Colony Club by Elegant Hotels

Colony Club occupies seven acres of mature gardens on the Platinum Coast, with four interlinked lagoon pools winding between the buildings and a broad beach beyond. Some ground-floor rooms open straight into the water of the lagoon pools, a quirk that guests either love or avoid entirely.

Since joining Marriott's Luxury Collection the property has been refreshed without losing its slightly clubby, established feel. Rooms are comfortable rather than cutting-edge, and the better ones face the sea directly.

There are three restaurants including the beachfront Laguna, plus a spa, watersports and a complimentary catamaran cruise along the coast. It works well for couples and families who want west-coast beach access at a slightly more accessible rate than its neighbours.