New Coastal Resort The Roy Brings Chic Nostalgia To Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach has long been the kind of place you go when you want to detach from the demands of modern life, sink your toes into the sand and rid yourself of any kind of itinerary. Now, there’s a new place to stay in the beating heart of it all, and it’s the perfect combination of elevated nostalgia and laid-back Queensland energy. 

Meet The Roy, a revamped 24-room coastal resort that has just swung open its doors, taking over the bones of the former 1990s built Rainbow Sands Resort. The name is a nod to Red, Orange, Yellow — the first three colours of the rainbow, echoed in the shifting rust, coral and gold tones of the surrounding sand dunes. The Roy has been reworked by Blackwood Hotels, the group behind Torquay's Surf Hotel, with the original Palm Springs-style architecture given a colourful yet contemporary update. 

Image Credit: The Roy | Supplied

Designed by multi-disciplinary design studio Pasquale Cook, the interiors pair sandy, sun-washed tones and crisp white finishes with playful pops of colour and subtle nods to Australian nostalgia, creating a look that feels fresh without losing its sense of place. Set at the beginning of Rainbow Beach’s main street, the hotel is an easy walk from both the town centre and the gently lapping shores, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. 

Image Credit: The Roy | Supplied

Across three levels, the 24 rooms include king rooms for couples and solo travellers, holiday units with kitchens and living areas for longer stays, and family-friendly options with bunks for children. Outside, a brand-new resort-style pool is surrounded by gardens and barbecue areas, bikes are available for exploring, and there is a traditional sauna for those craving a restorative stay, while inside, custom mattresses, new air-conditioning and refreshed living spaces offer a comfortable place to recharge. 

“The interiors were designed to feel fresh, uplifting and effortlessly comfortable—a welcoming base for every kind of holiday,” say Pasquale Cook directors Sophie Di Pasquale and Sally Cook, capturing the warmth and easygoing spirit of Rainbow Beach.

Image Credit: The Roy | Supplied

Though it's hard to imagine wanting to leave, the location is a drawcard in and of itself, with K’gari, Double Island Point and the Carlo Sand Blow all within easy reach, along with opportunities for 4WD beach adventures, surfing, kayaking and sunset spotting. Consider this the perfect new basecamp for discovering one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal destinations.

Main Image Credit: The Roy | Supplied