Brand activations and experiences can often be done in vain, where a brand lazily slaps its label on something and markets it as its own, but Veuve Clicquot’s Hotel Clicquot is the antithesis of that. It’s a masterclass in nailing a luxury brand activation that not only showcases the world of Clicquot, but also that of Champagne.
Hotel Clicquot is a carefully-curated, sun-kissed oasis that pops up annually for just two weeks in a secret Australian location. In its third iteration – the first in Byron Bay and second in Noosa – the lush experience, which sleeps 10 guests at a time, will once again transform a private beachfront residence that sits on the shore of Noosa’s Sunshine Beach into Hotel Clicquot.
The transformation is no easy feat, but it’s executed flawlessly. From bed linen to pool umbrellas, beach towels, in-room robes, tote bags, match boxes and Champagne glasses, soft touches of the Champagne house’s trademarked Pantone 137c yellow are referenced throughout. But the Hotel Clicquot is not just about appearance. The service, food, experiences and, naturally, Champagne, are all world class.
The true Clicquot experience
The Clicquot journey begins from the moment guests touch down at Sunshine Coast Airport. A private driver will greet you at the terminal and usher you into a Veuve Clicquot branded Tesla. Kick back and relax to the smooth sounds of the official Veuve Clicquot Spotify playlist (did I not say they’ve thought of everything) on the 30-minute drive en route to the Hotel Clicquot.
Located on a steeply sloping hill surrounded by green landscape and offering breathtaking ocean views, this open airy home-turned-hotel is quintessential Australian opulence, understated yet breathtaking. Guests are treated to a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (the first of many) as they check-in and are given a private tour of the property. There’s a spa, sauna, infinity pool, cinema room, gym, Veuve Clicquot branded popcorn machine and multiple lounge areas to take in the view from. There’s also private access to the sandy shores of Sunshine Beach.

Bite into the best
Now, let’s talk about the food. All meals, snacks and drinks (bubbles or otherwise) are included in the two- or three-night stay. There’s 24-hour butler service so if you wish to snack or order some Champagne to your room you can. Breakfast can be devoured poolside or indoors, the choice is yours. Lunch and dinners are enjoyed as a group. Clicquot has called in Australia’s finest chefs to prepare a four- to five-course menu created just for Hotel Clicquot residents. Each course is paired with a glass of some of the rarest and oldest Clicquot poured from magnums, no less.
This year, guests will get to see the iconic Peter Gilmore (Quay, Bennelong), legendary Martin Benn (ex Sepia, Society) and Chris Hemsworth’s private chef, Sergio Perera, plate up their take on a champagne dining experience.
The Garden Gastronomy dining series not only showcases the talent of the incredible chefs but also Clicquot’s prestige cuvee, La Grande Dame. Gilmore will bring some of his classic dishes to the Sunshine Coast, but with a Clicquot twist. Roasted Maitake mushrooms, black lip abalone and koji butter is paired with Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé 2012 and Late spring vegetables steamed coral trout Beurre blanc married with Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998.

Related story: Pop the bubbly! Veuve Clicquot’s pop-up Hotel Clicquot is returning in October
Benn’s take is an elevated version of some of the garden-inspired menus featured in his book. Expect exquisite dishes like Roasted heirloom pumpkin (which Benn grew himself), saikyo miso, finger lime, yuzu and olive oil, spanner crab, sobacha, which is matched with Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé 2012.
Perera brings his sustainable approach to the freshest seafood to the table, plating up Lightly cured baby heirloom tomato, raspberry, cherry and raw snapper with chilled Japanese plum broth and for main Steamed Murray Cod with puffed skin, Jerusalem artichoke, fresh peas and white tomato sauce matched back with Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV. For dessert Toasted coriander seed ice cream, almond sponge, elderflower oil with Veuve Clicquot Rich.
Pop the bubbles
Every dish served at Hotel Clicquot has a glass of Clicquot to match and most glasses are poured out of magnum bottles so the flavour profile of the Champagne or Rosé is unmatched. But if you’re a Champagne lover and want to try some of the House’s reserve vintage to truly understand Clicquot’s flagship Yellow Label, then the masterclass experience is a must. Whether you’re new to exploring Champagne or a connoisseur, the on-hand sommelier will provide tips on how best to taste Champagne (with your eyes, nose, and mouth), delve into the history of the brand and its beloved founder and pioneer Madame Clicquot.
For those unfamiliar with the history, Madame Clicquot was a true rule breaker. She was the first woman to own a Champagne house in France, was the first to label a vintage bottle with the year of the harvest, invented riddling, and compilation rosé.
There are also unique experiences that can add-on to your stay. Want to unwind? Book a massage treatment, which you can have in your room at the spa or even poolside. For guests wanting to undo some of the copious consumption of Champagne, there’s sunrise yoga. And for those wanting to see a bit more of Noosa, there’s the Clicquot Dreamboat. The vintage speed boat will take up to 4 guests for a cruise along Noosa River and dock at a beach for a private picnic. We’ll cheers to that.

Hotel Clicquot is open from October 13-28, 2023. Packages start from $10,000 for two nights and $15,000 for three nights (including transfers, meals, drinks and accommodation). For more information, visit hotel-clicquot.veuveclicquot.com.au
Related story: 48 food-filled hours in Noosa for the epicurious traveller
Comments
Join the conversation
Log in Register