A State of Welcome Pushes Queensland's Room Boom

Eighteen major hotel openings in just over 12 months – not including the major revamps and overhauls - is enough to make a worldly traveller giddy with choice. And, it looks like the pace of hotel openings is set to continue as Queensland brings its R-game (that's Resort Game!) to the world this year with the reopening of three icons; the much-loved Daydream Island Resort, the iconic Hayman Island Resort by Intercontinental and the ultra, low-key exclusive Wilson Island Retreat. Oh, and there's also a convention centre to boot. Read on to learn more about the classic rebrands, the reboots, and the shiny new kids on the Queensland block.

HOTELS IN THE PIPELINE

Daydream Island, Whitsundays (April 10, 2019): Australia's much-loved Daydream Island Resort will reopen its doors on April 10, 2019 offering 277 revamped guest rooms and suites (with garden, pool and ocean views), three new signature restaurants, a gin bar, and a swim-up bar serving classic poolside cocktails. The reopening follows an extensive US$71 million redevelopment. Central to the island's re-design is The Living Reef, a free-form coral lagoon that wraps its way around the resort and plays home to 100 species of animals, corals and invertebrates, all sourced from a 20 km radius of the island and gathered by licensed collectors. A new underwater observatory in the main building provides a window directly into the lagoon extended to four metres deep and filled with aqua water straight from the surrounding seas. https://www.daydreamisland.com/

Novotel Twin Waters Convention Centre (May, 2019): In a move that will reposition the Sunshine Coast as a leading business events destination, Novotel Twin Waters Resort will open the doors to their new $8 million convention centre this May. The facility, combined with the resort's existing Wandiny Pavilion, will bring the centre's overall capacity to 3,400 delegates. https://www.novoteltwinwatersresort.com.au/

Hayman Island Resort by InterContinental, Whitsundays (July 1, 2019):Surrounded by verdant cliffs, a crescent-shaped white beach and celestial-blue sea, the reimagined Hayman Island Resort by InterContinental is set to officially reopen July 1, 2019. The iconic resort features 166 elegantly renovated guest rooms and suites across three spacious accommodation wings, impressive event and wedding venues with the main space capable of hosting up to 300 people, five new restaurants and bars, and an all-new wellness experience. http://hayman.com.au/. 
IMAGES: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9pvu7b7kfhoybb6/AABQxcilmnvzSOxAhmtCIZRa?
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Wilson Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef (August 2019): August 2019 will see the return of the ultimate Swiss Family Robinson getaway; a six-safari tent lodge built on a pristine coral cay in the middle of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Home for the fortunate few (just 12 folks and a private chef), Wilson Island is a ten-minute boat ride from Heron Island and will be operated by the same resort managers. https://wilsonisland.com/accommodation/

Crystalbrook Collection, Cairns (TBA): Crystalbrook Collection has announced it will lodge development plans for Harper, comprising a 30-room, 6-star hotel and 100-room five star hotel as part of the Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina in Port Douglas. crystalbrookcollection.com

Westin Coolum Resort & Spa, Sunshine Coast (Opening 2021): Construction of the five-star The Westin Coolum Resort & Spa has been approved as part of the Yaroomba Beach development, just 10 minutes' drive from Sunshine Coast Airport. The development will include a 220 room five-star resort, a Coastal Discovery Centre and trail and new lifesaving amenities. Construction is set to begin in 2020.

Badderam Eco Luxe Resort & Spa, Sunshine Coast (Opening 2021+): Badderam Eco-Luxe Resort & Spa is scheduled for completion in line with the Sunshine Coast's new international airport in 2020, with the resort being built with a 6-star 'Green Star' building rating. The resort will include 111 rooms and suites, three restaurants and bars, a 10-room wellness day spa and health centre, a heated resort-style pools and hot tubs, wine tasting room and cellar, as well as extensive conference and function facilities.

RECENT OPENINGS

Mt Mulligan Lodge, Tropical North Queensland (March, 2019): Around 170kms west of Cairns in the shadow of Mount Mulligan's spectacular 18-kilometre sandstone ridge (incidentally, ten times larger than Uluru) lies Mount Mulligan Station, a 28,000-hectare outback cattle property. Revamped by the hospitality kings behind Daintree Eco Lodge and Orpheus Island Lodge, the station's eight villas come with majestic views and a personal ATV to explore the land. If the 1500 head of cattle don't ignite an affection for the outback, then tours to the Tyrconnel gold mine and the abandoned Mt Mulligan township will. www.mountmulligan.com

Art Series Hotel, Brisbane (Opened March 2019): Carved into the cliff under the Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge, the $60million hotel features 166 guest rooms, with custom contemporary furnishings and original artworks. Inspired by and dedicated to Australia's most contemporary artist, Vincent Fantauzzo, the six-storey hotel boasts spectacular views of the Brisbane River and CBD. Designed by the highly acclaimed multi-disciplinary practice SJB, the natural tones and textures of the hotel's exterior blend into the cliff face, its geometry referencing the fragmented cliff shapes and the highly engineered bridge. https://howardsmithwharves.com/hotel/
Images: First-look hotel images can be downloaded HERE.

Elysian Retreat, Long Island Whitsundays (January 2019): Nothing says “hello holiday” more than a secluded Great Barrier Reef island with gently swaying palm trees and cute beach bures in between. So, say hello to Elysian Retreat, a 10-bungalow blissed-out getaway on three hectares of private cove at Long Island in the Whitsundays. Formerly known as Paradise Bay Eco Resort and loved by the likes of music mogul, PINK, the 3-hectare island surrounded by rainforest and with bures catering to a maximum 20 guests over the age of 15 years. Prices for a minimum two-night stay start from $2800 for two people. www.elysianretreat.com.au

Overlo The Valley, Brisbane (Opened November 28): The $55 million, 103-room 'Ovolo The Valley' opened November 28 stamping the brand's playful personality into Brisbane's eclectic Fortitude Valley Precinct. Acclaimed global architecture firm Woods Bagot, the award-winning designers behind the Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves and The Ivy in Sydney, used the culture and heritage of surrounding Fortitude Valley as their inspiration for a design that's been described as a whimsical oasis of colour, art and curiosities. Ovolo The Valley brings all the hallmarks of their hotel brand, including commissioned art pieces, custom wallpaper and playful pieces of furniture. The much loved “freebies” have returned as part of the tariff; including free breakfast, free wifi, free in-room mini bar, free laundry and free daily happy hour drinks. Ovolo The Valley is the sister hotel to Ovolo Inchcolm in nearby Spring Hill. www.ovolohotels.com

The Calile, Brisbane (November 2018): The lifestyle precinct of James Street New Farm added another feather to its designer cap when the 175-room Calile Hotel opened late in 2018. The hotel's 175 generous guest rooms include nine suites and two premier suites. Each is designed with an individual balcony, Bluetooth sound bar, 55” flat screen television and complimentary new-release movies. Meanwhile, Hellenika, the hotel's signature restaurant recently described by The New York Times as the best Greek food in Australia, opens onto a leafy pool terrace with under-the-stars cabana dining. Fitting for a precinct known for its blend of retail offerings, the ground floor of The Calile is home to acclaimed fashion innovator Dion Lee; sustainable organic cotton favourite Bassike; Sydney leisure success story Venroy; internationally successful Bec & Bridge; and Dutch lingerie brand Love. www.thecalilehotel.com

NEW LAST YEAR

New Westin, Brisbane (November 2018): Lace up your trainers, The Westin Brisbane is an urban retreat with a focus on health and wellness and four dining outlets. It is also the first Westin hotel in Australia to feature a Heavenly® Spa by Westin, as well as a fully equipped WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, a resort style swimming pool with Brisbane's first swim-up pool bar and a RunWESTIN Concierge, a resident running buddy available for guests. The AUD$200 million hotel is part of a mixed-use development called Mary Lane, which also houses a vibrant dining venue and stylish residences, in the heart of Brisbane's central business district. www.westinbrisbane.com

Riley, Cairns (November 2018): Queensland's tropical north has had a hotel boom with the new 311 room, 5-star Riley hotel opening its doors to guests on November 6, 2018. The hotel is the first of three new “babies” under the Crystalbrook Collection that will add a combined 831 rooms and 14 restaurants to Cairns' tourism offering by 2020.

Grandly located on the northern end of The Esplanade (at the former Tradewinds site) the $130 million completely new Riley hotel offers spectacular front-row views over the Coral Sea. It also boasts one of the biggest resort pools in the city at 1037 square metres, a 12th floor rooftop bar (Cairns' highest), an Eléme Day Spa, and three new restaurants.

The new Riley will be followed by Bailey, a 217-room hotel with art at its heart which opens on the corner of Abbott and Lake Streets in mid 2019, and Flynn, an energetic 311-room hotel that will rise from The Esplanade directly opposite the popular Cairns Lagoon. By the time of completion, developer Ghassan Aboud will inject some $700 million into the Cairns holiday market, adding to his existing Crystalbrook Lodge and Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at Port Douglas. W: crystalbrookcollection.com

Voco, Gold Coast (November 2018): A global first for the Gold Coast, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has reimagined and redesigned the former Watermark Hotel to represent its new brand's first steps into the international hotel arena, with the launch of upscale voco. Located on the southern end of Surfers Paradise, close to beautiful beaches and within easy access to G:link transport, the 389-room hotel offers multiple dining options. Grab a coffee, head out for a beach run, swim or surf, book in for spa date, a decadent high tea, or watch the weekend's sporting action from the sports bar. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, gym and L'Aqua Day Spa, plus seven meeting rooms. https://goldcoast.vocohotels.com/

The Ruby Collection, Gold Coast (November 2018): The Gold Coast's newest luxe family accommodation, The Ruby Collection takes vacays to a sophisticated new level, with beautifully designed apartments and sky homes offering stunning city and coastline views. Designed with the modern family in mind, mum and dad can relax in premier leisure facilities, including a pool, poolside bar, restaurant, deli serving all day gourmet snacks and goodies, plus a pantry for in-room purchases (including beverages). The kids can meanwhile let loose at the adjacent multi award-winning Paradise Resort, complete with kids club and waterpark. https://www.therubycollection.com.au/

Yumeji, Gold Coast Hinterland (late 2018): After five years living in Japan in the late 1980s, Louise Yonezawa returned to Australia with her Toyama-raised husband Hideyo, and a big dream; to create a Japanese style mountain retreat that blends the best of Japanese experiences with Australian hospitality. Fast forward 30 years and Yumeji Retreat, which means “dream road” is now open. Nestled in the Tamborine Mountain hinterland, the B&B features three Japanese style rooms – all located in the main house - each with an ensuite and traditional Japanese aesthetics such as shoji screens, tatami mats and access to an authentic garden spa. One of the three suites is fashioned after a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) and comes with a futon bed, sunken dining table and an imported Hinoki-buro (Japanese bath). http://yumeji.com.au/

The Pink Hotel, Gold Coast (October 2018): Part of the Gold Coast's retro revival, this very pink, very retro hotel in Coolangatta is a throwback to the 70s motels of our childhoods. It features 18 guest rooms, comprising luxury suites, standard king rooms and one uber-cool artist suite. The luxury suites are complete with their own record players and a selection of vinyl records, while the artist suite features a baby grand piano, an entertainment area for 20 people, full kitchen and bar lounge, plus a vinyl record player to keep the good vibes going. The fun theme continues with Eddie's Grub House, a live music venture offering whiskey and burgers, The Sugar Cube, a private function or karaoke room styled after a 1970s recording studio control room and The Santeria Rooftop Garden, an astro turfed mid-century space, with oversized king beds to lounge and view the ocean. www.thepinkhotelcoolangatta.com

Freedom Shores Resort, Airlie Beach (October 2018): After three years in the making, the nautical-themed Freedom Shores boutique resort opened in late 2018. Located in a hidden valley just north of Airlie Beach and sharing the grounds with the popular Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, the resort comprises of nine boat bungalows with designer nods to vessels; timber decking, ocean views, and padded headliner roofing. In addition, one cabin - the “Denver” - is crafted from a reconditioned boat complete with a queen-sized room, ensuite and a true nautical deck. Added to this are three spacious light-filled suites in the main resort area, all with patios and sweeping views of the Whitsunday Passage. Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill overlooks the water's edge and features a cocktail bar crafted from General Douglas MacArthur's WW2 vessel and palm trees sourced from the set of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie recently filmed in Queensland. http://freedomshores.com.au/

Makepeace Island's Makeover, Noosa (2018): Sir Richard Branson's heart-shaped home on the Sunshine Coast has reopened its doors to the public after an extensive makeover to the resort's facilities. The private island on Noosa River offers a fusion of luxury and wilderness, creating the ultimate escape just minutes from Hastings St. The makeover was overseen by acclaimed interior designer June Robinson Scott, who has previously been commissioned for the interior design of Necker Island and The Branson Estate. https://www.makepeaceisland.com/

Habitat Noosa, Lake Cootharaba (July 2018): A 42-year-old campground has transformed into Habitat Noosa - a world-class eco-tourism facility located in the Great Sandy National Park, a short five-minute boat ride from the Noosa Everglades and a 25-minute shuttle transfer from Noosa. The 65-acre site, with 500 metres of riverfront on the Noosa River provides onsite camping, powered sites, cabins and glamping accommodation, and is home to a large eastern grey kangaroo population. Other facilities include a kiosk, craft beer bar (with a micro-brewery), bistro and entertainment area complete with views over the Noosa River. Rates for unpowered sites start from $15 per night while a Paperbark Tent costs $290.

Adina Apartment Hotel, Brisbane (July 2018): Release your inner Gatsby and check-in for a night of teal hued heritage at the Adina Apartment Hotel in George Street Brisbane. Staying true to its Art Deco roots, the hotel has retained the impressive ionic columns, ornate ceiling and marble finishes of what was once the Queensland Government Savings Bank, a building that first opened its grand doors opposite the Treasury Casino in 1922. Today, Adina is a safe bet, thanks to a 130-seat triple story Chinese eatery, called Donna Chang - perfect for those who prefer to ditch the kitchenettes found each of the 220-apartments and a sexy new bar boldly named Boom Boom Boom.

The Emporium, Brisbane (July 2018): Hip design, the latest in-room technology and personalised service are the starring elements of the Emporium Hotels Group's new five-star, 143-suite Emporium Hotel South Bank in Brisbane. Forming part of the $600 million Southpoint precinct on Grey Street, the hotel features 143 luxuriously appointed suites, some with free standing marble baths jagging floor to ceiling full frontal city views, and an abundance of premium food and beverage options. A Sky Bar offers magnificent views over South Bank Parklands, the Brisbane River, city and beyond.

Sanctuary by Sirromet, Brisbane (June 2018): If you're looking for a grape way to glamp, look no further than Queensland's first winery glamping experience 30 minutes-drive south of Brisbane at Sirromet Wines Estate. Currently, 18 'Sanctuary by Sirromet,' safari-style glamping tents reside on the 20-acre property amongst the natural flora and wildlife with fully-furnished amenities, including a floating deck, to make you feel at home. Rates start from $280pp per night and include a daily local produce breakfast hamper.

The Ville Resort, Townsville (June 2018): A reimagined reception with design elements that hint of Miami, redesigned rooms brimming with a tropical vibe and an infinity pool – the centrepiece of change – with views to Magnetic Island and a swim up Splash bar are part of the $43 million top to toe refurbishment of one of Townsville's iconic hotels. https://www.the-ville.com.au/

Website: www.queensland.com/