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Sails On Horseshoe

13-15 Pacific Dr Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland 4819 Australia
Traveller (90)
Room & Suite (27)
Pool & Beach (26)

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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

4.5
#4 of 5 hotels in Magnetic Island
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
Without a doubt, Sails on Horseshoe on Magnetic island boasts the best location on the island. Horseshoe Bay is north facing and provides protection and sparkling calm waters year round. Sails is down the quiet end of the beach strip and only a short stroll to many of the islands best cafes and restaurants as well as water sports and a safe netted swimming area. Horseshoe Bay is a handy starting point for many of the islands best bush walks including the Forts walk where you can quite often spot koalas. Unit 10 at Sails on Horseshoe has been recently refurbished in an coastal relaxed vibe with the addition of new family sized fridge, quality Sealy beds, luxurious mattress topper and a selection of memory foam and polyester fibre filled pillows. With the soft sounds of the ocean you are bound to have a good nights sleep. The kitchen is well appointed with all you need to self cater. Enjoy a freshly brewed Nespresso coffee on the balcony with your self catered breakfast or head down to one of the many cafes on the bay. After breakfast why not hire a SUP or a kayak and check out the turtles that frequent the bay. For dinner there is a convenience store where you can gather your ingredients to self cater or otherwise Horseshoe Bay provides a variety of evening dining options including Sandi’s, Barefoot Art Food Wine, Horseshoe Bay hotel and Noodies on the Beach. And don’t forget to take in the famous Horseshoe Bay sunset from directly out the front of Sails. The colours will amaze you. Unit 10 has everything you need to make your stay at Magnetic a memorable one.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Beach
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour check-in
Self-serve laundry
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Washing machine
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Room features
Air conditioning
Dining area
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Seating area
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish

Location

13-15 Pacific Dr Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland 4819 Australia
165Reviews2Q+A47Room tips

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
elizabethlV6977MN wrote a review Aug 2022
Bournemouth, United Kingdom173 contributions49 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We loved our stay in no.13 overlooking Horseshoe Bay. Popped across the road to the beach last night to see the stars at night before leaving today. A blissful spot. The facilities in the apartment suited us wonderfully - great dining tables inside and on balcony. Ceiling fans & AC. Washing machine and dryer, plus clothes airer, Hills hanger out back and loads of places to hang out after sea fun wet gear. Kitchen well enough equipped to prepare simple salads etc. Serene and peaceful. Close to cafes and restaurants if you want them, and near to bus stop. Great walking from here to multiple isolated bays.
Would just recommend a car if you have any luggage as getting there and back to ferry (to meet on ongoing flight) proved really problematic with only 2 taxis on the island at any time, and 1 driver off sick. Buses run infrequently and not on time always. If not the huge hearted Ken ( to whom we are eternally grateful) we would never have made the ferry for our onward flight from Townsville. We did seem to spend a lot of time waiting for infrequent buses without having arranged scooter hire or car hire while staying in Horseshoe. If you’re based in Nelly Bay the need for a vehicle is probably less.
Apartment was a bit weary decoratively and some fly screens in need of repair. But this didn’t impact our enjoyment.
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Date of stay: August 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Get a balcony with view of the bay, ask for a non-slip mat for the shower
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melinaluvsholidays wrote a review Jan 2020
Melbourne, Australia487 contributions40 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
As the title states, we loved Magnetic Island and the accommodation at Sails on Horseshoe so much that we booked for July before we left.
I was impressed that we were given a particular room after having a phone conversation with Kathy about what I would like, and that room was reserved for us for months. I’m used to reserving “a room” and having the accom re-jig things depending on their bookings, so this was lovely.
The view from the upstairs beachfront unit was stunning, the balcony was amazing, our view of palm trees and the beach from our bed was incredible.....just loved it. The unit was really well equipped with everything we needed and more. Never seen such a huge stock of kitchen appliances and utensils in a rental unit, which made BBQing at the beaches easy as well.
Pool with fantastic BBQ area was good. Fridge and two cookers as well as under cover tables.
Beach towels, eskies, beach toys and foldable chairs all available for free use from reception....little things that made our stay so much more comfy! I found Kathy and Phil to be accommodating and friendly. Take the time to have a conversation with them!
Can not wait to be back there in 6 months!
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Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from factor12, Manager at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 11 Jan 2020
Hi Melina. Thank you for taking the time and writing such a comprehensive review. Kathy and I are glad that you enjoyed yourselves here and look forward to seeing you again in the future. Regards. Phil & Kathy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christian S wrote a review Sept 2022
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at Sails on Horseshoe a month ago. We had the nicest holiday we've had in ages. The townhouse is so well positioned and spotless on arrival. They have spent alot of time and money on providing the little things that make the stay so enjoyable. The kids loved the pool area and my wife and i could watch them from the balcony.

The best coffee was about 30 metres away and great food about 50 meters away from the townhouse.

The vibe is really chilled and quite and the sound of the palms in the breeze made us feel we were a million miles from anywhere.

Thankyou so much for the stay. We will be back for shore.

Christian and Megan.
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Date of stay: August 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Any rooms are ideal
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elena Delrio, Owner at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 22 May 2023
Come back soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RaulArregui wrote a review Mar 2021
Bunya Mountains, Australia26 contributions13 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
My partner and I, together with a couple of mates of ours, stayed at Apartment #9 of Sails On Horseshoe for seven (7) nights. The apartment is located in a small complex, opposite the beach on Horseshoe Bay (Magnetic Island). The complex has a very nice pool and a well setup entertainment area (2 x BBQ grills, outdoor fridge and large tables with plenty chairs. Apartment #9 was advertised as a 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, but the 2nd bedroom did not have a proper wall (just concertina panels to provide privacy) and the 2nd bathroom was just a 2nd toilet inside the laundry (very small and without a 2nd shower). The apartment was clean, had plenty air conditioner units and ceiling fans, a small size TV in the living room, and good size kitchen. The apartment had a dishwasher and washing machine both in good working condition; but the dryer did not work well (the dial to set the drying time did not work well). The apartment had a nice balcony with table and chairs. The apartment is not good for 2 couples, perhaps a couple and their 2 children, due to the lack of a private 2nd bedroom and no 2nd bathroom (only 2nd toilet); and the weekly rate is too high considering that (low value for money).
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Date of stay: March 2021
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Apartment #9 not ok for 2 couples (couple w/ 2 kids ok): 1 bathroom (2 toilets); 2nd bedroom not...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elena Delrio, General Manager at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 3 weeks ago
Sails on Horseshoe has been under new Management since this review was published. We have put in a lot of effort to ensure that all the past guest comments have been acted on. Give us another go, we are sure you will love it!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Josie C wrote a review Feb 2020
2 contributions4 helpful votes
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I had booked this family weekend away almost 2 months in advance as a surprise for my mums birthday. It was absolutely ruined and had my mum in tears due to the horrible old lady who runs the place. The husband was reasonable and seemed fair, but no matter what he said or how reasonable and helpful he tried to be, she shut him down and bullied him and us. We booked a 6 person room and had upgraded from a 2 person room. Due to their own ignorance and carelessness, they did not check on their Booking.com portal that an upgrade had been made. The husband admitted this to my face at 7:00pm when we arrived that he had not checked and was his mistake. The rude lady then got in my face arguing that she has never made a mistake and checks absolutely everything always. They proceeded to call Booking.com and were told the upgrade is there and they should’ve checked it. At this point it’s nearing 8:30pm and after an hour of my mum calling around, we have nothing. The establishment owners were absolutely no help. They closed the reception and left us in the rain to go eat their dinner and left us to find our own alternative accommodation on an island(!!) even though it was their fault. The rude lady then came out and proceeded to tell us we will be charged as a “no show” regardless if we stayed in 2 person room or not and could not fathom why just two of us could not stay and split up. We had kids with us and that was not on the cards, this was a family weekend booked months in advance. The “no show” fee was the $210 deposit I had already paid when I booked and at this point we had been sitting in the rain for over 2 hours trying to find a roof to put over our heads for the night so I accepted it and we left to find alternative accommodation. Not even 45 seconds after walking away, another $200 was debited from my account even though the lady insisted she would only be keeping the deposit that I had paid 2 months ago when I booked the unit. Evidently, looking at other reviews and the family who checked in at the same time as us, they have developed a horrible reputation for their services. We stayed at Sails years ago before these two took management rights and never ever had an issue, after talking to many locals on the island, being extremely difficult is just her reputation. The other family booked an ocean view room and received a garden view behind other units... Considering most people book this establishment for the view, I would’ve felt absolutely ripped off as you can get much nicer on the island for the same price. The rooms are dated and tacky and the only pro is the location. If you’re after luxury or even remotely decent, steer elsewhere. If I could give a zero rating, I would.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from factor12, Owner at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 15 Feb 2020
On 9/12/19, we received a booking from Booking.com for only 2 guests in a one-bedroom Studio unit. On that day, a $200 deposit was taken from your account and a confirmation email sent to you via Booking.com. The email clearly states our email address and phone number, hours of opening (8.30am to 5.30pm.) and the total price of $410 for the two nights for two guests. We had phoned you three times after 5.30pm on your day of arrival to find out the time you were arriving as we were closing the office. We had no reply. At 7.30pm, two people arrived. I took you around to the room and then went back to lock up the office. Whilst I was doing this, you both came straight back to the office and told me you had booked a two-bed unit. Then an extra four people arrived. You said you had done a modification to a two-bed Garden Terrace unit, but we had never received this and all the other units were full. We phoned Booking.com. They said they did a modification (which we did not receive) but it was still for two guests. If you had told them it was for 6 adults, the price would have been significantly higher. We offered the unit for two of your party but this was refused. There were no children with you. It was raining but the office was still open and with chairs inside and an outside canopy. Booking.com were trying to get you accommodation for six adults and I phoned the pub to ask them if they could keep the restaurant open for 6 adults as it was nearing their 8.30pm closing time. Your husband was in the office and we showed him the booking for the one-bed unit for two guests and he told us that the same situation had happened to you recently in Melbourne. All your monies were refunded and Booking.com realised there had been a fault in sending the modification. We realise that this was not the start to the weekend that you wanted but do not accept your rather nasty and contrived comments and who were the supposed other guests that checked in whilst this was going on? All the other guests had checked in by 5pm and were perfectly happy.
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Jane wrote a review Aug 2021
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
The apartments are very spacious and are in an excellent location opposite the beach and close to restaurants in the Bay. However, for the price we paid we thought the furniture was dated, and the lounge chairs did not look clean. The apartment needs a good clean overall to remove mould from window and door frames and walls, and the bathroom generally, and the carpet was heavily stained. The wifi signal was very weak and intermittent. With these improvements it would be highly recommended as a great place to stay on Magnetic Island.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elena Delrio, General Manager at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 3 weeks ago
Sails on Horseshoe has been under new Management since this review was published. We have put in a lot of effort to ensure that all the past guest comments have been acted on. Give us another go, we are sure you will love it!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaye L wrote a review Oct 2021
Townsville, Australia32 contributions14 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Firstly, we had to wait 2 hours after checkin time for the cleaner to clean the unit. It seemed to take 2 people only 20 mins to clean when they finally arrived! Phil was apologetic about this but maybe could have prewarned us as we did not know there was a delay until we arrived to check in. There was a musty smell in the wardrobe from previous water damage (which we have reported) and we felt the unit did not seem that clean and some of the crockery, glasses were stained. The manager was also apologetic about the poor wifi
This facility is advertised as 4 star but it did not appear so and we felt it was overpriced.
It certainly is a great location and lovely and quiet.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elena Delrio, General Manager at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 3 weeks ago
Sails on Horseshoe has been under new Management since this review was published. We have put in a lot of effort to ensure that all the past guest comments have been acted on. Give us another go, we are sure you will love it!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
charlessthomson wrote a review June 2023
New Delhi, India288 contributions78 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Individually managed, I stayed at Unit 10 that was beautifully furnished and great location within the complex being two floors. Ground floor two bedrooms with bathroom, upstairs loung, outside deck, kitchen, laundry and toilet. The lady who cleans and manages the unit was faboulous and would always assits whenever necessary. Love to go back again.
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Date of stay: June 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Make sure you actually booked unit 10 and not one of the other self managed units.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elena Delrio, General Manager at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thanks for your review, come again soon!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stevienic wrote a review Jan 2024
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at Sails Unit 9 which was excellent , it was the perfect location for a relaxing family holiday to end the year.
The unit was clean, comfortable, and spacious enough for a family of 2 adults and 2 teens to spread out and enjoy. It was very clean and well equipped to cater for us. Liz was extremely helpful with anything we needed and helped ensure we had a great stay. The unit is just a blocks walk to Horseshoe Bays restaurants, cafes, pub and shops and directly across the road from the beautiful Horseshoe Bay beach front, where there is lots of water activity options. We did the Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour and highly recommend it if you want to hire a jet ski. It provides a longer experience option, and you get a chance to learn about, see and swim in some of the less accessible bays on the island.
Magnetic Island "Maggie" is amazing , the people are friendly and relaxed and the scenery, beaches and wildlife incredible. We used the Shuttle bus to get around the island and to and from the ferry, it was all very easy. We will defiantly be back !
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Date of stay: January 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elena Delrio, General Manager at Sails On Horseshoe
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thanks for your review, come again soon!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KezGoodie wrote a review July 2022
Sydney50 contributions33 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I think this is the best accommodation on Magnetic Island, the reason being:-
Best location Horseshoe Bay and straight across from the beach as well as walking distance to some great eateries.
We had the best room 4.
Phil the manager was a joy to deal with.
I’m definitely returning and staying here, can’t recommend it highly enough.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from Kim K
Melbourne, Australia70 contributions25 helpful votes
Apologies that I did not see your question until now. I hope you were able to work out your holiday accommodation to magnetic island as it is a wonderful place to visit. We enjoyed the peace of it all.
Answer from Kim K
Melbourne, Australia70 contributions25 helpful votes
Hi Mary. Sorry I just saw your question. 😳 Hope you enjoyed your stay. We would always stay there as the location, sunsets and facility suits us. We’re very laid back so if it’s a bit outdated we can forgive it for all it’s pluses. Cheers Kim.
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cheryl w wrote a tip Nov 2023
Townsville, Australia31 contributions13 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Email and text best for communication with the manager as phone service appears patchy. Good wifi in the unit we stayed but poor signal most"
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Mike G wrote a tip Sept 2023
17 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Sails on Horseshoe is a perfect place for 2-4 people. There is a breakfast cafe close, the beach is steps away and the accommodations perfec"
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charlessthomson wrote a tip June 2023
New Delhi, India288 contributions78 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Make sure you actually booked unit 10 and not one of the other self managed units."
Read full review
Christian S wrote a tip Sept 2022
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Any rooms are ideal"
Read full review
elizabethlV6977MN wrote a tip Aug 2022
Bournemouth, United Kingdom173 contributions49 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Get a balcony with view of the bay, ask for a non-slip mat for the shower"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Magnetic Island area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$297 - AU$320 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sails on horseshoe magnetic island
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandMagnetic Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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SAILS ON HORSESHOE (AU$297): 2024 Prices & Reviews (Magnetic Island) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Sails On Horseshoe
Which popular attractions are close to Sails On Horseshoe?
Nearby attractions include Magnetic Island Forts Walk (1.9 km), Geoffrey Bay (4.0 km), and Stage Door (3.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sails On Horseshoe?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, free parking, and free internet access.
Which room amenities are available at Sails On Horseshoe?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Sails On Horseshoe?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Sails On Horseshoe?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sails On Horseshoe?
Conveniently located restaurants include the REEF Bar Cafe, Scallywags Cafe, and Mamma Roma.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sails On Horseshoe?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sails On Horseshoe?
Yes, self serve laundry and a washing machine are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sails On Horseshoe?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Sails On Horseshoe?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Kissing Point Fort (14.7 km).
Does Sails On Horseshoe have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.