‘Perfect getaway’: Couple clocks up 100th night at Montville retreat

Rodney and Carol Fox marked a remarkable milestone a couple of weeks ago — their 100th night staying at Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville, setting a new guest record for the boutique Sunshine Coast hinterland retreat.

The Gold Coast couple, married for 28 years, first stayed at Clovelly Estate in June 2021. Since then, they have returned multiple times each year to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and, as they put it, “just because”.

Rod, in his 80s, and Carol, in her 70s, describe the property as their “home away from home”, citing its scenic surrounds, warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere as key reasons they keep coming back.

“Our 100th stay doesn’t just mark our love and adoration of Clovelly Estate and its staff, but the years of birthday surprises, anniversary celebrations, festive Christmases and everything in between we’ve celebrated here,” Mr Fox said. “We leave every stay looking to book in our next.”

Mrs Fox said the Montville region offers the ideal mix of charm and tranquillity. “The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the perfect getaway for us,” she said. “It’s the perfect balance of scenic surroundings and friendly hospitality.”

To mark their 100th stay, Spicers Retreats rolled out a personalised celebration, including a series of culinary experiences and a private helicopter tour across the region.

General Manager of Clovelly Estate, Jack Fisher, said the team went all out to honour the couple’s loyalty.

“It’s both incredibly rare and rewarding to see this level of repeat travel, especially for a boutique retreat,” Mr Fisher said. “Members of our team actually requested to work during Rod and Carol’s stay because they knew they’d be here — that’s the kind of connection this couple have with our staff.”

He said their continued patronage is a testament to the value of word-of-mouth and personalised service in the hinterland’s tourism economy.

“Guests like Rod and Carol make an enormous difference in this region,” he said. “Their milestone celebration is proof that thoughtful experiences matter.”

Spicers Retreats rolled out a personalised celebration, including a series of culinary experiences and a private helicopter tour across the region for Rod and Carol, at left.