We check-in to Mantra Coolangatta Beach for a little R&R, salt water and local hospitality, and were thoroughly impressed with what we found.
It was the day after Splendour in the Grass wrapped up down in Byron Bay, and all we wanted was a shower and somewhere to rest our heads.
But Mantra’s beachside property in Coolangatta provided us with much more than just a room; it was a room with one heck of a view, helpful staff, and the smell of the ocean from our balcony.
Check-in: 9/10
We arrived, somewhat dishevelled, our eyes sleepy, to be welcomed by the downright lovely Rebecca on reception. She helped us get into our room a couple of hours before the check-in time, explained the parking situation, got us beach towels for a quick ocean dip, and chatted away to us about Splendour and the cool local music scene.
We hopped straight in the elevator up to level 18, and found the delightful Room 1802, a two-bedroom ocean view apartment, kitted out with a plush double bed and two singles.
The balcony door was open when we stepped inside, and so we were greeted with the sound of rolling waves right across the road, and a view to die for: no buildings in front of us, an expansive ocean with nothing blocking the glorious sun that warmed up our room and lit up the sparkling sea.
It sounds so cliché and fantastical, but it was one incredible view, and the balcony curved around so both bedrooms could access it, and see the view from bed.
The room: 8/10
Large, spacious, airy and light-filled are words that come to mind when describing the Mantra Coolangatta Beach room. There were two types of curtains on the windows – sheer to let light in without getting sunburnt, and opaque to keep the morning light out when you’re craving a sleep-in.
The kitchen was fully equipped for making your own food, the bathrooms stocked with beautiful Urban Skincare Co. toiletry products, and one bathroom even sported a washing machine and dryer, which we used with glee, bringing new life back to our Splendour outfits.
We were particularly big fans of the soft bathroom towels, the outdoor wicker chairs on the balcony to soak up the sunshine, and the comfy, modern couches where we dozed and caught the final episode of MasterChef.
The rooms were clean and thoughtful in their design, with artworks seemingly inspired by the ocean and rocky foreshores that framed the local beaches.
Facilities: 8/10
We thought the rooms were good, but the massive pool, warm spa, and sizzling sauna were icing on the cake. We sweated up a storm in a steamy sauna, although wouldn’t recommend trying to squeeze more than three people in at once. And the pools, deck chairs, and roomy spa were just a treat to our aching muscles.
You’re also welcome to book tennis courts, which after three days at Splendour we chose not to, and on-site parking is also available. If you’re craving some snacks, there’s a great café right out front that’s not associated with Mantra Group, but serves up giant coffees and oodles of food.
The room service company, which lets guests order from local restaurants and delivers to your hotel room (think UberEats style), is also an option for the evenings, although we’d suggest skipping that and eating fish and chips on the beach at sunset.
Location: 9/10
If you’re after the urban lifestyle, pumping nightlife, and five-star eateries, Coolangatta is not for you.
But if you’re after a slower paced getaway, a two-minute walk (including elevator ride) to the beach, unobstructed views of stunning blue oceans, tasty local foods of every cuisine imaginable, and coastal explorations where the only traffic comes from local joggers and dogs, then Coolangatta is ideal.
Mantra Coolangatta Beach is, arguably, the closest high-rise to the beach, with just a few other beachfront neighbours, and one of the most appealing on the beach strip. You couldn’t get closer unless you camped in the sand dunes.
And did we mention it’s just a five-minute drive from Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport? Too easy.
Overall: 9/10
It was hard to fault our stay at Mantra Coolangatta, what with the super friendly staff, clean, open reception and lobby, chic, beachy rooms, and ideal location.
For anyone looking for an easy, seaside getaway, this place is a dream to get to, offers stunning views and location, and all you’d need for a day, weekend or week-long stay in the quiet town of Coolangatta.
