Making a splash in the Margaret River Region. We've rounded up the best places to hang poolside this summer.
It’s that time of the year when it can be too hot for even a trip to the beach.
When the temperature tops 30 degrees, all you want to do is lay poolside and dip in and out of the water all day. But searching for accommodation with pools can be tedious and time-consuming. We’ve saved you the hassle and narrowed down some of the region’s swimming-pool favourites.
The term “family friendly” instils fear into the heart of the best parents, for the simple reason that family friendly generally means grown-up unfriendly. Play centres, themed restaurants and – yes – holiday resorts with a child-focused slant are generally regarded with suspicion by discerning adults looking for peace, relaxation and pleasant surroundings.
Proving that for every rule there is an exception, Mandalay Resort in Busselton can happily lay claim to appealing to both children, grown-ups – and everyone in between.
Boasting three large adventure playgrounds, a huge playing field for impromptu communal games of cricket and footie, and a giant jumping pillow that sees children and grown-ups jostling for bouncing space, Mandalay is the ultimate family getaway. The resort, just a stone’s throw from tranquil Geographe Bay, also has three pools, including an outdoor one that is solar heated and an indoor pool with its own beach and shallow waters, ideal for little swimmers. This pool is also heated, so the whole family can splash around even when the weather’s not summer perfect.
With the outdoor pool comes a massive, multi-coloured waterslide that’s open for most of the day. If you’re looking for a way to wear your children out while you relax in the sunshine, this has got to be it.
Mandalay offers a range of high-quality, contemporary accommodation, as well as caravan and camping sites. With two-storey apartment-style luxury space villas, beach cottages, superior spa chalets and studio cabins to choose from, there’s something for absolutely everyone. The accommodation has been recently renovated, and is lovely, with everything you need for a self-contained stay, including a modern kitchen and bathroom, TVs, air-conditioning, heating, and gorgeous little verandahs to sit and watch the kids play as the sun sets.
There’s so much to love about Mandalay Resort. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with the kids forming long-lasting friendships as they scoot around the safe little streets, and the parents bond over the many barbecues dotted around the resort.
There’s a tranquillity that almost seems to be from a forgotten age of simpler times, which is only improved by the arrival of a food truck selling French pastries on weekend mornings. Heralding her arrival with the ringing of a bell, the guests gather on the lawn to enjoy croissants and waffles, as another truck arrives to deliver the much-needed coffee.
This is family-friendly holidaying at its very, very best. Immaculate accommodation in a picture-perfect setting, with coffee and croissants delivered to your door. Priceless.
If you’re looking for a holiday without the kids, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is the perfect spot for a peaceful, relaxing break in the Margaret River Region.
Nestled alongside beautiful Bunker Bay, the resort boasts luxuriously appointed and beautifully spacious studio, and one- and two-bedroom bungalow-style villas ideal for a romantic getaway. Each villa features lake or garden views, an outdoor courtyard or deck, boardwalk access to the beach, a kitchen or kitchenette. All this, plus a stunning swimming pool at its heart.
Located on the shores of Geographe Bay in Busselton, Cape View Beach Resort is the perfect spot to base yourself while exploring the south west.
Set right on the beach, Cape View Beach Resort offers self-catered accommodation which features either two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining/living area with TV, DVD player and Foxtel, laundry, courtyard or balcony with outdoor setting and parking.
Facilities include a large outdoor pool, undercover heated plunge pool, spa, sauna, two barbecue areas, two playgrounds, gym and indoor children’s playroom.
Nestled in a turquoise bay, just a short walk from the Dunsborough town centre, is Regency Beach Club. Originally a caravan park, the original design philosophy was founded on developing a sense of space and a feeling of community.
Set in large gardens with sealed avenues, spacious carports and boat parking, a series of 36 modern villas are positioned in this single complex. The setting provides guests with an opportunity to take advantage of glorious views and pristine landscaping, while soaking up the pool and seaside environment.
In the very heart of Margaret River, lies Margarets in Town Apartments. The well-appointed apartment accommodation complex is perfectly positioned for those who’d like to take a short stroll to the cafes, galleries and restaurants of Margaret River. It’s also a 10-minute drive to many of the region’s world-class beaches, attractions and wineries. Choose from a studio, one-bedroom apartment, two-bedroom loft apartment, two-bedroom deluxe apartment or three-bedroom apartment, all of which have access to the resort’s tranquil swimming pool.