Sparkling new features at rainforest retreat

CRYSTAL Creek Rainforest Retreat in the Tweed hinterland has undergone a makeover after being taken over by a new management team.

A Creekside Pavilion has been added for spa treatments and intimate dining experiences, as well as a new wine lounge and bar.

The adjacent wine cellar stocks more than 1,500 bottles of international and local wine and Champagne.

“The wine lounge and bar has added a previously missing element for guests who would like some form of socialising during their stay,” manager Matt Semark said.

“Over the last month we’ve seen on many occasions various guests coming down to the wine lounge and mingling with other couples and enjoying each other’s company, sharing stories and playing pool.”

The 13 cabins, bungalows and lodges at the luxurious couples’ getaway have also been updated, with heating added to the private plunge pools, plus new furniture, upholstery and in-room amenities.

Matt and his wife Anie came on board last year after falling in love with the retreat’s tranquil rainforest setting.

The couple have been managing boutique resorts for 20 years, including stints at Aman Resorts in Indonesia, puppeteer Brian Henson’s beach resort Fundu Lagoon in Zanzibar and a private island resort called Petit St Vincent in the Caribbean.

The next phase of their plan will up the ante on the food offering for their discerning guests, who mostly come from east coast cities, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney.

“We’ll be expanding the dining options here at the retreat, again with more choices

whilst also heading in a slightly more ‘gourmet’ direction,” Semark said.