More than a Mirage

Imagine stepping from suite to sunny balcony into saltwater lagoon – no room key necessary. Such swim-up luxury is part of a year-long $40 million makeover of Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, due for completion next month.

The project, by Melbourne’s Mim Design, is the first substantial overhaul of Starwood’s flagship Australian resort in the Far North Queensland fishing town since it was launched in 1987. “It’s not just a tiny little touch-up or a lick of paint,” says sales and marketing director Nathan Gadd. “It’s very thorough. We’re incorporating a whole new look and feel to the property.”

All 294 guestrooms and public spaces have been re-rendered, repainted and refurnished. So it’s out with the old – including the 1980s chequered navy carpet – and in with a new pale coastal palette of white and sandy neutrals, pumice-toned furniture, wicker light shades, timber floors and sepia photographic prints by local artists. High-tech finishing touches include sensory air-conditioning, new lighting, Bluetooth speakers and an innovative bedside alarm-clock fitted with phone chargers.

Outside, the changes are just as dramatic. “The pixie-pink façade we’re known for is going four shades lighter,” says Gadd.

The final phase of renovations includes poolside private cabanas and two new dining spaces – a lobby café and a restaurant called Feast, with buffets featuring local craft beers and produce. Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas, Qld,

(07) 4099 5888, sheratonportdouglas.com EMMA HUTTON

A complete overhaul of the Port Douglas resort is unveiled nest month.