Live, love, luxury!

When someone says to you 5-star hotel, what is it that springs to mind? Spa bath in the suite? Swimming pool and sauna complex? Mouth-watering room service perhaps? Well for me, I like to imagine that I'm staying in a hotel room that is so lush, I never want to leave or worry about how much I've spent. For Oceans Hotel at Mooloolaba, their rooms do just that and more. Never before have I stayed in an ocean-front apartment with so much clean, open space with tasteful, modern decor that makes you want to stay a whole week. The notion of luxury suggests that you experience decadence for a limited time and then trudge back to your daily grind. This hotel's suites make you feel like you belong here. I stayed in a 3-bedroom apartment with a sensational kitchen (imagine you're on Masterchef) and superb living space, furniture arranged so that no matter where you sit on the lounge you can watch TV and see the waves crashing behind it. The whole time I found myself saying, 'I could live here' and 'I wonder how much it would cost to buy this apartment'. Signs that the place you're staying in does not disappoint you or fall short of your expectations. No cheesy beach-print canvasses on these walls or white wicker 3-piece setting in the lounge.



Whilst Mooloolaba isn't number one on my list of coastal destinations (it's a little bit family-oriented these days but arguably catered to parties of young people, recently post teens maybe) staying at Oceans made my experience all the more positive as I relaxed eight storeys high above the crowds and enjoyed the unspoiled beach views. The main shopping precinct beneath the hotel has all you need for a quick stroll down the esplanade with a cluster of cafes, a good bakery and a few boutique shops for the ladies to pop down and pick up a dress to wear out to dinner when they decide to stay another night. I recommend Raw Energy for breakfast – it has good coffee and a balanced menu with healthy options and hangover suppressants. Nightlife in Mooloolaba is fairly non-existent but a gathering in your room is never out of the question. Make your own fun I say!

Now for the reality check. Luxury like this does come with a price tag but in my opinion it is more affordable than many others on the Queensland coast. Our room was at the pointy end of price list but for 5-star convenience and class I was not deterred by the dint in my credit card. Book out a higher floor, larger apartment with a group of friends or three couples for a weekend away somewhere different and find yourself at Oceans.

Verdict: This one comes with Love. And thanks to all the gorgeous ladies who made our weekend momentous!

Oceans Mooloolaba Beach. 101-105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba