Get Magnetic in Queensland

A TravelMole Destination Report by Gemma Phillips says that turning on the air conditioning had never been so exhilarating……blinds up, sliding doors open and the morning greets you with a rush………”aroma de la mer” and crashing waves.

The salty air is fresh with the added pungency of spawning coral, a reminder of the close proximity of the Great Barrier Reef.  The balcony, wide and splendid, sits beside a rocky point between two bays.

Go just a few metres from your bed and dive into the infinity pool or a few metres more to the edge of the sea………welcome to Magnetic Island’s Mantra One, Bright Point, top end accommodation [pictured above] on an island that is undergoing a tourism revolution.

A 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville in north Queensland, Magnetic is a regular suburb for its 1,500 residents as well as a holiday retreat and while previously a destination for locals, families and backpackers, the island affectionately called Maggie is now gearing up to cater for the luxury end of the market.

With designer apartments and spas over looking the reef, Bright Point is just one of the new developments attracting a more demanding clientele and from our apartment balcony it is easy to see why investors have thrown money at this 124-unit project.

180 degree sea views stretch out in front, hoop pines grow in the crevices between the stone boulders beside us and further back, loftier pines dominate the mountainous skyline.

[Pictured: there are stunning views everywhere!]

Looking out over the Nelly Bay Marina there is yet another indication that the island has taken on a new edge of self-indulgence, with Peppers Blue on Blue opening its doors in August this year and a porter service and welcome drinks just one part of the ‘experience’ of staying at Peppers.  The resort-style development will eventually comprise of 158 luxury apartments with one, two or three bedrooms, many with their own plunge pool.

Ten apartment buildings are planned, and seven have been completed to date, with space for three more left open, the foundations capped and ready to be built on at a point in the future.

The large space which splits the modern marina-view buildings and the to-be-built-on foundations is occupied by a massive salt-water pool filled by around two million litres of water.  It is so big that you can actually swim further than you can see.   It is referred to as a ‘lagoon’, though it is so big that something may be living in some not-yet-explored corner.

After a weekend of thorough research, I can vouch for the fact it is not occupied by anything more than tourists and a few cheeky island children who have sneaked in to enjoy what must be the island’s biggest pool.

Together, the new facilities offer an experience which is completely different than the island has traditionally offered.  For this alone, not everyone will like it.

Chris Owen, Blue on Blue General Manager, admitted he was aware that there was some opposition to the developments in Nelly Bay when he moved up from Melbourne.

A former manager of Peppers Mooneh Links – which has hosted the Australian Open golf tournament – Chris admitted he had rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s golfing greats, though modestly refused to name drop, but getting to grips with Blue on Blue had provided a different sort of challenge.

“I was told that there was so much resistance to the development,” he said. “But everyone I have met since I have been here has been very positive.

“There are some people who would prefer the island to be a sleepy hollow, but most people like somewhere they can come and get dressed up and have a nice dinner and a drink.”

IF YOU GO…

One-bedroom apartments at Mantra One Bright Point cost from $170 per night. For further information contact the resort direct on 1800 809 533 or visit www.onebrightpoint.com.au.

Blue on Blue offer rooms from $239 per couple, or Getaway accommodation packages which include bed and a full buffet breakfast from $271 per couple (Sun-Thurs) or $542 per couple for two nights (Fri-Sat). For more deals and further details visit www.peppers.com.au

A TravelMole Destination Report by Gemma Phillips