My arrival on Airlie Beach was pretty standard, arrived and checked in with no major issues. Relaxing by the pool in the sun I happened across Katie, and off for cocktails we went. Three hours and two jars of cocktails later, she was convincing me to come on the Ride to Paradise with her the next morning. A hop skip and a jump, and a quick phone call to the travel company later, and we were stepping on the boat for three days in paradise.
Our home for the weekend was to be this beautiful mansion, belonging to a billionaire who rented it out to tour companies while he was away on business. We were quite happy to take it off his hands, since it included the use of his private beach, pool and hot tub.
Our night began in the hot tub, where we made new friends and bonded over the beauty of our location. As the sun set and the wine was flowing, we considered what the following day would hold for us.
Easily the most instagram-able shower I’ve ever been in.
The night consisted of 26 people in a hot tub that shouldn’t ever hold that many, and various people skinny dipping at 3am. As the night rolled on, we began to lose people to the call of the incredibly cosy beds, aware of our 7am departure the following morning.
Easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and definitely the closest to paradise we’ve ever stayed. We were sad to leave on our last day, with swears of returning and buying the place from the billionaire. Maybe some day?
Louise du Faux 