Hands down, one of the best ever places I have ever stayed is at The Cove near Devonport in the north of Tasmania. It isn't just me, there are rave reviews all over the internet about this fantastic oceanside retreat.
Opened in 2021, it is perched on the land's edge with 180-degree views of Bass Strait literally right outside your front door. The views are similar to those on a balcony suite of a luxury cruise ship! The sight of the night sky lit up with stars and the moon right outside your door is breathtaking.
I have raved about this place to friends, the king-sized bed was so comfortable and the linen so luxurious. The amenities in my room were perfect and the view was spectacular. Tea, coffee and a mini fridge are in the room for that early morning coffee. Upon awakening, I brewed a cup and sat on the verandah, just soaking in the sheer beauty of being here. The only television at the venue is in the Alexander Centre, so it was easy to rest and recharge. The day bed on the verandah was perfect to relax on and read a book whilst listening to the sound of waves crashing below. Just sitting here inhaling the fresh air was invigorating. At dusk, the view of the setting sun from my suite was a delight. Each villa is positioned just right, to take advantage of all the viewpoints.
I stayed in Chalet Cliffside One which had a free-standing bath. Again, the view was superb, and as each chalet has been positioned with privacy as a high consideration, there was no chance of anyone looking in on me. I could lie back and enjoy a good soak with a view.
A short stroll down the cliff stairs brought me to a well thought out sitting area. The stairs are easily climbed, but not suitable for wheelchairs. Sitting here at night, if you are quiet, you may just see and hear the little penguins that come ashore at dusk. Looking out over the strait, the next landmass is Victoria, brings a feeling of peace and serenity. This area is named Mum's Table as the owner's mum wanted to build a house here.
Speaking of seats, there are many options scattered around The Cove. Each one calls you to sit and spend some time doing nothing much at all, except enjoying the views.
For those who want to post to social media or back to friends, the swings are the perfect setting. I mean, the owners who planned this place has thought of almost everything!
To make it even better, the outdoor fire area at the Alexander Centre is fully stacked with wood and reclining day beds for more relaxing. Ah, so many glorious choices! Just to the left of the fire area there are two well-appointed undercover barbeques, which even included a pizza stone.
At the front of the centre are large beanbags to recline in and chat with friends, or just stare at the ocean again. It is a view that is ever changing and mesmerising.
One of the favourite activities at The Cove happens when night starts to descend. The cosy and inviting fire pit lures you into sitting down to watch the flames dance before your eyes as it warms your body and spreads delight. To make the evening even sweeter, ask at reception for the specially made marshmallows and long handled telescopic toasting forks.
The outdoor covered verandahs also host a bar area with a well-stocked selection of beverages. This is an honour system where guests can help themselves, until reception closes, when it is locked.
Now that I have raved about the outdoor areas, it is time to gush about how awesome the Alexander Centre is inside. Large well-appointed spaces still showcase the glorious sea views through large glass windows. The spacious lounge has several different seating areas, and this is where you find the only television. The centre has an understated elegance of a calming grey paint palate. Complimented with wooden doors and furniture, it is something that I would love in my own house. I lost count of the many times I said "I wish I lived here" during my stay.
I loved the decor, and I was so impressed with the communal camp kitchen. Again, the owners have thought of almost everything you could want, including condiments. The kitchen is large, with two of everything. Guests have a shelf on the fridge where they can keep their own supplies. Items in the doors of the fridge can be used by any guest. Dishwashers are a delightful sight too. Not many camp kitchens have them.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and pod coffee are complimentary in the kitchen. A barista coffee can be purchased at reception.
Imagine sitting at this long wooden table, either solo or with friends, enjoying a meal that you have just cooked with the sound, smell and sight of the sea outside these windows. I am sure the food actually improved in taste because of the setting. Plus, I absolutely adored that ladder and light fixture hanging from the ceiling. This place really feels like a home.
There are several styles of accommodation available at The Cove. The butter shed is named because of the wall inside. The timber on the wall has been repurposed. It came from the old family butter shed on the family farm. The door in the wall is the original door from the old shed. I really like the story behind this beautiful display, it is a piece of art.
The butter shed also has a wood heater, hammock and outdoor setting. This is a perfect venue to get away from the everyday and relax in peaceful surrounds, a wonderful space to meditate. Yes, OK, I love those lights that match the ones over the dinner table!
There are several other accommodation offerings on site:
Villa 256 is a fully self-contained house. It has a full kitchen, lounge, dining room, outdoor and indoor bath and a private courtyard.
The three Cliffside Chalets overlooking Cheviot Beach, includes Cliffside One that I had the pleasure of staying in.
Five hardtop glamping cabins. these share the luxurious bathroom at the Alexander Centre. The shared bathroom (ladies and men are separate) have automatic lights and are heated at night.
Five A framed glamp hard shell tents. Three have a toilet and hand basin with the fourth having a full disabled bathroom.
There is a paid laundry on site, and the reception area stocks a small supply of essentials to buy if you left yours behind. Local Tasmanian products and merchandise can be purchased at reception.
There are farm tours that can be organised, as well as penguin spotting assisted walks. The city of Devonport is only a short ten-minute drive away, but the isolated location of the Cove makes it feel like you are alone. Even the noises from the nearby Bass Highway are negligible due to the curve of the hills around the 15-acre property. They protect you from the sight and sound of the main road.
I fell in love with this property. For the five-star accommodation, the setting, the tranquility, the service of the staff, and the overall sense of relaxing, I will be coming back. I would enthusiastically recommend to anyone, and everyone visiting or living in Tasmania, to come and stay even for just one night. Longer is better! I would even come back to Tasmania for the sole purpose of staying here again.
Different styles of accommodation at The Cove have different pricings, more information be obtained from www.thecovetasmania.com
256 Waverley Road, Devonport Tasmania 7310
Happy Travels!
Lovely!
Eye watering views and luxuries, so beautiful!
It seems very relaxing!
Looks bloody amazing, lucky girl!
What an incredible place Helen & I must admit I was totally sold when I read "whilst listening to the sound of waves crashing below".
Is there any better sound?
No, I truly don't think so.