Sabina River Holidays from AU$1,428

A very large complex but no food/beverage outlets and no information provided at check-in about nearby services. Credit card requested at check-in but no room service or restaurant available so not really sure why it was required.

The location at Smiths Beach Resort is amazing, with a beautiful beach close by. Unfortunately, our stay began with a disappointing check-in. We had specifically booked a poolside room, only to be told it was unavailable and we had been “upgraded” to a larger unit at the back of the property. More space wasn’t an upgrade when it meant losing the location we had chosen. After pressing to have our booking honoured, we were moved to a beautiful poolside room with an amazing view. It was exactly the accommodation we had hoped for, but I was disappointed that getting what we booked required jumping through hoops. The eight suites around the central pool looked lovely and had the boutique luxury feel I expected. The units along the road and towards the rear didn’t give me that impression. To my eye, the online material suggests a level of luxury that doesn’t reflect the whole property. I was also surprised by the number of families with children. Families enjoy all kinds of holidays, of course, but at times the atmosphere felt more like a family resort than the intimate boutique hotel I had pictured. That distinction would have been helpful to understand beforehand. Once settled, we appreciated the beautiful room, view and beach. The entire region from Yallingup down to Augusta is incredible. I just wish receiving what we booked had been straightforward.