The Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast is the Gold Coasts only five-star beachfront resort. The property is newly refurbished, having undergone a $26-million renovation in 2014. The result is an oasis of calm, with sparkling blue water, crisp white walls, and swaying palm fronds as far as the eye can see.
The Place
The hotel boasts the largest rooms on the Gold Coast and a prime beachfront location at Main Beach. Driving up the palm-lined driveway and arriving at the entrance of the hotel, its easy to instantly switch into holiday mode as friendly porters greet guests and handle their luggage. The outdoor area is lush with greenery, and has spacious outdoor settings to lounge in. The lobby is an expanse of white, with stylish beige lounges, and floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the beautiful pool area and the Pacific Ocean beyond. White orchids are dotted around the place, and enormous David Bromley butterfly paintings line the reception area as an attractive feature. Any work stresses are quickly forgotten. Check-in is a seamless process with smiling front-desk staff.
The entire resort is thoughtfully styled: even the waiting area by the elevator is inviting, with comfortable armchairs, more white orchids, marble-topped nesting tables, and walls lined with artworks. A blue lagoon winds through the grounds, with swishing palms overhead and wooden paths leading to various rooms and dining venues.
As well as being a five-star resort perfect for honeymooners and holidaying families alike, the Sheraton Mirage is one of the Gold Coasts most sought-after conference venues, and also plays host to many weddings and special events. There is a range of options for hosting an event at the resort – the Mirage Grand Ballroom seats up to 1,000 people; the Mirage Grand Terrace overlooks the sparkling lagoon and suits breakouts or cocktail functions; Horizons or Pandanus are ideal for weddings or cocktail parties; the Boardroom provides a formal space overlooking the lagoon; the Lagoon Room is a mid-size venue that can be split into two meeting areas; and the poolside lawns can host outdoor events for up to 550 guests. Forty per cent of the resorts business is conferences.
The efficiency of the staff and the range of venues mean that the Sheraton Mirage can provide the ultimate event environment no matter the occasion. Director of Sales and Marketing Leon Thomson says that the hotel gets a lot of repeat business as people come for a conference and enjoy the experience so much that they then return for a holiday with their family.
Upmarket shopping complex Marina Mirage is located directly across the road, boasting a range of stores including Carla Zampatti, Gant, Hermès, Rodd & Gunn, Tommy Hilfiger, Witchery, and Zimmermann, as well as a number of cafés and restaurants.
