There’s no doubting Andrew and Lucy Pink’s commitment to the Sunshine Coast tourism industry, more than 12 months on from their major hotel investment here.
But the launch of Loea Boutique Hotel in Maroochydore in late May 2020 might have left a few people wondering if they were indeed crazy and should be “committed”.
With no international travellers and state borders opening and closing haphazardly, their dream of running their own hotel could easily have turned into a nightmare.
“By the time COVID really became a reality, the renovation was nearing completion – therefore, not opening was not an option,” Andrew said.
“It was definitely an anxious time. Opening a brand new hotel in the midst of a world pandemic is naturally a huge concern but we have been incredibly lucky.
“We had to delay our initial opening from Easter 2020 but opened our doors at the end of May and have been blessed to be busy ever since.
“When we opened, state borders were firmly shut. People were definitely anxious to travel at first but we very quickly built momentum and have had bumper occupancy rates ever since.
“Since we opened, we have had an average occupancy of over 78%, which is way beyond what we predicted – especially during such uncertain times.”
With Andrew’s background in the hotel industry in the United Kingdom and a shared love for travel and design, the Pinks decided to make the big move across the globe to the Sunshine Coast and were looking for a business opportunity.
They saw “a massive gap” in the accommodation market in the region for a more boutique offering.
So they took up the opportunity to buy the former Riverpark Maroochy Motel on Bradman Avenue, just south of Fishermans Road, and turn it into something special.
A huge refurbishment project followed with a brief to recreate classic “warm breezy beach days”, no matter the weather outside, but with a fresh, modern chic look.
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“Lucy and I had a strong vision for the hotel from the outset,” Andrew said.
“We knew we wanted it to be a calm and inviting space.
“Combining soft whites and neutral tones with the warmth of natural materials such as rattan has given it an understated coastal look.
“We believe we offer simple yet uncompromised luxury at an affordable price – beautifully styled rooms with incredibly comfortable beds with luxury quilts and pillows; linen bedding; complimentary organic skincare in the rooms; a beautiful tropical garden with magnesium pool.”
A reimagined vintage-style food truck acts as the reception for guests but also serves up locally sourced food, plus hot, cold and alcoholic drinks to encourage conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.
Classic white cruiser bikes allow guests to pedal safely for kilometres along the Maroochy Riverfront pathway, to popular spots such as Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beach if they so desire, or to their new favourite fishing spot.
It’s “Getaway Central”. And the Pinks have since been overwhelmed by the positive response and reviews about the space they have created.
As expected, the hotel experienced its busiest months to date during the Christmas holidays over December and January.
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Andrew said the hotel had been incredibly well-supported by Queenslanders taking a staycation, but the invigorated property had attracted a broad range of guests – from businesspeople to couples looking for a romantic overnight visit and girls’ weekends away.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said Loea Boutique Hotel was “a fantastic example” of the importance of keeping up with consumer demand.
“Travellers are always looking for fresh reasons to visit a destination, and Loea has proven that everything old can be new again,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“While the tourism landscape continues to face uncertainty, Loea offers something new to domestic travellers at a time when they are looking to explore their own backyard.
“In doing so, they have helped attract a new demographic of visitor to Maroochydore, providing fresh incentive for travellers to stay longer in our region, spend more and try something new.”
