights in the Queensland rainforest proved more restorative than a week on the beach, offering a rare chance to unplug, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the simple art of doing nothing. For a chronic non-relaxer, the experience was a revelation.
I've been to the Sunshine Coast several times and never looked past the beaches. This time, we broke up a week on the coast with two nights in the hinterland, 40 minutes inland. I don't relax on holidays, but I was hoping two nights in the rainforest might change that. It did, in ways I didn't expect.
What is Narrows Escape and why is it perfect for a digital detox?
Narrows Escape in Montville isn't set up for streaming, and the Wi-Fi won't get faster because I keep trying. Mobile service is patchy. I put the laptop away. Then I catch myself reaching for my phone to check my emails. Then social media. Each time I remember nothing will load, and I put it down again.
Ali, who owns the property, walks us to our villa. He tells me the whole story on the way, from starting in hospitality at 8 to running a hostel in India at 15. He bought the place in 2019. Our villa is one of eight, set in the rainforest so you don't see the others. It's adults-only. Tripadvisor once named Narrows Escape the most romantic hotel in the world. I normally steer clear of places that tell you that.
What does a rainforest retreat actually offer?
A cheese platter and a bottle of sparkling are waiting for us. Both disappear far quicker than they should as we sit on the deck. I move to the private pool, glass in hand. I can't hear any other guests. Just birds. We spend the afternoon reading. The villa has a fireplace, but I don't light it. I'm too exhausted from doing nothing, and it's warm enough anyway.
Ali leaves out a bag of organic birdseed so guests don't feed scraps to the wildlife. Within seconds of opening it, I'm the most popular person in the rainforest, at least with the native pigeons.
About 7pm, there's a tapping on the window. Cece jumps. I walk over, expecting whatever it is to run off. Two possums are on the other side of the glass. They don't run. Instead, they stand on their back legs like meerkats. They look at me like guests who have turned up for dinner. The pigeons must have told them about the food.
Fresh croissants turn up at our door each morning. I grab them before my new friends can.
What is there to do in the Sunshine Coast hinterland?
Kondalilla National Park is a few minutes' drive away, and on the Picnic Creek Circuit, an easy 1.7km loop, we don't see another person. Earlier in the week, we walked the coastal trail, weaving around runners, families and prams.
Montville, five minutes up the road, is a village built around one main street of small shops. Cece spots the chocolate shop. She dashes inside like a kid in a candy store. Now I know where the saying comes from. She does a lap. Her smile drops.
They don't have samples!
We try the ginger shop next, then the clock shop, where I spend far longer than I planned. By the time we leave, I want a grandfather clock. It could replace my Apple Watch. The digital detox is working.
Can a wellness retreat really help you switch off?
A few minutes from the shops is The Range, a wellness retreat where my mate Rod is meeting us. He lives on the coast and has never been up here. When I invited him, he texted back, Are you sure you want me to come? I told him Cece was fine with it. One night in and she's already sick of me.
Dave, who runs The Range, shows us around. He had a Chinese medicine and acupuncture practice here and opened up the back of the building so the sauna, ice bath and spa look straight out into the rainforest. We have the place to ourselves, and without anyone suggesting it, all three of us put our phones away.
Cece is less sure. I don't know how we can pass two hours here.
Rod and I put on sauna hats and sit in the sauna together, looking out over the rainforest. When Cece comes in to take a photo, I tell Rod we'd better suck in our guts. We do. I'm sure you can't tell.
Afterwards we lie around in robes drinking Chinese herbal tea. Dave has relationship cards for guests to answer. I ask if they work for throuples. He laughs and says he gets couples, but also small groups, like mothers and daughters or hen parties. I tell him our throuple won't be doing the cards.
Our throuple does the cards. A few questions are about sex. I never pictured answering those in a fluffy robe next to a good mate. Most are fun. What superpower would you want? I say invisibility. Rod says flying. It turns into a serious debate.
Cece asks the time. We've been here two hours and 40 minutes and not one of us has checked a message.
Why is a digital detox good for your wellbeing?
At checkout, the Wi-Fi is stronger. My phone beeps a few times. Normally I'd grab it. Today the messages can wait.
I've slept well two nights in a row. I still don't know if it's the most romantic hotel in the world. But I'm leaving refreshed, and for me that's rare.
We have a few more nights on the coast ahead, and I still love it down there, the beaches and cafes. But I'd now add two nights in the hinterland to any Sunshine Coast trip.
Rod and I still haven't settled the superpower question. I guess we aren't made to be superheroes.
Frequently asked questions about the Sunshine Coast hinterland
Is the Sunshine Coast hinterland good for a digital detox?
Yes. The remote rainforest location has patchy mobile service and limited Wi-Fi, making it naturally difficult to stay connected. This encourages guests to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, reading, and conversation.
What is there to do in Montville?
Montville is a charming village with a main street of small shops, including a chocolate shop, a ginger shop, and a clock shop. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and some unique shopping.
What outdoor activities are available near Narrows Escape?
Kondalilla National Park is just a few minutes' drive away, offering easy walking trails like the 1.7km Picnic Creek Circuit, where you can enjoy the rainforest in peace and quiet.
Is Narrows Escape suitable for couples?
Yes, Narrows Escape is an adults-only property, and Tripadvisor has even named it the most romantic hotel in the world. It offers private villas, a pool, and a peaceful, secluded setting.