This Gold Coast hinterland hideaway is a passcode to peace and quiet

This country-luxe retreat in Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland opened in late 2021 as Hazelwood Estate, but was bought out and rebranded in 2022 by Morris Group, which also owns Orpheus Island Lodge on the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Mulligan Lodge in outback North Queensland.

On the northern spur of the McPherson Range, with the Lamington National Park (Woonoongoora) at its back and, in the distance, the towers of Broadbeach and the sea, Beechmont is a 75-hectare property with a sustainability focus. A set of electronic gates and a passcode will grant you access to the property, where a restaurant, bar and terrace overlook a sloping expanse of lawn and a kitchen garden planted with edible natives. On a second ridge is a day spa and cabins, the larger pavilion accommodation overlooking a small dam and the polo field. Wildlife is profuse: wallabies loll about under the trees, gangs of guinea fowl patrol the grass for bugs, and ducks paddle in the reed-fringed creek to a soundtrack of birds and a gentle occasional lowing from the out-of-sight cattle on the neighbour's farm.

An elegant colour palette and high-quality finishes signal this is a luxury experience. Add to that prescient staff in smart uniforms - they will light the fire as soon as the temperature drops, and offer lifts in golf buggies and coffee-to-go for the drive home. Absolute peace and quiet further dial up the luxe factor. Swap your phone for a book, order a cocktail and take a comfortable seat on the breezy terrace.

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The entire front of our large Luxury Pavilion, looking out over an expanse of lawn and a small creek and lily-filled dam, is floor-to-ceiling glass; even the deep, freestanding bathtub has unimpeded views. There's a small side deck, a kitchenette with mini bar, living area with couch and fireplace, and a small working area with a desk if you really must. In addition to the Luxury Pavilion accommodation, there are 12 Beechmont cabins, four Hinterland View cabins and an accessible cabin. It's also possible to rent the Owner's Residence, with its prime position at the top of the estate.

Meals are served at The Paddock Restaurant where executive chef Chris Norman and sous/pastry chef Alex Norman, both with European Michelin and five-star hotel backgrounds, present a creative, hyper-local menu from sustainable, seasonal ingredients, often cooked over charcoal, the delicious scent wafting in the wake of staff ferrying plates to tables. There's also a five-course set menu and knowledgeable staff with wine-matching suggestions should you prefer to delegate all the decision-making. A substantial breakfast is drawn from ingredients sourced from local farms and producers, supplemented with freshly baked sweet treats by Alex, who honed her pastry skills at the London Ritz.

It's about getting away from it all rather than getting into it, but some gentle activities are on offer. There are free e-bikes and Saturday morning yoga. Book a massage in the spa (and factor in some nap time afterwards) or take a guided cheese and wine tasting on the terrace. Just 10 minutes' drive away is the Binna Burra section of the national park. Ask for a packed lunch and take one of the many trails through the ancient rainforest.

Drifting off to sleep to a choir of frogs from the creek.

Where: Beechmont Estate, 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, Queensland

How much: From $649 per night, including breakfast and dinner

Explore more: beechmontestate.com.au

The writer was a guest of Beechmont Estate.