This is the reason people keep returning to NSW's Central Coast

Each morning a ship's bell sounds to signal breakfast at Kims Beachside Retreat. It's a matter of tradition at a luxury retreat that's been welcoming travellers for generations. Nestled behind a screen of towering century-old Norfolk Pines on the NSW Central Coast, the family-owned, adults-only escape sits on an idyllic 2.5 hectares overlooking reef-protected Toowoon Bay, its rows of bungalows, villas and spa suites blending in with the sub-tropical rainforest of palm trees and ferns.

Many guests are return customers, and no wonder. Wherever we wander we feel we are a million miles from care, yet only a 90-minute drive north of Sydney. The grounds are meticulously groomed, and the 34 bungalows and villas updated with all the expected mod cons. From our sanctuary - the Commodores Beach Villa - we watch the sun rise from the bedroom, the sound of the waves and bird calls a nice break from the car horns and sirens of the city.

The air-conditioned villa with its polished timber floors, ceiling fans, cane furnishing and nautical decor - seashells included - is a welcome sight, so too the bedroom with its king-sized bed and the spacious bathroom naturally brightened by two skylights and boasting a bath big enough for two. Adding extra colour in the lounge is a tall vase of freshly cut sunflowers.

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From humble beginnings as a basic campground 138 years ago, Kims - fed by a natural underground spring - has blossomed into a plush five-star retreat without being formal. Nautical features span across the grounds, understandable as the owner, the late Andrew Strachan, was a yachtie who loved the open waters, and was a line winner of the Sydney-to-Hobart classic. Andrew's wife Maryjane along with his niece Diana and Diana's husband Peter Kershaw (both long-standing managers) continue his seafarer's legacy - including a mast fronting the restaurant that is adorned with the national and state flags of current guests.

As was the case at other holiday hotspots, the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 forced an indefinite closure and, ultimately, changes to the retreat, of note alterations to the restaurant's dining arrangements. The once generously stocked and much sought-after evening seafood buffet was replaced by an a la carte menu which remains in place. Despite this and other subtle changes, Kims Beachside Retreat retains the much-loved characteristics familiar to its long-time guests.

In addition to exploring the beaches, walking trails and headland whale watching lookouts such as Crackneck, Norah Heads Lighthouse and Terrigal's Skillion, the NSW Central Coast today has a Maker's Trail that focuses on 12 local artisan producers. Among those to visit and sample the goodies are the Chocolate Factory Gosford, the Little Creek Cheese Factory at Wyong, the Broken Bay Pearl Farm at Mooney Mooney and Firescreek Botanical Winery. centralcoastmakerstrail.com.au; lovecentralcoast.com

The writer was a guest of Kims Beachside Retreat. Bungalows from $390 a night in May, including hot breakfast. kims.com.au