Why Ardo Is One Of The Best Luxury Hotels For Your 2026 Townsville Escape
Isabel Croker
Editorial Manager (AU + NZ) | Urban List
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
It’s hard to beat Ardo Townsville for waterfront luxury. Perched on the Coral Sea, Townsville’s first luxury hotel frames ocean views at every turn—from seaview suites with curved outdoor baths to alfresco dining and a rooftop bar primed for sunset sessions.
Since opening in December 2023, Ardo has garnered national attention as it continues to redefine North Queensland’s tourism landscape and accommodation style. And it's easy to see why. With an infinity rooftop pool, three exceptional restaurants and an opulent day spa, Ardo is the very essence of coastal elegance.
Ardo Townsville At A Glance
Image Credit: Simon Shiff | Supplied
Stay In Style
The $88 million hotel from the renowned Morris Group houses 132 generously-sized rooms and suites, all with private balconies or courtyards, and most with panoramic views of the Coral Sea. Wraparound balconies, curved outdoor baths, couples’ daybeds and Magnetic Island views are all on the agenda for those staying in a suite.
Image Credit: Simon Shiff | Supplied
The architectural splendour of Ardo is a testament to the creativity of esteemed architecture firm, Dubois. Cool coastal tones are complemented by terrazzo surfaces, blonde wood and mosaic tiles; cork floors contrast free-form concrete ceilings and Dubois’ unique architectural flair perfectly encapsulates Townsville’s vibrant yet laid back essence.
The rooms are decked out with top-of-the-line amenities including a tablet control centre, gourmet mini bar, rainfall shower and quite possibly the fluffiest bathrobes we've ever tried.
Image Credit: Simon Shiff | Supplied
Swim With A View
Among the hallmark features of Ardo is the sky-high infinity rooftop pool. Honestly, once you’ve seen the photos we don’t even need to describe it but we’ll do it anyway. Perched 25 metres above the Coral Sea, the pool seamlessly blends with the vast expanse of the water beyond, creating an illusion of the pool extending endlessly into the yacht-dotted horizon.
Image Credit: Ardo | Supplied
Terracotta-hued sun lounges provide prime spots for lazily lounging around the hotel guest-only pool and the poolside bar and food service ensures you never need to leave your sunbed. Except for a dip in the pool, of course. Spend a day soaking up the 180-degree views from the sun-drenched pool—with a cocktail in hand—and you’ll agree this is the jewel in Ardo’s crown.
Love sunset sessions? Each Friday and Saturday night, you can dance the night away with live music by local and visiting DJs as the sun dips below the horizon. From March to May, don't miss Ardo's seasonal 'Autumn Blends' cocktail list. We're obsessed with the Limon Cheesecake cocktail with Wolf Lane Limoncello, cream, lemon, and vanilla.
Image Credit: Ardo | Supplied
Sip And Savour
Ardo houses three distinct restaurants, marking the biggest luxury multi-restaurant launch ever seen in Townsville. The premier property has a strong mission of sustainability which manifests profoundly in the epicurean food offerings, underscoring a dedication to sourcing local, high-quality ingredients.
Terasu is Ardo’s Tokyo-inspired Japanese restaurant that blends traditional Japanese techniques with Australian flavours. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the culinary mastery firsthand—wagyu sizzles as chefs craft artfully presented sushi and nigiri. Sit grillside for an immersive experience, in the main restaurant space or on the outside deck, where you can soak up waterfront views. Not sure what to order? The salmon nori tacos and the kingfish ceviche are sublime or go all out with the ‘Feed Me’ banquet.
Image Credit: Simon Shiff | Supplied
If you like your meal with a side of ocean vistas, Ardo Rooftop has your name all over it. Every aspect of the restaurant has been carefully designed to maximise the postcard-worthy views of the Coral Sea. The menu reflects the coastal surroundings—indulge in hot and cold tapas like mezze plates, fresh Mediterranean salads, fried calamari and flatbread pizzettes. You would be remiss not to try the La Perla Rosa cocktail with rum, passionfruit liqueur, popping pearls and pineapple.
Image Credit: Simon Shiff | Supplied
Marmor is a sleek seafood and steak restaurant, where ocean meets pasture in a bold union of land and sea. Indulge in prime cuts of beef and ethically sourced local seafood—the Bass Strait beef and the Moreton Bay Bug tail is sublime.
Relax And Explore
Elevate your escape with a touch of luxury at Ardo Day Spa, where a new realm of resort-style relaxation beckons. Choose from nature-inspired treatments including hot stone therapy, relaxation massages, facials and body wraps, then unwind in the ocean-view relaxation room.
Ardo guests also have access to the neighbouring The Ville precinct with an oceanside swimming pool, swim-up pool bar, gym and casino. And if you really want to venture out from your coastal haven, MOUA, Magnetic Island and Wallaman Falls are within close distance.
Image Credit: Simon Shiff | Supplied
Ardo embodies understated luxury; a harmonious blend of coastal sophistication, natural beauty and tranquillity. Bookings at Ardo are now open. Room rates start from around $275 for a room and $555 for a suite (prices subject to change).
Main image credit: Ardo | Supplied