Accor Vacation Club unveils $4.7 million refresh for Palm Cove resorts
Tropical transformation: A refurbishment that brings fresh design, local flair, and renewed energy to North Queensland tourism.
Accor Vacation Club has injected new energy into North Queensland’s tourism landscape with a $4.7 million refurbishment of its two flagship Palm Cove properties, The Sebel Palm Cove and Coral Coast Resort Palm Cove, marking a stylish new era for members and holidaymakers alike.
Reef-to-rainforest inspiration
The Sebel Palm Cove’s 37 apartments have been reimagined with a fresh, coastal aesthetic that pays homage to the region’s dual natural treasures—the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed rainforests.
An energetic colour palette of white, tan and blue now runs through each apartment, complemented by eye-catching artwork, colourful cushions, and bold wallpaper features. Every space has been enhanced with new carpets, dining settings, bedheads, lounge suites, outdoor furniture and modern kitchen appliances.
Meanwhile, Accor Vacation Club’s 20 one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments at nearby Coral Coast Resort Palm Cove have undergone an equally impressive transformation, featuring a softer palette of white, tan and olive green. Kitchens now boast new splashbacks and stone benches, alongside refreshed appliances throughout the living and dining spaces. All furniture, décor, window dressings and artwork have been completely replaced.
Elevating the member experience
“Accor Vacation Club has a regular refurbishment cycle to ensure our members experience contemporary accommodation with tasteful design in every stay,” said Craig Wood, CEO, Accor Vacation Club.
“Members develop a connection with the properties during their time in the club and we often see a spike in member interest when a property has been refurbished.”
Wood said the investment reflects not just a commitment to design excellence, but to the region’s economic vitality.
“Research indicates vacation owners–like those with Accor Vacation Club–spend more on holidays than regular travellers, making this $4.7 million project not just an investment in property, but in Palm Cove’s accommodation stocks and its broader tourism offering.”
Boosting the local economy
The refurbishment also generated tangible benefits for the local economy, engaging around 20 tradespeople and contractors throughout the project. Collectively, Accor Vacation Club’s Palm Cove properties contribute an estimated $10 million annually in direct and indirect economic activity, including staff wages and guest spending.
“Travellers prefer fresh, updated accommodation where possible, so the refurbishment of two of the Palm Coast’s most loved properties by Accor Vacation Club is a welcome investment that both bolsters our offerings to travellers and should help bring more guests to the region,” said Brett Olds, Deputy Mayor and Division Nine Councillor at Cairns Regional Council.
Refined comfort, renewed appeal
The Sebel Palm Cove continues to deliver its hallmark hospitality through 37 spacious, self-contained apartments, a large lagoon pool and complimentary wifii. Members of Accor Vacation Club consistently rate the property close to nine out of ten in post-stay surveys — a sentiment echoed on Tripadvisor and booking.com, and among members of Accor’s global loyalty program, ALL.
Just a short stroll from the beach and Palm Cove Village, Coral Coast Resort Palm Cove offers an outdoor swimming pool and access to Ocean Edge’s Health Club, featuring a 25-metre lap pool, gym and sauna.
A leading club in the region
With nearly 30,000 members and 24 properties across Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, Accor Vacation Club remains one of the region’s premier vacation ownership programs. While its rooms are primarily reserved for members, they are occasionally available to the public through the club’s exchange program, giving more travellers a chance to experience the refreshed Palm Cove resorts.
