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Reviews of Casuarina Oceans Retreat

4 out of 5
Casuarina Oceans Retreat
768 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, NSW

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 35 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was a beautiful space, Lovely receptionist. Can’t wait to go back ☺️
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christine, New York

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place is great. Fantastic location, secluded beach, lovely tropical woods between. At first it a disappointment that the wifi was down due to ongoing repairs on the neighborhood, but it turned out to be a real blessing in the end, and I got some much needed downtime. I would return here in a heartbeat. I extended our stay by another night as it was so relaxing, and amazing to wake up to the sound of the sea and the birds. The birdlife is incredible in the garden, amazing to throw open the doors to your room and watch the dawn from your bed. I heartily recommend this establishment.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from T on 14 Jun 2019
Thank you for your words :)

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness
Yoga fantasies, staff lovely & kind with Fawlty tower experience
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from T on 14 May 2019
Thank you for your feedback

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The bedroom is very nicely decorated and very large. So is the bathroom. The window would not close, so I am not sure how it feel during the winter months, though there is aircon in the room. There is hardly anyone at the reception. They are on call 90% of the time. They is no restaurant. If you want a breakfast, you can’t just rock in. You have to order it the night before. I have not tried it, and so will not be able to comment. It’s super quiet. Would need a car to go anywhere. There is no shopping/restaurant/cafes walking distance.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Response from T on 29 Apr 2019
Thanks for your feedback

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the peaceful vibe the property offers. I relaxed by the pond reading my book, utilising the hammock and the swing. So good. Walk the path to a lovely beach. The only thing that I didn't like was that it had no fridge/microwave in the room and the coffee shop was only open on the weekend. The staff were amazing and very friendly. Made you feel right at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Response from T on 29 Apr 2019
Thanks for your feedback

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The place was beautiful, but there was no one there to meet you or greet you, no welcome book and barely any amenities. No one seemed to be there at all, and it was almost deserted. The furniture and rooms were stunning however, but service and staff visibility needs to be dramatically improved.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from T on 19 Mar 2019
Sorry for the lack of staff on this day it was due to an illness which has been carried by one or two people. Thanks for the feedback.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from T on 2 Apr 2019
Thanks for enjoying your stay with us.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful accomadation just divine. The little things let it down like coffee in the room but no milk or tea. No fridge when asked a
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from T on 1 Apr 2019
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry to hear the room didn't have any tea bags or milk I will address this mistake to our cleaner. We don't list having fridges in the rooms I'm afraid but glad you had a good stay.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A unique place with lovely staff and a relaxex setting.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from T on 3 Mar 2019
Thank you for your words

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from T on 29 Jan 2019
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful retreat away from reality and crowds. Boho/costal design with a touch of spirituality makes this a unique holiday escape.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from T on 26 Jan 2019
Thanks for your kind words :)

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Crap hotel. Cant even contact them. Never again. Caused horrible issues.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from T on 25 Jan 2019
I apologise for your freak incident which happened on your date. I can assure you this has never happened before.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
POSITIVES: peaceful, close to a beautiful beach & pretty coastal town! NEGATIVES: 1.difficult to contact staff on the provided number & same when we arrived. 2. on arrival the "name" on the retreat premises were different from stated. 3. staff were unaware that the name on entrance was different from "Casuarina Ocean Retreat" and was "Cabarita Ocean Retreat". 4. no fridges: we took our 87Ltr esky which was extremely heavy since we were staying 4 nights and traveling with 2 our children. Our room was located up 2 flights of steps - when asked if the "lift works - staff said no". Credit to 1 staff person who stepped in to help! 5. MISLEADING: the "images from the advert" and the word "retreat" conjured up thoughts that the yoga, massage, bike hire are all included. Not at all! Gym was free but so old and rusted and I'm sure not annually checked. 6. a family of 4 - the room supplied 2 tea cups, 2 glasses, 1 bath washer, 1 beach towel. Although, correct supply of bath towels. 7. the bath and especially the toilet seat and around the toilet had not been cleaned. 8. there were no "Fire Evacuation Procedures" in our room nor in the gym nor anywhere else to be visually seen by guests. 9. the café: no working coffee machine and no permanent staff between the operational times of 8am-1pm and no visible sign of the café being a "registered food provider". 10. non-existent staff in general but especially difficult when our "room cards: failed on day 2.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from T on 25 Jan 2019
Thanks for your feedback.

8/10 Good

Vibhash

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Family holiday
Property needs some TLC. Has loads of potential. A pool, bar/ fresh coffee faciities will add greatly to the experience
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from T on 25 Jan 2019
Thanks for your kind review

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing stay at Casuarina Oceans Retreat
Very enjoyable stay at Casuarina Oceans Retreat. Very relaxing, very helpful staff (thanks Lilly). Had a real homely feel about it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from T on 3 Jan 2019
Thanks John

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from T on 3 Jan 2019
Thanks

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff were so welcoming and friendly. Very close proximity to the beach. A lot quieter than other well known hotels in the area. Not a great option for young families with 2 double beds in the room, but it served the purpose of a mums weekend away. A bar fridge would have made all the difference to the room. Fantastic shower!!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Response from T on 21 Dec 2018
Thanks dor the review

6/10 Okay

Lou, Southport

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Could be so nice. Needs a good clean inside and out. Felt a bit strange.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from T on 8 Dec 2018
Sorry you felt the place wasn't as clean as you hoped on this day. It was a result of one of our cleaners being away and was addressed to keep our high standards.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Response from T on 9 Nov 2018
Thanks

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from t on 19 Oct 2018
thanks

8/10 Good

brissy, brissie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and close to beach
Nice hotel close to beach , good views of the garden and natural vegetation, no kitchenette and car required to the shops
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from Tom on 6 Oct 2018
Thanks Brissy

8/10 Good

Karen, Alex Hills QLD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Much homier than a hotel, with each room having its own theme which is fun. You need to try their breakfast in the morning, super healthy and presented beautifully.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Tom on 29 Aug 2018
I'm glad you enjoyed your time here Karen. Looking forward to hosting you again sometime in the future!

4/10 Poor

c

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not what advertised.
Much smaller room than advertised in photos, holes in wall, no balcony, doors won’t open, shower not great. No fridge or eating facilities in rooms. No side table light, had to switch the overhead lights off to go to sleep. Only one towel for two people. “Dairy free,” which made the coffee terrible, but had bacon at breakfast so I’m confused about the cruelty factor there. For $600 for two nights, I expected more. Not exactly the romantic stay I was expecting.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Response from Tom on 30 Aug 2018
Hello C, Thank you for you feedback, which we appreciate hearing and taking on board. We would also highly appreciate even more a phone call or message from you to discuss these holes? We have had two people maintenance team members check everywhere in the building for any holes in walls and they have had no luck finding anything so please report to to us asap please about this confusion. As a health retreat we are proud to share health benefits with guests who care to have food or drinks from our healthy kitchen; which is gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free. We are a health retreat, not a retreat which shares messages in regards to animal cruelty, even if it's something we individually don't value. Our education is on gut health. :) All of the room pictures which are online are the same as the rooms which we have available here. There is a variety of room pictures online and occasionally guests who book with us will request a certain room they have seen in the pictures, for us to provide them with. Along with the pictures of our rooms online there is also a listing included of what the room provides. On none of the online listings do we claim there are fridges or eating facilities in any of the rooms. :) This is as we are a retreat and while running retreats we cater for our guests who are provided with a healthy balanced diet. By having fridges in the rooms it gives a retreat guest the temptation of bringing items into there bedroom which they are meant to be taking a break from while on a special program. We do however always offer guests space in a fridge downstairs on arrival if they need to leave anything in fridge space. This is something which guests appreciate while we are happy to keep them satisfied. Wishing you a great day and the possibility of email us about these holes in the walls :) Warm Regards,

10/10 Excellent

Bernetta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Tom on 24 Aug 2018
Thanks for your review Bernetta

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great Potential but..
Great staff, nice location next to the beach but building needs maintainence, Wifi did not work in our room, some room facilities were worn and the room furniture was not very practical e.g. only one bedside table, no fridge.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Tom on 24 Aug 2018
Thanks for your feedback we appreciate your review.

10/10 Excellent

Peter, Coolum Beach Qld

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great boutique retreat in a beautiful setting
Wonderful place to stay. Beautiful location, nicely decorated and lovely tranquil gardens. Highly recommend it for couples who want to get away from it all and have a relaxing stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Tom on 7 Aug 2018
Thanks for your great review Peter. I hope to see you back again in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Sarah, Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly staff, beautiful rooms and grounds, amazing location and the cafe had great breakfasts (but note it is dairy free!)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Response from Tom on 2 Aug 2018
Thanks for your loverly review. Hope to host you again sometime in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018
Response from Tom on 14 Jun 2018
Thanks Chris, Glad you had a pleasant stay.

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome place to stay
Had a great Stay. Damian is a great host and Tom on reception was equally as helpful. Short stroll to one of the best beaches in Australia, short drive to Kingscliffe where there are great food choices, shorter drive to Salt village with even more choices.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from Tom on 25 May 2018
Thanks for the kind words Douglas! You and your family are welcome anytime.

8/10 Good

John, Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An enjoyable overnight stay with great service from management. Great beds and bathroom with nice outlook. A small bar fridge would have been useful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Tom on 25 May 2018
Thanks for the review John.

8/10 Good

tracy , Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very relaxing retreat by the beach
Tom is an asset to this hotel. He is friendly, helpful and offers a very personalised experience. Would be great if there was a pool.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Oceans Team on 16 May 2018
Hi, we are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay, Tom is definitely an amazing part of the team. We look forward to seeing you back again

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Hotel and staff very good
Great place to stay 2 minuets from beach only problem for me and my wife was no fridge in room,but overhaul quite pleasant.
Response from Tom on 11 May 2018
Thanks for the positive review Stephen, as someone who values his hotel experience and travels a fair bit I appreciate the words.

8/10 Good

Sandi, Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hidden Paradise
This was a great last minute find. A small private hotel was located perfectly for us to explore northern NSW. The room was big and bathrooms were spotless. The only improvement I could offer would be a small bar fridge in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Tom on 12 Apr 2018
Hey Sandi, It was a pleasure hosting you, thank you for the kind words, I hope you visit again on day!

4/10 Poor

jay, brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
The room was beautiful and we settled in for a relaxing night off with no children. Unfortunately the air conditioning was broken and it was a very uncomfortable night sleep. We came to relax and after only a couple of hours sleep due to the heat we left the next day exhausted needing to go home and sleep. Not what you expect from a relaxation resort at $300 per night... very disappointed
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018
Response from Tom on 13 Apr 2018
Hey Jay, I'm sorry to read this after previously discussed our distress in finding out last minute that the AC had gone over night. So as a result I offered you both a room change to a room with working AC or a fan. Having decided you would stick to the room you were in I was upset to hear in the morning that you struggled to sleep. I then offered you a room for the second time to go and get some rest in along with a late checkout (for anytime that day) but I understood that you had children to go to collect so you couldn't stay. After expressing an honest apology I was glad to hear how understanding you were about the situation and stating '..don't worry, these things happen'. On top of this since we have communicated via email and have offered you a complementary return trip it's sad to read this poor review as I feel we did everything in our power to keep you as a valued guest happy.