Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast

Despite the massive scale of the Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa’s architectural designs, the atmosphere is airy thanks to skylight ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows at the entrance and throughout the lobby. Arched white lamps that hang over chic lounge furniture and colorful butterfly artwork behind the front desk gives the vast lobby -- which might otherwise feel clinical -- an artistic air. Gold elevator doors pop against black frames, and a double staircase has skylights overhead and a fountain below with decorative toy sailboats. Artwork by painters like David Bromley hang in sleek hallways and can be purchased. Interior decor is luxurious, but the atmosphere isn’t stuffy. This serene and stylish five-pearl retreat attracts a mixed clientele. Couples, business travelers, and increasingly families, who vacation at the 32-year-old property that was developed by entrepreneur Christopher Skase and underwent $20 million renovations in 2012. Palm trees and white umbrellas surround the outdoor pools, where pathways lead to the hotel’s private beach.

Setting this luxury property apart from its competition in Main Beach -- including the nearby Palazzo Versace -- is its access via three pathways to an exclusive stretch of white sand that’s patrolled by lifeguards hired by the hotel. A sky bridge from the hotel connects to the Marina Mirage mall, which is near water-sports rentals and boat charters. Across from the mall is a bus stop. Sea World is five minutes by car, and the Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are 25 minutes away. The bustling Surfers Paradise -- with the SkyPoint Observation Deck and Ripley's Believe It or Not! -- are 10 minutes by car. Golf is 20 minutes away at the Lakelands Golf Club or 30 minutes by car to the Glades Golf Club. It’s a 35-minute drive to Gold Coast Airport or an hour to Brisbane International Airport.

Beachy artwork hangs in stylish rooms that have black-and-white throw rugs, dark-wood furniture, wraparound writing desks, and sitting areas set against large windows that open onto the gardens or ocean. Terrace Rooms have patios with direct pool access. Cream marble bathrooms feature triangular shower/tub combos and some (Ocean Rooms, Spa Studios, and Suites) have whirlpool tubs. Suites also offer living/dining areas and one-and-a-half bathrooms; some have terraces. Lavishly designed Royal Suites have marble floors and fireplaces. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, bathrobes and slippers, minibars, tea kettles, turndown service, irons/ironing boards, safes, and free newspapers. Two-Bedroom Villas have balconies, rooftop terraces, kitchens, two bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Accessible rooms are available.

Fittingly dubbed the “Oasis Pool,” the hotel’s 6,727 square feet (625 square meters) of pools seem to go on forever -- with a swim-up bar, a kids' pool, and a section with jets -- although there’s no separate hot tub. Golden Door Spa and Health Club, a privately run facility, has four outdoor tennis courts, a modern fitness center, a lap pool, saunas and steam rooms, Vichy showers, and 12 treatment rooms. Both seafood restaurants -- the Oyster Bar and Terraces Restaurant -- overlook the pool. Pearls Bar, with Asian-styled wooden cutout screens and ocean views, offers high tea and cocktails. A restaurant voucher for skipping room service is a well-liked green initiative. The hotel’s 11 meeting spaces, with 8,159 square feet (758 square meters) of space, are there for business travelers. Wi-Fi is available at the Link@Sheraton business center, where there are four PC computers. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals.