Sebel Maroochydore, Queensland review: Weekend away

There's plenty going on in Maroochydore, often shadowed by nearby Moolooaba as a destination in its own right. Sunshine Coast Council has approved the development of Australia's first greenfields city business centre, directly opposite the main shopping centre, Sunshine Plaza. Effectively, it means an entire city centre will be built from scratch on the site of a resumed golf course – office towers, shopping residential units, a potential six-star hotel, convention centre, restaurants and cafes. As the town fast becomes a city, units within Sebel Maroochydore are perched overlooking trendy Cotton Tree, beaches to the northern horizon and the Pacific Ocean.

THE SPACE

As far as resorts go, this is one of the best pools on the coast, long enough to go for a decent swim beyond the normal 25 metres. The lobby is as good as any hotel, and contrary to one of the drawbacks of other apartment buildings, is manned late into the evening and early morning. The rooftop spa overlooking the coast is an oasis undiscovered by some visitors.

THE ROOM

When walking into the room, fresh air from the beach hits you in the face and lets you know you're on holiday. Blue art on the walls adds to the attraction, as do the timber floors and expansive balcony. The washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, full kitchen and televisions in the living room and bedroom are a bonus. The spa is luxury in an open bathroom twice the size of hotel bathrooms, and there are twin basins, separate shower and toilet. Outdoor dining, indoor dining for six, or dining from your lap on the couch – there are choices. And there's always something special about waking to an ocean sunrise from the comfort of a bed.

THE FOOD

Maccas is right next door, which might be nice for a late-night munchie run, but Maroochydore can do much better than that. Within the complex, there's a Thai restaurant and other eateries. The corner room of the unit has a balcony about five metres wide, from the sliding door of the living room to the railing overlooking the ocean. It's the very reason the hotel offers up delivery menus from nearby restaurants – order in, spread out the outdoor setting and breathe in the salt air. Barbecue addicts might like to venture to the rooftop, one up from the 14th floor. But if you really must get out and about, there are options within a revitalised shopping mall outside the old Big Top, or for lunch, there's the Mooloolaba strip within a couple of kilometres of the front door. Prices are competitive, and options aplenty.

STEPPING OUT

The idea of Maroochydore's revamp is to turn it into a business hub. It's difficult to see how office workers won't be unchaining themselves from their desks to explore the long stretches of beach. The Sunshine Coast isn't as geared towards tourism as its southern cousin, the Gold Coast. But that's why people like it. Those staying at the Sebel Maroochydore for more than a few days can easily explore. Mooloolaba's slogan is "just come as you are", and it's spot on – a relaxed family environment without the fairy lights can be just what the doctor ordered. By day, an eclectic mix of people browse the shopping and dining strip. By night, the surf club can offer a nice place for light music and chatter. Others make their way to Underwater world, or on to the water for a sail. One of the latest and most popular attractions is swimming with the whales, which is available during migration season.

THE VERDICT

Sebel Maroochydore is remarkably central. Many will look to Mooloolaba first for accommodation, but this place has long been a secret favourite for locals. The rooms are far more spacious than normal hotel rooms, there's an extra bedroom for those who need it, and all shopping and activities within walking distance, or at worst a short drive. Staff are helpful and at hand. It's a gem for those wanting to wind down, throw out the agenda and relax a little.

ESSENTIALS

Sebel Maroochydore, 20 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore. There are specials which mean the one-bedders go for about $269, up to $299 for an ocean view. Two-bedders are slightly more at about $319-$349. Phone (07) 5479 8000, see thesebel.com/locations/the-sebel-maroochydore.

The writer was a guest of Sebel Maroochydore.