Staying at Pepper Blue on Blue Resort, Magnetic Island, Queensland

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort in Queensland.

Cherie Howie stays at a Queensland hotel that boasts a huge lagoon.

Getting there: 20-minute ferry ride from Breakwater Terminal, close to downtown Townsville, to Nelly Bay Terminal on Magnetic Island. There are 18 daily return passenger services.

Check-in experience: Trouble-free.

Room: Three-bedroom self-contained "plunge" apartment on the ground floor with outdoor area, which includes sun loungers and a private plunge pool with marina view. Large screen TV in lounge, and a second in master bedroom.

Price: $168 to $666 a night.

What's so good about this place? Next to ferry terminal, great restaurant on site and two pools, including a huge lagoon pool.

And the bad? Nothing.

What's in the neighbourhood? Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, supermarket, car rental and marina all a minute's walk away.

Toiletries: Usual supplied.

Food and drink: Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar on-site with great full breakfast and extensive lunch and dinner menu. Try the pan-seared scallops with cauliflower.

The bed: Comfy.

A room with a view? Marina or pool view for most rooms.

Bathroom: Two full bathrooms. Master en suite is plush, with rain shower and free-standing deep bath.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes.

Noise: Quiet.

Room service: Yes.

Value for money: Yes

Perfect for: Families.

CHECKLIST

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is at 123 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia. Phone: +61 7 4758 2400.