FOCUS <strong>QHA</strong> 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
FOCUS <strong>QHA</strong> REVIEW | 41