This was published 14 years ago
Peppers The Sands Resort, Torquay review: Birdies and boardshorts
Among the dunes and fairways ... Peppers The Sands Resort overlooks a Stuart Appleby-designed golf course and includes restaurant, gym and pool.
Nicole Bittar holidays at a beachside golf resort that suits her family to a tee.
This is becoming habit-forming. Our fifth stay at a Peppers establishment in four years prompts some serial tourism soul-searching.
Size clearly matters at the sprawling dark-rendered complex of the Sands Resort in surfside Torquay. There are 112 rooms, 16 of which are suites, in the interconnecting 200-metre-long building. Set against a natural backdrop of coastal dunes and foreshore, even the trek to our premier suite in the south block is a workout. And that's before we sample the 18-hole Stuart Appleby-designed golf course.
Headland winds buffet the surrounding dunes. Dark cabinetry, a moss-green feature wall in the king bedroom and streaky, sand-hued carpet attempt to mirror the physical environs.
The queen sofa bed in the spacious living room and comfortable king-sized bed are dressed in crisp, white linen. In the stone-paved bathroom the feature tub is deep and accommodating for golf-weary muscles. The glass-screened shower is roomy but water temperature is temperamental and the white towels threadbare.
But the big picture is far from below par.
The fixtures and fittings are solid and comfortable and the furnishings are pseudo-artful in a style that has the corporate client squarely in mind.
Dark interior walls, original art and stately mirrors line the walls.
Wood-veneer cabinetry in the kitchen contains an empty bar fridge but mini-bar indulgence packs priced from $18 to $105 can be ordered freshly chilled.
The floor-to-ceiling view from the private balcony is naturally enticing. We venture closer to the coastline dunes, flanked by lush native flora, for a crevice of aquamarine sea wedged between two improbably perfect cliff-faces.
A powder room, abundant breathing space and 24-hour room service also make our stay an enjoyable one.
Two big flatscreen televisions, pay channels, a mini hi-fi system and DVD player complete the entertainment options.
On site, the clubby members' lounge next to reception provides complimentary hot beverage facilities and brightly wrapped sweets.
The large function centre takes pride of place on the first floor overlooking the course. Leather couches, upholstered armchairs, indigenous artworks and perennially lit fireplace with oversized mantel mirror create a smashing effect. And the well-equipped bar and alfresco entertainment area would accommodate large groups with ease.
Hanners Restaurant, also fronting the course, is warm in decor and service. Dark furniture and a red carpet feature wall co-ordinate with upholstered banquettes and chairs, pendant lighting and a floral centrepiece. Clear cafe sheeting shields the outdoor bar from seaside breezes that verge on gusty.
My husband's marinated lamb rump with couscous and mint labne ($33), my mushroom ragout with wild rice and zucchini flowers ($28.50) and our son's signature cheeseburger with salad and chips ($10) are tasty and generous in size.
Less is more, however, for the big eaters at breakfast. Following cereal and fruit, the guys easily polish off scrambled eggs, two chipolatas, one bacon rasher, grilled roma tomatoes and sauteed field mushrooms on a slice of toasted sourdough ($18.50 for adults, children dine free). My fruit platter is fresh but not exactly plentiful near the close of service (10am). And more than one copy of the Saturday Age would be appreciated.
The driving range, multi-purpose activity courts, heated indoor lap pool and impressive gymnasium keep our young dynamo amused for hours. We buy a 30-minute reprieve in the form of a private golf lesson for our six-year-old, who assures us he already has Tiger Woods in his sights.
Two days before the grand final we drive to Geelong, 25 kilometres from Torquay, to immerse our Cats supporter in the spirit of the heartland.
We visit the convivial Wharf Shed Cafe to share an Everest-sized slice of chocolate mountain cake over juice and coffee. Then we enjoy a giggle on the waterfront carousel.
After declaring the day one of his favourite on record, our son announces that he'd like to live in the AFL-mad city.
Our mini retreat at the nearby Sands Resort will have to suffice for now.
VISITORS' BOOK
Peppers The Sands Resort
Address 2 Sands Boulevard, Torquay
Bookings 5264 3333; see peppers.com.au/sands.
Getting there From Princes Highway, take ramp to Surf Coast Highway and turn left at South Beach Road.
Cost From $181 for studio room to $286 for deluxe suite view.
Summary There's something for fitness buffs and the more laid-back alike but the walk to the town centre and even your room in the giant complex is a hike.
Verdict 15/20
The score: 19-20 excellent; 17-18 great; 15-16 good; 13-14 comfortable.
All weekends away are conducted anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
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