Airlie Beach goes upmarket
Popular Queensland resort destination, Airlie Beach, is set to go upmarket with the launch of its first internationally-branded hotel, Grand Mercure Azure Sea Whitsundays.
The Grand Mercure will open on 1 June, and bring a new level of luxury to the vibrant coastal resort.
Perched on a hill overlooking Airlie Beach, the apartment-style hotel boasts a combination of stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with spacious private balconies overlooking the Coral Sea.
With one of the world’s greatest natural wonders on the doorstep, the Grand Mercure Azure Sea Whitsundays features a nautical theme with curved sail roofs and azure blue glass to complement its setting. It boasts a dramatic infinity pool with waterfall, spa, fully equipped gym and tropically landscaped gardens.
Owner and developer, Phil Woodbridge of Woodbridge Development & Investments, said he was delighted to have the Grand Mercure brand on board for his latest project.
“It is great for Airlie Beach to get a global hotel leader such as Accor in town to add a new level of professionalism to our accommodation offerings,” he said. “The Azure Sea development sets new benchmarks in Airlie Beach, and with the hotel now having Grand Mercure branding we believe we can attract a wider audience – particularly from overseas – to Airlie Beach.”
“We are very excited to launch the Azure Sea Whitsundays Grand Mercure as the latest in our luxury collection of resort apartment-style hotels,” said Michael Issenberg, Managing Director of Accor Asia Pacific.
“The launch of a renowned international-brand will help elevate Airlie Beach from being seen as a transit centre to the Whitsunday Islands to a destination in its own right. We expect to attract considerable interest from the international market, especially New Zealand, Europe and America, where Accor is a dominant player, and the Grand Mercure brand is well-recognised.”
Graham Muldoon
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