Staying at Hervey Bay's Villa Cavour

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.

Toiletries: Aromatic shampoo and body wash.

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.

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.

CHECKLIST
Villa Cavour is at 15 Banksia Street, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. Phone: +61 7 4124 5454.