Just came back from a week on Airlie Beach staying at Blue Horizon. Secured a deal through a voucher website, and had no problems securing a decent room in Block B, 2nd floor overlooking the pool and construction works. Yes, there are construction works going on over the road, but they won't detract from your stay.

Location - 2 minutes drive past the last roundabout in main street. It is not on the Esplanade but this, I feel, adds to it. Quiet in the evenings, a nice 10 minute stroll to the shops, lagoon and restaurant, and great views of water and bushland rather than streets, shops and drunk backpackers.

Room -
The room was a single bedroom, well furnished apartment with a lovely balcony area for breakfasts and evening brews. The decor in the room suited the occasion. The bed is firm but not concrete, the climate control is plentiful with both ceiling fans and air conditioning, however there's nothing like a morning or evening sea breeze coming through the balcony sliding doors to make you feel relaxed. There are both indoor and outdoor tables for you to enjoy meals, drinks and card games in the twilight if that's your thing. The room we had was perfect for couples, but too small if you have kids, and I'd recommend upgrading to a 2 bedder if that's your case.

Facilities -

The bathroom was practical and clean, with a big shower / spa tub. The television is perfect if you want to catch some news or an evening movie or sport, with a wide variety of channels (just takes you a while to get used to the dual remote system) and a complimentary DVD player.

The only two complaints (if you could call them that) are that the couches are as hard as rocks, though we remedied this with taking the base cushion off the one we weren't using and 'doubling up' on the one we were, which fixed this. Secondly, our balcony had a wooden sun lounge, but sadly the cushion was not there. I improvised with a sofa cushion, but I'm not sure where the original went.

The pool is a highlight, with a spa on a second level. Fairly spacious for a small pool, there are plenty of sun lounges, some in the shade, and there's nothing quite like a refreshing dip in the pool to keep you cool. There are some excellent complimentary BBQ facilities which are a great option to BYO meat and drinks and have a pool side BBQ - yum!

If you have a vehicle, there is car parking on three levels - Ground, Basement and outside on the drive, but during peak times I wouldn't call this ample. The spaces in the basement are small and if there is full occupancy good luck in getting the one with your room number on it. We opted to park in the outdoor bays in the neighboring apartment block even though they were meant to be used for their guests. It was easier than fighting for very tight space and with the threat of a dent on the rental, I'd rather risk a note on the windshield than an expensive dent or scratch on the car.

Staff -

What's a place if the staff don't make you feel welcome? This is where Blue Horizon shines. ALL of the staff are excellent, from the concierge to the owners to the cleaners. Never was something a problem, from cleanliness to check in/check out to booking tours. The staff are excellent and helpful at Blue Horizon which makes the stay that much better.

Overall - There are ample places to stay on Airlie Beach, but when we travel there again we will not bother to look beyond Blue Horizon. Two thumbs up, and recommended to couples and families.

Additional Notes: Some things we did and would recommend to all:

1 - Day Trip to Horseshoe Bay, Bowen. About an hour's drive north, but one which is rewarding. Bowen is a quaint seaside town, and Horsehoe Bay is a beautiful haven, safe for families with kids to have a swim. Get out there!

2 - Get out to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Done on the same tour, this was a magical experience. We booked with Whitehaven Xpress and would recommend them to everyone. Welcoming, larrikin characters who know their stuff. A great, full day out, a fantastic BBQ, snorkeling well looked after and only for $150-odd per person. Hill Inlet will give you the best viewing of the Whitsundays you could imagine, and Whitehaven beach is the type of place postcards are made of (powdery squeaky sand, crystal clear waters).

3 - Montes Reef Resort for the best sunset you will find on the mainland. About 45 mins drive toward Bowen, taking the Dingo Beach turn off, then again toward Hideaway Bay. They do some good seafood on the beach front, and the view as the sun touches the horizon is perfect. It will require an after-dark return trip if you stay for dinner, and it is roo territory so be careful, but it was worth it!

4 - For dining, my two favorites are Capers for any time of day, but their breakfast toast with honey mascopone, fresh fruit conserve and strawberries is delicious! Fish D'Vine gets my vote for tastiest seafood. Their $100 2-man platter is overflowing with goodness, and the fish from the soft shell crab, to fresh green prawns, to parmesan encrusted calamari was divine!

5 - If you are heading back to Proserpine airport and are well ahead of check in time, stop by the brilliant Grub Cafe on Main street, nestled in between the Commonwealth Bank and the Suzuki/Yamaha bike shop. From their delightful pot pie to their delicious lasagne and nice fresh coffee, it is the best place to get your hunger sorted before your flight.