Mantra Sirocco, Mooloolaba review: Weekend away

Mantra Sirocco at Mooloolaba opens out to an esplanade of shops and entertainment.

THE SETTING

Mooloolaba has evolved into a popular beachside holiday retreat. A comfortable 1.5hr drive from Brisbane, most of the action is centrally located on the esplanade strip. Wall-to-wall cafes, restaurants and hidden shops set among luxury resorts make for a relaxing place to stroll before hitting the beach and surf just over the road.

THE SPACE

Mantra Sirocco at Mooloolaba opens out to an esplanade of shops and entertainment.

Mantra is right in the heart of Mooloolaba Esplanade with the lift opening to an avenue of clothing shops and eateries. A pool, spa and lounge chairs take up the second floor balcony, overlooking the ocean. There is also a fully-equipped gym, and barbecue facilities.

As the sun sets and the tide goes out, there is a maze of rock pools across the road where children can explore.

THE KIT

Mantra Sirocco at Mooloolaba opens out to an esplanade of shops and entertainment.

There are two and three-bedroom apartments, all accessible from the underground car park. Rooms are air-conditioned, with fully decked out kitchens featuring marble benchtops, a dishwasher, washing machine, cable TV and balconies overlooking the ocean.

Bedrooms are at either ends of the apartment, which is handy to keep children separate if you want to watch a movie in bed. The main bedroom has an ensuite with spa while the second bedroom has a bathroom and shower.

COMFORT FACTOR

Shops, cafes and restaurants are just outside the lobby. The convenience means you can be home within a minute or two after your meal, you can duck downstairs for an ice cream or a coffee, or you can venture across the road and back for a quick swim or a barefoot stroll through the rock pools.

Despite the central location, sound is at a minimum, which means the balcony doors can be left open to let in a soothing rumble of the ocean.

FOOD

Take your pick of cuisine on the Esplanade. Good options are Augello's Italian restaurant, Bella Venezia restaurant and bar, or Lot 104 Espresso and wine bar. Olivers serves gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

The Surf Club is also a popular dining and drinking hole on the ocean front. Further out, the Yacht Club has a bistro and the wharf has some great seafood and a Hogs Breath Cafe. There is no restaurant in the Mantra but given the wide selection at your doorstep, that's not much of a issue.

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

There are a couple of paces here. Put yourself into neutral to catch a wave or some rays on the beach. Or throw yourself into first gear for a walk or short drive to Underwater World.

Nearby, there are salt caves where you can unwind with some salt therapy. Or for slightly faster action, there are deep sea charters which leave from the wharf on a 55-foot fishing vessel. Sunshine Sailing has learn to sail classes, also at the Wharf.

Further out, you can take a drive to Australia Zoo, the Ettamogah Pub or the Eumundi markets.

THE VERDICT

This is a great family stay in Mooloolaba. There is shopping and dining at your doorstep, magnificent ocean views, with great surf and swimming pools. It's possible to park the car underneath and leave it there for the entire stay. Everything is walking distance, including the Wharf if you feel like taking the kids to Underwater World or to check out the yachts.

HOW TO GET THERE

Leave Brisbane around lunch time, head north on the Bruce Highway and you will arrive at Mooloolaba spot on 2pm for check in. Look for the Mooloolaba turn off signs just past the Ettamogah Pub. Enter the car park at the rear of the building, off First Ave.

ESSENTIALS

Mantra Sirocco, 59-75 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba. Prices range from around $285 to $530 per night. Phone [phone], see mantrasirocco.com.au

• The writer was a guest of Mantra Sirocco, Mooloolaba.
• View other great Queensland escapes.