Hotel upgrade to 5-star retreat

A Moreton Bay hotel is to be upgrades and expanded into the region’s first 5-star retreat.

Mandala Hotels & Resorts has bought the Mercure Clear Mountain and has plans for a $4 million transformation to a premier Peppers retreat.

The 20-hectare venue, looking out to the Glasshouse Mountains, currently has 51 hotel rooms, lookouts, vineyard walks, a spa and regional cuisine.

Ryan Shaw, Principal of Mandala Hotels & Resorts, said “Our vision is to reimagine Clear Mountain as a premier wedding and tourism destination.

When finished it will “bring elevated luxury across guest rooms, dining, wellness, and event spaces – each thoughtfully redesigned and, in some cases, relocated”.

Work will be staged over 12 months “to ensure the property remains operational, with careful planning to minimise disruption to guests.

The upgrade will include:

• Elevated guest suites with panoramic mountain views
• Purpose-built wedding and corporate event venues
• A signature restaurant and bar anchored by a central fireplace
• Resort-style pool, gym and enhanced wellness spa
• Billard room
• Several private dining experiences

Mr Shaw said Moreton Bay City Council had been “incredibly proactive”.

“Their support and work with SEQ Water to unlock the necessary water allocation played a huge part in our decision to acquire this site and commit to a significant reinvestment that will lift its amenity, grow capacity and increase room numbers,” he said.

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “This type of investment will allow our tourism and events industry, which contributed more than $60 million in economic impact last financial year, to flourish and help capture new business and corporate events.

“Our City needs 1500 new hotel rooms by 2032 and we are confident this is the start of many more investments to come.”

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said: "This 5-star hotel will be a welcome boost for both corporate and leisure travellers wishing to stay in this stunning hinterland destination."

Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9) said the upgrade "will create more opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality venues and small businesses across the hinterland, from Samford Valley to Dayboro and surrounding areas.”