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Mirage Resort Alexandra Headland

Already one of the most luxurious resorts on the Sunshine Coast, the Mirage Resort Alexandra Headland is about to get some extra TLC under new owners Wendy Saddleton and Ray Leonard.

After taking over the resort in November, Wendy says they really feel like they are an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and guests feel the same way. "We look out over the lagoon and the ocean and it is peaceful while still being close to everything. It's good for the soul," she says.

Wendy and Ray's background is in small business and hospitality, and Wendy worked for many years with the Accor Group, All Seasons chain and an independent resort.

"Our area of expertise is hospitality and we looked at many properties before this one but we fell in love with this property from the moment we saw it," Wendy says. "We really loved the size of the property, the size of the individual apartments, the facilities and the location that is slightly back from the main road but still with easy accessibility to the beach and other attractions."

Wendy says since taking over management a few months ago, she and Ray have not made any immediate changes but have instead focused on the things that are working well and customer feedback. "We have really listened to our guests because a lot of our business is repeat customers and the Mirage Resort is already held in high regard," she says. "People say they feel a sense of coming home and a calming energy when they stay here and that is something we don't want to lose.

"Comments like that mean a lot because when you manage a resort it is like inviting someone into your home and ultimately you try to create a home-away-from-home feel but with added benefits."

With a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom furnished apartments, Wendy says their guests are predominantly families on holidays or couples and friends on short breaks or long weekend to the Sunshine Coast. Wendy says she plans to market the resort to a wider clientele over the next 12 months focusing on the wedding industry and conference market. She says with the size of the rooms and facilities available, the Mirage is a great accommodation option for wedding parties and guests. "While we don't have the facilities to hold a wedding reception here on the property, there is a beautiful park opposite the Mirage Resort that is ideal for a garden wedding and guests attending can enjoy a weekend here."

Wendy says she would also like to attract more conference guests to stay at the Mirage, as again the furnished apartments with gourmet kitchen and state-of-the-art appliances, en suite, laundry and full use of the pool and gymnasium is a great option.

"Ray and I are passionate about everything we do and when you stay at the Mirage Resort you are not just booking a bed but a whole experience," Wendy says.

The Mirage Resort Alexandra Headland has 59 rooms in the property, some being owner occupied, and all have been refurbished in a Mediterranean style. Some premier top floor apartments have a private roof top and others have large private balconies facing the ocean. All rooms have granite bench top gourmet kitchens, dishwashers, microwaves and European appliances, air conditioning, separate toilet, separate laundry and also available to guests are Austar, DVD, stereo, internet and babysitting. The resort boasts a beautifully landscaped heated lagoon, lap and spa pools, a heated children's pool with a waterfall, a fully equipped gymnasium with sauna, tennis courts, a half-sized basketball court and an outdoor children's play area. Next door to the resort is a 10 pin bowling alley, there is a skate park and surf beach patrolled by surf lifesavers close by and staff at The Mirage Resort tour desk can advise on where to sign up for surf lessons and rent boards, they can book tours, attractions, restaurants and airport transfers.

Wendy and Ray have a lot of fresh ideas and hope to offer guests many added extras over the next 12 months. "We always have a special offer or a weekend getaway deal, a winter break or an off-peak rate and we will continue to offer these deals," Wendy says. "We also provide breakfast hampers for our guests on request, which are all local products including fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereal, milk and fruit juice." These breakfast hampers need to be ordered, but tea and coffee is available in rooms.

Wendy is also in the process of sourcing a local café to provide breakfast for guests, as The Mirage does not have a restaurant on the property and Wendy and Ray would like guests to be able to enjoy a hot breakfast within walking distance. "We are hoping to work together more with other local businesses and be able to offer great packages and discount rates for our guests wanting to enjoy the cinema, restaurants, cafes, attractions, florists and the like," she says. "After all, we want to offer our guests the whole experience."

Wendy also hopes to offer free Internet down the track too. "At the end of the day, as long as our guests have had a wonderful stay then that's all that matters."

The Mirage Alexandra Headland is in the heart of Maroochydore, located one hour north of Brisbane and 15 minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport.

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