Kimberley sands sweep into town

Gemma Nisbet checks out a well-known Broome resort now with a new identity and owner.

Broome’s Pinctada Cable Beach Resort is now under new management, with a new name: Kimberley Sands.

The resort, which claims to be the only AAA five-star-rated resort in Broome, now comes under the banner of Saltwater Properties and is managed by the same team as the nearby Pearle of Cable Beach.

The two properties share a modern, luxe style, with lush, tropical gardens but offer different types of accommodation. The Pearle is aimed at self-catering travellers looking for a self-contained option, while Kimberley Sands is a full-service resort with a restaurant and day spa.

According to Paul Coggan, who manages both properties, the new name of Kimberley Sands is intended to “bring the Kimberley back into Broome”. He says the resort’s up-market feel appeals to both the leisure and corporate markets.

Kimberley Sands resort, Broome. Picture: Gemma Nisbet

Saltwater Properties took over the property in mid-November and the company has already made a number of changes. The boutique, formerly in the day spa, has been moved to the front reception, giving the spa more room. There’s a new gym, a new children’s lounge and an adults-only Kimberley Lounge with a plunge pool and day bed, plus an air- conditioned TV lounge — this space is also designed to be used as a late check-out lounge and guests who have a late flight home can make use of the bathroom and shower facilities.

The main dining room has been moved to overlook the swimming pool and has a poolside bar and lounge area (there’s also 24-hour room service) and the old restaurant area at the front of the property is now a function facility for up to 50 people. There’s also a new corporate lounge with a complimentary small meeting room, in addition to the existing boardroom.

The rooms themselves are comfortable and modern, ranging from standard guest rooms through deluxe rooms and one and two-bedroom suites to the Master Pearler suites, which have a lounge area with a kitchenette, a big bedroom sectioned off with a sliding door, a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and no fewer than three televisions throughout.

Kimberley Sands resort, Broome. Picture: Supplied

My room for my two-night stay — a Deluxe Guest Room — is spacious, comfortable and well- appointed, with luxuries including a rainhead shower and lots of storage space, plus a desk, couch and a lush garden courtyard. The one and two-bedroom suites are clustered around shady central courtyards with a plunge pool. There’s also a meditative garden designed by Jamie Durie.

During my stay, Paul also shows me around The Pearle, which he describes as low key but high end. Its private, self-contained Pearle Pavilions are available with one, two or three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite with a rainhead shower. The pavilions also have a full kitchen and open-plan living area, along with extensive outdoor spaces including a barbecue and swimming pool. (The Superior three-bedroom pavilions have a bigger pool, additional outdoor entertaining space and an outdoor TV.)

The Pearle of Cable Beach in Broome. Picture: Gemma Nisbet

Set amid lush gardens, the resort has a day spa and no fewer than 36 swimming pools, including the main infinity pool near the breakfast room and main barbecue area. “That’s a challenge for us to maintain but it’s our wow point,” Paul says of the pools.

The property has also been undergoing some renovations recently, including repainting both inside and out, and refurbishment of some of the indoor furnishings.

The main pool at the Pearle, Broome. Picture: Supplied

Many guests at The Pearle are return customers, perhaps even booking their next stay as they’re checking out, Paul says. “They really just want to get away from their own home and make a home here.”

Indeed Paul, who has been in Broome for six years and previously ran a resort in the Gippsland Lakes region in Victoria, likens staying at The Pearle to having your own Broome home, at least temporarily.

“To a degree, we leave guests to their own devices, but we’re there whenever they need.”

Gemma Nisbet visited Broome as a guest of Kimberley Sands and Australia’s North West tourism.

FACT FILE

Prices at Kimberley Sands start from $90 per night. kimberleysands.com.au or 9193 8388.

Nightly rates at The Pearle are from $99. The property is offering a dry-season special — stay for at least three nights in any accommodation option and receive a $50 day spa voucher. thepearle.com.au or 9194 0900.