We heart holidays!

A couple of weeks ago we ventured up to the Sunshine Coast, to Mooloolaba beach to be exact, for a much needed holiday. My partner was attending a conference there and we decided to stay on for a few more days to relax and do as little as possible. The last time we had anything that resembled a proper holiday was in 2006. It was divine. As I’m sitting here back home again feeling hot and bothered I’m dreaming myself back there with a bit of a photo essay.

View from our apartment

We got a wonderful deal for the whole trip, return airfares and 8 nights in an apartment at Mantra hotel right on the beach by booking through Japanese expedia. Believe me, there is a lot of money to be saved by being smart about how you book things.

The flight to and from couldn’t have gone any better. Anakin was excited and within ten minutes of the seatbelt sign being turned off he was asleep both ways. (Yay for the power of boob!) Our flights were scheduled a bit after his normal nap time and it worked a treat. He slept for 45 minutes to an hour and was easily entertained for the rest of the time. The only downside to flying was that Anakin immediately got a cold. By the time we arrived he was already getting snotty.

But in true champion form this didn’t impair him at all.

Mooloolaba beach

Our hotel was right on the beach. All we had to do was to cross the road and we were there. Along the strip were restaurants and small shops. An all in one place for a family holiday.

Early bird breakfast

Because of the one hour time difference our days started at 4.30 every day. It was hard, but it meant we got a lot out of every day. It also meant that most nights we were in bed by 8.30-9, an hour or so after Anakin.

Early birds need coffee

Up the road from the hotel was also one of several playgrounds.

Checking out the surf

Anakin was a bit weary of the beach. The waves were big and it was a bit full on for him. We managed to get around it by taking turns watching him and swimming. With 26 degrees in the water it was hard to keep us away!

Hold on to your hat!

The beach was pristine. Clear water all the way.

I love the beach!

Every day was ice cream day

One night of rain, but still beautiful

A moment of not so happy

While Anakin was not the biggest fan of the beach he was a huge fan of the pool and the spa in our room. The outdoor pool’s heating was bust so it was quite freezing, but this didn’t stop our little fish.

A bit further up the road from the hotel was Underwater world. Great place for a morning excursion.

Nose fish. Hilarious.

Getting a bit of touch’n feel

Showing the fish his truck

A great place for an awkward family photo

Hotel playtime

early dinner wine time

We enjoyed some nice meals during our holiday. Some of them better than others when we timed them early enough for me to enjoy a glass of red too!

Excursion to the docks to look at some boats. There was a lady here with a snake (which you had to pay to photograph) who let Anakin pet her snake for a gold coin donation. Anakin went one step further and gave it a hug. Might have to talk to him about hugging snakes. No photos of that, but a good memory still.