QHA November 2017

INSIGHTS
THE FAR NORTH’S REPOLISHED JEWEL
QHA REVIEW | 38
A NEW ERA OF CHIC UNDERPINS THE SHERATON
GRAND MIRAGE PORT DOUGLAS RESORT’S $43M
REDEVELOPMENT THAT RECENTLY EARNED IT
THE QHA 2017 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE FOR
BEST REDEVELOPED ACCOMMODATION HOTEL/
RESORT. ON A FRUITFUL NIGHT FOR THE RESORT,
ITS WINNING STREAK ALSO EXTENDED TO THE QHA
AWARD FOR BEST MEETING AND EVENTS VENUE.
Having opened in 1987 as Australia’s first destination
resort, it was probably high time for the Sheraton
Grand to get a makeover. Considered the peak of
sophistication at the time, the resort’s soft pink and
blue interior colour scheme was just one feature crying
out to be moved into the 21st century. So too were
the marble pillars and high-gloss floor tiles in the lobby,
historic pieces of art, sculptures, antiques, solid gold
and precious silver that reflected a distinctly 1980s
fixation with grandeur.
All these anachronistic offenders have now been gently
ushered aside by a fresh colour scheme incorporating
a selection of natural tones to match driftwood timber
tiled floors, stone-topped mini bars and the natural
wooden furnishings. Black and white images from
the surrounding area add a sense of history and
place. Romantic canopied bedheads and comfortable
daybeds add to the classic interiors, which are
designed for a contemporary lifestyle.
The redevelopment was finished in August 2016 and
took 18 months to complete. The Sheraton Grand’s
general manager Steve Molnar says the quality of