When one thinks of Noosa, one immediately visualises the eclectic designer boutiques and eateries interlaced with trendy cafés and bars along leafy Hastings Street – what we don’t know however, is that nestled purposefully up against the hillside, just three minutes from the mini-mecca is Picture Point Terraces – Noosa’s premier, resort-style holiday accommodation.
Tucked among lush tropical rainforest but taking full advantage of its elevated position, Picture Point Terraces features twelve luxury two- and three-bedroom short-term apartments and a four-bedroom penthouse, all with captivating views of the ocean, Noosa National Park, Laguna Bay, North Shore, Noosa River and beyond.
The spacious and well-appointed apartments are light-filled and modern, featuring open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas flowing out onto wide balconies replete with jacuzzis or spas, barbecues and stylish outdoor furnishings. Kitchens and laundries are self-contained and additional features include ample storage space, a safe, two flat-screen televisions with DVD/CD Players, free wifi and complimentary beach towels. Every apartment is air-conditioned and includes secure undercover parking.
According to resident managers Bob James and Robyn Roberts, “It’s very seldom that we don’t get a resounding “wow” when we show guests around the complex and to their accommodation.
Picture Point Terraces, or PPT as it is affectionately referred to in its glowing reviews, also offers leisure facilities include an outdoor barbecue area adjacent to the sparking swimming pool, sun loungers, a full gymnasium and sauna.
And if lounging around in luxury gets to be too much, Noosa itself offers expansive beaches and turquoise waters boasting point and beach breaks intermingled with sheltered bays and coastline surrounded by pandanus trees. Guests can explore the retail and culinary delights of Noosa Heads, the Noosa North Shore, Noosaville, Tewantin, Peregian Beach or simply appreciate the natural and cultural attractions of Noosa’s National Park teeming with wildlife, before returning to the tranquillity of this hidden paradise.
Belying its age, the 30-year old complex remains stylish and highly sought after – and it is obvious that Bob and Robyn are very particular about how it is presented and managed.
Hailing from a previous life of banking in New Zealand, Bob says that he became aware of the management rights sector many years ago, and kept an eye on developments through good friends and owners of management rights in Mooloolaba. He finally made the big move and in August 2007 he purchased Raffles in Mooloolaba.
Robyn’s prior experience in property management at a number of luxury properties in Noosa, including First Point units, and her uncanny ability to manage and multi-task has also stood them in good stead. The fact that this dynamic duo have two successful properties indicates their experience and passion for the industry.
“Management rights is a multi-layered hospitality platform,” says Bob. “Managers are answerable to the owners, the guests and the body corporate committee, so you have to be a ‘people person’. Robyn and I love interacting with the owners and all the people who choose to stay at PPT, and because we have such a high number of return guests, we have developed a great rapport, and even friendships, with many of them.
“We appreciate that there should be some kind of hierarchy in terms of care and attention,” says Bob, “but we like to think that we treat everyone – all stakeholders – with the same level of respect and attention. That goes for the building too.
“We have made considerable changes to the property since taking it on in May 2017. Robyn is a keen gardener and has worked extremely hard on the beautiful gardens to create a lush tropical ambiance – we have even placed pot plants throughout the resort – and we regularly receive comments that the property has never looked so good.
“More importantly however, we have managed to increase owner returns quite considerably year-on-year,” adds Bob, “and we aim to continue doing that going forward.”
So what is their secret, and what advice do they have for other managers?
“Robyn and I pride ourselves on three key elements in our business – presentation, service and communication.
“PPT caters to a luxury market, and because we like to maintain a very high standard we have our own cleaners and handyman on staff,” says Bob.
“And while it might sound odd coming from a property that is as ‘tucked away’ as we are, proactive marketing is essential. We have a very good website and the majority of our bookings and/or referrals come through that. Robyn and I respond personally to every single review we get – good and bad, and then try to address any problems that occur as quickly as possible.
“We also prepare and distribute a monthly newsletter to all owners to let them know what is going on in the resort and the general area,” says Robyn. “The owners are appreciative of being kept informed and we believe it goes a long way to protecting the business from outside agents.
“In terms of advice – well, anyone considering management rights needs to know that you have to be able to deal (patiently) with people – of every type – and be able to handle complaints and criticism constructively.
“And despite what you get told, management rights is not a “lifestyle”. If you’re doing it right, managers work long hours and very hard. You’re ‘on call’ all the time, and there are days that it gets to you but the returns are rewarding and it is a great industry to be involved in.
“Last but not least,” says Bob, “join ARAMA – the peak industry body that represents the interests of people involved in management rights and is actively fighting for the industry behind the scenes.”
It’s little wonder when I ask Bob and Robyn what the future holds for them and they laughingly say “retirement”, that I don’t quite believe them – at least not for a good while yet.
