SAY hey there TO HOLA – hotel OF local ART IN EUMUNDI, QLD

Brainchild of Nicky and Paul Thomas, HOLA is a lot more than just a hotel; it’s a celebration of Sunshine coast artists and is a masterclass in attention to detail. welcome to HOLA Eumundi—Hotel Of local Art.

Best known for its long-standing twice-weekly craft markets, Eumundi in Queensland is also home to one of the most creative hotels in the Sunshine coast that is full of surprises.

At first glance, HOLA—a modern albeit discreet pair of buildings tucked away in the trees—might look nothing a lot more than a nicely painted two-storey motel.

And maybe you think its name is simply Spanish for ‘hello’.

But much like its name, which is in fact an acronym for hotel Of local Art, this is a high-end hotel packed with local handicraft and original art pieces, creative fittings and tasteful details, and stunning styling.

Here’s our video walkthrough of HOLA, Eumundi.

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HOLA – hotel Of local Art, Eumundi

Set back from Memorial Drive, the main road that runs like a broad brushstroke ideal across town, HOLA has a serenity that Bob Ross himself would approve of.

All 15 rooms are individually decorated with different original art pieces, with cups, glasses, lampshades and even shower room sinks sourced from local craftspeople.

That’s not to say there’s any level of luxury or quality missed. Every fitting and fixture has had thought put into it.

Matching high-end shower room amenities, Nespresso machines in every room, modern lights and switches with USB power points, a large smart TV, and amazing stacking balcony doors that become a retractable glass wall make sure you know you’re staying in a top-of-the-line hotel.

The minibar is well-stocked with local produce—of course, beers, gin and vodka from Eumundi Brewery and Distillery, but also soda water and tonic from long Rays keeps things close to home.

But there are other things like the copper spoons and bottle opener, and matching copper coat hangers and glasses all made from recycled bottles that keep the rooms interesting.

How much local art is really in this hotel though?

To start with, there’s a fairly thick book that lists all the art in and around HOLA, and where it’s from and by whom. It really shows how invested the Thomases are in local art.

Many of the things in these rooms are sourced from Eumundi’s popular craft market, which has been running considering that 1979, and you can buy much of what you see in your room for yourself.

And in fact Nicky leaves a note in the room that lays out just how much local art, craft and handiwork has gone into making this hotel:

Where is all this art from?

“Above your bed you’ll see the amazing work of Laura Vecmane, and in the hallway is a piece by another sensational local artist, Kurt Black.

“The hand-crafted ‘do not disturb’ sign was created by the talented Rene McGovern, who lives just down the street.

“The hand basin in your shower room was created by Andrea Borelli, who lives near the beach. The ceramics featured in your room are by Elke Lucas and Jedda Clay. The brass rail in the cupboard was made here on the coast just near Maroochydore.

“Suzie Mansley made the ceramic HOLA diffuser and created the combination of bush flower vital oils that lightly fragrance your room.

“The crystal in your room is a quartz, which encourages clarity and enhances communication. There is a wonderful crystal shop in Eumundi’s Memorial Drive called Cinnabar Soul. It is well worth a visit.

“Make sure you indulge in using the Leif products in your bathroom. They are made in Australia using crucial native ingredients and a supporting cast of vital oils. We refill these containers to minimize plastic use.

“You can also buy the coffee cups, glassware, amazing linen features, cushions and throws from CLO Studios in Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction.”

Beyond your hotel room

HOLA’s hotel grounds are also full of paintings, sculptures and other little artistic touches.

Ostensibly the reception, the HOLA Lounge is a fun bespoke part of the hotel that collects artwork, guests and plenty of seating for an impromptu byo bar scene.

And if it’s too early in the day, the Eumundi Coffee Co, which shares the alley with the HOLA Lounge, does arguably the best brew in town. A takeaway and a seat amongst the art in this serene little garden is highly recommended.

From the Lounge, it’s only a couple of steps down the alley, and you’re on Eumundi’s main street and back in the thick of things.

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The Thomas empire of Eumundi

It’s tough to know where Nicky and Paul Thomas get all their energy from.

Not only have they created this excellent concept in their boutique hotel, they also run The Imperial Hotel—Eumundi’s greatest (andlet’s face it, best) pub, not to mention the busiest and best stocked bottle shop in the area.

The pub typically hosts music festivals including the Offbeat music Festival, private parties and even wedding receptions in its broad walls.

And not delighted with that workload, inside the Imperial Paul has set up Eumundi Brewery—a craft beer maker that turns out a range exceptional brews that pour from the pub’s taps.

Clearly Paul and Nicky still have too much time on their hands though, as the Imperial is also home to Eumundi Distillers, which crafts a range of gins and liqueurs, and is looking into barrel-aged spirits too.

Both the beers and the gins from here are complimentary in each room’s minibar in HOLA.

Now that’s what I call cross-promotion.

HOLA uses a special place to lay your head in a town that in itself is completely unique. It’s a town with essentially no pokies, it’s relatively remote yet gets exceptionally busy—especially when festivals and the markets are on, and there are far too lots of outstanding restaurants here for a regional town of its size.

It has a surprisingly young population, and yet everyone’s wonderfully friendly and welcoming.

In a way, HOLA fits because it’s in a town that’s so unconventional. and what a breath of fresh air that is.

We stayed as media guests of HOLA and check out Sunshine coast tourism board, but our opinions remain our own.