4 June 2026: From sweeping coastal curves and organic textures to layered lighting and locally inspired palettes, the interiors of the newly opened Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel have been carefully designed to reflect the relaxed sophistication of the Sunshine Coast.
Led by Queensland interior designer Taryn Raso of Studio Raso Interior Design, the 180-room hotel blends the energetic global identity of the Avani brand with a distinctly local connection to Mooloolaba’s beachside lifestyle and hinterland surrounds.
The design direction draws heavily on the natural tones and textures of the region, incorporating warm timber finishes, travertine stone, tactile fabrics and curved architectural detailing to create a calming yet contemporary guest experience from arrival through to rooftop dining.
Raso said the design approach focused on creating spaces that felt elevated but approachable – luxurious without losing the laid-back spirit of the coast.
“We wanted guests to walk in and immediately feel a sense of escape,” Raso said.
“The Sunshine Coast has such a beautiful natural softness to it, so we leaned into organic textures, coastal tones and curved forms to create spaces that feel warm, welcoming and connected to the environment.”
Throughout the hotel, the interiors balance neutral palettes with layered textures and subtle design moments intended to create a sensory experience for guests. Arched mirrors, custom joinery, textured wallpapers and concealed lighting have been used to maintain visual continuity while adding depth and softness throughout the property.
One of the defining spaces within the hotel is Sully’s Rooftop, the level 12 dining and bar destination overlooking Mooloolaba Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Designed as a sophisticated yet relaxed rooftop venue, Sully’s combines Mediterranean-inspired styling with subtle nods to Sunshine Coast surf culture, incorporating oversized greenery, ribbed velvet upholstery, amber glass accents and intimate lounge-style seating areas.
“The views are obviously the hero at Sully’s, so the interiors needed to complement rather than compete with that,” Raso said.
“We wanted it to feel social, relaxed and slightly nostalgic – somewhere people could settle in for a long lunch or sunset drinks and feel completely immersed in the atmosphere of the coast.”
Elsewhere across the property, the interiors extend through a rooftop pool deck featuring Spanish mosaics and striped cabanas, a softly lit spa designed as a calming sanctuary, and guest rooms that reference both the ocean and hinterland through subtle tonal shifts and natural finishes.
Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT Hotels, said the hotel’s interiors played a critical role in shaping the guest experience and positioning Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel as a new benchmark for coastal hospitality in Queensland.
“We wanted Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel to feel internationally relevant while still being deeply connected to the Sunshine Coast,” Wagner said.
“Taryn has delivered interiors that are sophisticated, highly functional and genuinely reflective of the lifestyle and energy of this region. Every space has been carefully considered to create a sense of place.”
The project also prioritised local craftsmanship and Australian suppliers where possible, with local trades and artisans contributing to custom detailing and furniture pieces throughout the hotel.
Raso said one of the project’s greatest challenges was navigating global supply chain constraints while maintaining the integrity of the design vision.
“There were definitely moments where we had to rethink and adapt, but in many ways it pushed us toward more local craftsmanship and smarter design solutions,” she said.
“The end result feels layered, authentic and very grounded in place.”
Developed, owned and operated by KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Minor Hotels, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel marks the first full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in more than four decades.
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