The hype
The location and views are absolutely breathtaking, but the property is showing its age and desperately needs a renovation.
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort
$167-$250 / night
Book this if Book this if you want a romantic, off-the-grid glamping experience with stunning Pacific Ocean views and don't mind sacrificing five-star service for a killer location.
Why People Love It
- Unobstructed ocean views from the cliffside tenthouse suites
- On-site TuBird restaurant serving excellent Mediterranean-inspired meals
- Free access to kayaks, a private dock for cold plunges, and evening s'mores
Quick Take: The cliffside views are undeniably world-class, but spotty housekeeping and aging infrastructure make this feel more like a rustic summer camp than a luxury resort.
Reviewed by @kuhrizteeen: My stay in this cliffside glamping tent was the ultimate reset. Waking up to panoramic ocean views and soaking in the tub while watching the sunset was unforgettable. If you need a romantic escape on the Sunshine Coast, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying luxury prices for the scenery, not the service—expect spotty housekeeping and rustic quirks like bugs and broken blinds.
- Couples looking for a romantic, nature-immersed getaway
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want to kayak and hike right from the property
- Travelers who prioritize epic views over pristine room conditions
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4.5
- Housekeeping: Highly inconsistent. Multiple reports of missed daily service, or staff just emptying trash without wiping surfaces or replacing dirty glasses.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Some guests report sparkling Jacuzzi tubs, while others found stained grout, mold on tent walls, and toothpaste left in 'clean' glasses.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Complaints include broken blinds, doors that don't lock properly, peeling paint, and dead bugs in light fixtures.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean, but some reports of stained sheets and worn towels. The heated slate floors in the tents are a nice touch, though.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh ocean and pine air, but some older lodge rooms have a musty, damp smell typical of aging coastal properties.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Footsteps from rooms above in the main lodge
- Loud, heavy doors slamming in the hallways
- Occasional late-night noise from the outdoor event setups
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort is about a 45-minute drive from the Langdale ferry terminal, so a car is highly recommended.
- Tenthouses are adults-only (19+), while cabins and lodge rooms allow pets for $35/night.
- Early check-in is rarely accommodated, so plan to arrive right at 4:00 PM.
What to pack
- Bug spray (you're in the forest and mosquitoes are common)
- Sturdy walking shoes for the boardwalks and nearby hiking trails like Smuggler Cove
- A sleep mask and earplugs if you're staying in the main lodge
Room Genie
Best picks
- Tenthouse Suite #60 for the most unobstructed, panoramic views at the end of the boardwalk
- Ocean View Cabins for a more private, standalone experience without the lodge noise
Rooms to avoid
- Room 17 in the lodge (next to stairs, loud automatic door, and above the smoking area)
- Lower-ground lodge rooms which can feel dark and suffer from noise above
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, we are so excited for our stay! If possible, we would love to request a Tenthouse Suite as far down the boardwalk as possible (like #60) for maximum privacy and unobstructed ocean views. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there is a seasonal heated outdoor pool open from May to October (9 AM to 9 PM).
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome in the Cabins and Poolside Lodge rooms for $35/night, but the Tenthouses are strictly pet-free.
Is there an on-site restaurant?
Yes, TuBird serves excellent Mediterranean-inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ocean views.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Many rooms do not have AC, relying on ocean breezes, which can make them stuffy during summer heatwaves.
Is there an elevator?
No, the property has no elevators and many stairs, making it difficult for those with mobility issues.
What is the Wi-Fi situation?
Free Wi-Fi is available, but given the remote location, it can be spotty in the furthest tenthouses.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book a massage in the outdoor Summer Spa Tent—it's perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean for ultimate relaxation.
- ✨
Grab the free kayaks early in the morning to explore the calm waters of Secret Cove before the wind picks up.
- ✨
Don't miss the complimentary morning yoga sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, held outdoors with panoramic views.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'glamping' tenthouses have heated slate floors and two-person Jacuzzi tubs, but the canvas walls mean you'll hear everything outside.
💡Housekeeping is notoriously inconsistent—sometimes they just empty the trash and leave new coffee pods without actually cleaning.
💡The property is built into a cliffside, meaning you'll be hauling your own luggage up and down steep stairs and boardwalks.
💡The on-site restaurant, TuBird, is fantastic, but it's pricey and reservations are highly recommended as it fills up with locals.
💡There's a private dock specifically for cold plunges into the Salish Sea—perfect for a bracing morning wake-up.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Rockwater Secret Cove Resort is located and what's nearby.