With an array of new hotel openings, aquatic experiences and attractions, Queensland, Australia is an exciting place to visit this year.
For clients heading down under, Travel Agent breaks down a sampling of the latest hotel and resort news from the destination.
Breeze, a new boutique coastal property located in Moololaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is the newest luxury resort to open in the seaside suburb in over a decade. Breeze occupies a prime position on the beachfront esplanade and is within walking distance of award-winning dining, including the area’s beloved Spice Bar restaurant. With its fluid, exterior architecture that mirrors the ocean’s gentle waves, the property has 57 style-forward apartments designed in neutral colors and beachside decor. Breeze also offers a pool and spa, and guests have access to the beach as well as bicycles for exploring Mooloolaba and the surrounding coastal community.
Visit www.breezemooloolaba.com.au
The Daydream Island Resort and Spa will undergo a $50 million redevelopment, with work to begin in 2017. The resort will see a top-notch overhaul of the arrivals, reception and main atrium areas, the Waterfalls and Mermaids Restaurants, Lagoons Bar and all 296 rooms. The hotel's signature Living Reef Lagoon will receive some renovations, and an Asian-inspired restaurant will be a new addition to the Island’s dining options.
Visit www.daydreamisland.com
Opened in November of last year, the Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays, located in the center of the cosmopolitan seaside resort village of Airlie Beach, offers travelers boutique accommodations and amenities, coupled with highly personalized and attentive service. Each of the hotel’s luxury guest rooms and suites has L’Occitane bath amenities.
Visit www.hearthotelwhitsundays.com.au
The new SAGE Hotel is set to open February 28 on Brisbane’s trendy James Street as part of a $5 million redevelopment project. The four-and-a-half-star boutique hotel, which is built around the Queen Arms hotel, combines a traditional facade with modern hotel interiors, offering a design aesthetic of exposed brick meets marble tiling and modern furnishings.
The property has 93 stylish guestrooms and multiple food and beverage offerings, including a 180-seat restaurant, Cellar, a deli and a cafe, as well as a conference and function center.
Visit www.snhotels.com/sage/james-street-brisbane/
The Islander Resort has been completely redesigned and renamed The Island. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, The Island hotel offers 150 newly renovated, spacious rooms that are designed incorporating both classic and functional elements, while evoking a modern sense of the classic surfer film, “Gidget”. Boasting views of the hinterland, city, beach and water, guests of The Island hotel will also have access to experience the property’s revamped tropical rooftop bar, The Island Rooftop. The Island will debut a kids’ club, and programming later this year.
Visit www.theislandgoldcoast.com.au
Debuted in September of last year, The Johnson is the Art Series Hotels’ first Queensland property, and is inspired by globally renowned Australian colorist Michael Johnson.
The hotel consists of 83 suites and two penthouses offering views across the city, as well as multi-function public spaces.
Guests of The Johnson have access to the hotel’s art tours and in-room art channels and libraries. Branded Smart Cars and Lekker bicycles are available for guest use, and complement the property’s array of resort-like amenities that include a 164-foot resort style pool and deck bar.
Visit www.artserieshotels.com.au/johnson
Situated on Kelly’s Beach in Bagara, a private beachfront located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, ZEN Beach Retreat offers highly personalized boutique retreat programs for groups of up to 22 guests.
The newly opened property offers four villas, accommodating up to four guests each, and one main house which can accommodate up to six guests. Travelers can choose from a broad range of professional options and facilitated retreat programs that include personalized eco-therapy experiences, integrated health and wellness sessions, team-building and lifestyle packages.
Visit www.zenbeachretreat.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Australia travel news.