Ramada Marcoola Beach start work on $2m refurbishments

A popular Queensland hotel built in the 1960s that once hosted a duke, a lady and three detectives to watch for jewellery thieves has revealed plans for a massive $2m refurbishment.

Artist impressions of the refurbished deluxe rooms at Ramada Marcoola Beach, previously the Surfair International Hotel.

Owners of a Sunshine Coast resort, which has been in operation since the 1960s, are splashing $2m to complete a “Hamptons-style” refurbishment.

Ramada Marcoola Beach, part of Club Wyndham South Pacific managed by Travel and Leisure Co, has announced a revamp for 24 holiday apartments and hotel rooms.

Construction has started to transform the rooms with a classic coastal theme in mind using blue, white, pops of orange and natural materials inspired by the resort’s beachfront.

The apartments will be lined with vinyl timber flooring, dark blue carpets, light blue walls and a new balcony setting.

Artist impressions of the refurbished deluxe rooms at Ramada Marcoola Beach. Photo: Travel and Leisure Co

Artist impressions of the refurbished deluxe rooms at Ramada Marcoola Beach. Photo: Travel and Leisure Co

The “deluxe” apartments will feature artwork inspired by Sunshine Coast coastal habitats as well as oversized armchairs and walk-in showers.

A dinner enjoyed in 1971 at the Surfair International Hotel.

The refurbishments are intended to pay homage to the history of the resort’s original tower, known as Surfair, built in the 1960s and its prominence at the time.

VIPs had frequently spent their weekends at the hotel after landing at the Sunshine Coast Airport in the 60s and 70s with many events held throughout this time.

The most high-profile event welcomed the Duke of Bedford and Lady Fairfax with a seafood buffet, cocktails and three detectives to keep an eye out for jewellery thieves, a press release about the refurbishment stated.

Pool area at the Surfair International Hotel, David Low Way, Marcoola, August 1980.

Surfair vans in front of the Surfair International Hotel, David Low Way, Marcoola, August 1980.

By the 1980s, the hotel was toured by various big music acts including Cold Chisel, Skyhooks, Midnight Oil, The Angels and Jimmy and the Boys.

Travel and Leisure Co senior vice president Warren Cullum said the company was thrilled to honour the resort’s place in Sunshine Coast history in their refurbishments while also providing an innovative experience.

Surfair International Hotel on the David Low Way, Marcoola, 1985.

“In line with our sustainability commitments, we are pleased to offer our quality used furniture to worthwhile local cause, Lifeline Maroochydore,” he said.

The resort features an outdoor lagoon pool, a children’s wading pool, day spa, gym, onsite restaurant and bar and six function rooms as well as complimentary sports equipment hire for members.