Boutique B&B Villa Cavour is a delightful property a short drive or cycle from Hervey Bay's esplanade. Photo / Corazon Miller
Boutique B&B Villa Cavour is a delightful property a short drive or cycle from Hervey Bay's esplanade. Photo / Corazon Miller
Corazon Miller checks into a boutique B&B in a quiet Queensland neighbourhood.
Getting there: Flying in from the Sunshine Coast it's a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Hervey Bay. Parking is available on site.
Check-in experience: Co-owner Mara was there to greet me on arrival, with a full smile and a helping hand to get my rather heavy suitcase up the flight of stairs. She also asked me what time I wanted dinner and what I wanted, while showing me around the house. Her husband Rocco popped in to say hello.
Room: It was a big, spacious room on the second floor that opened out to the verandah overlooking a picturesque backyard, complete with a large pool. The room came with a gorgeous, modern en-suite, a television and small fridge.
Price: From $177 per room per night, based on a minimum two-night stay, including breakfast for two.
What's so good about this place? It's a gorgeous boutique B&B in a quiet neighbourhood, offering great service in a pristine environment with welcoming hosts.
The bad: Off the main part of the esplanade but still within reasonable walking, cycling or driving distance from a nice strip of beach.
What's in the neighbourhood? There's a nice little bench overlooking the beach at the end of the street, otherwise it's a roughly 20-minute walk to the nearest cluster of retail and hospitality offerings on the strip, or a short drive or cycle to any one of the many along Hervey Bay's esplanade.
Food and drink: Villa Cavour has its own gourmet Italian chef in Rocco. He cooked up a delicious seafood risotto, which was served with a glass of Italian wine, and for dessert Mara made a delectable chocolate-coffee pudding. Rocco is happy to cook traditional Italian or Piemontese specialties for guests and also offers cooking classes.
It takes about 20 minutes to stroll from Villa Cavour to Hervey Bay Beach. Photo / Corazon Miller
The bed: A comfy king bed to stretch out in.
A room with a view? A verandah overlooking the backyard with the beach in the distance.
Bathroom: There was a shower with good pressure and a glass-bowl vanity.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes.
Noise: Some muffled sounds from other guests arriving and leaving and those pottering around on the first floor, but otherwise quiet.
Room service: None — though Mara and Rocco are happy to cater to their guests as they can.
Value for money: If you are in search of boutique accommodation, this little gem is certainly value for money.
Exercise facilities: A large pool in the backyard.
Perfect for: Foodies or couples on a romantic getaway or honeymoon.
