QHA-Review_April_Digital

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QHA REVIEW | 40
“There is a ‘kids-first’ approach to the design
and features of our rooms. Rather than supplying
slippers, earbuds and shoe polish, we offer bathroom
footstools, bed rails, porta-cots, baby baths, prams
and highchairs. For us, comfort and being mindful of
the family budget is always top-of-mind.
“But the adults aren’t left out either. They can
escape and unwind within our resort with delicious
and affordable food and beverage offerings and
entertainment like trivia, yoga by the pool, game
shows, cocktail and gin making classes, cooking
shows and live music,” she said.
Of course, such an unconventional hotel can only
come with an equally-as-unconventional backstory.
Originally opening its doors as Ocean Blue Resort
in November 1981, the venue became a household
name after making weekly appearances as the ultimate
romantic getaway on Australian game show, Perfect
Match.
Complete with a central pool, swim-up bar, conference
facilities, hairdresser, beauty salon and popular
nightclub, the resort targeted the conference, wedding
and weekend getaway markets before shifting its focus
to the international, mid-range and group business
markets.
However, after experiencing multiple owners,
continuous changes in direction and plenty of
mismatched upgrades and refurbishments over a
number of years, the resort was left in a poor state. In
2010, after a long period of receivership and neglect,
the property was purchased by owners determined to
turn poor trading performance around and focus on
what the Gold Coast is renowned for – the lucrative
domestic family market.
Alicia said, at that time, cruise ships were dominating
the young family holiday scene, as they offered
a one-stop experience full of inclusions, all-day
entertainment, kids clubs, adult areas, pools, activities
and multiple bar and dining options.
“Cruising became more affordable, accessible and
attractive, so our management’s plan was to take this
market head-on, working with the owners to refurbish
the resort and provide an all-inclusive experience on
land.
“OUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD
AND BEVERAGE OFFERINGS,
ACCOMMODATION AND
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL TOURS
AND ATTRACTIONS, DESIGNED
AROUND MAKING MEMORIES”
“They invested over $4.5 million and added water
parks, ice rinks and climbing gyms while further
developing family entertainment and activities to