My wife an I stayed at Sails for two weeks in August and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We were there on the recommendation of friends who take an annual holiday at 'Maggie' and they were also there for the first few days after we arrived. For this reason we took a one bedroom apartment for the first few days and after they had left we went into the two bedroom one that they always use. Both apartments fronted the road and the beach and we slept at night with the front doors open (fly-screen doors closed) and went to sleep to the lapping of the waves on the beach - heaven!

Both units were self catering and all facilities quite adequate. We are not talking 5 star condos but a typical Australian beach holiday house. The atmosphere at Horseshoe Bay is laid back and at our age - 70+ - we went there to relax and escape the cold and wet of Sydney in August.

The units are owned by individuals with the managers - Chris(tine) and Al(istair) - living on site. I note the earlier comments on 'tired utensils...' and these seem to have been replaced. It seems that the manager needs the OK from the owner if something needs to be replaced.
We did experience a leaking valve in the HWS in the laundry area and that was repaired the same day.

Nevertheless the place was clean and tidy on arrival and also cleaned once more after our first week. Other than that it is up to you.

We did not hire a car and the local bus that runs about every 30 - 60 minutes is more than adequate unless you want to dine out or party away from Horseshoe. Here is the current bus time table.

http://www.magnetic-island.com.au/bus-timetable.htm

There is a small 'supermarket' at Horseshoe and larger ones at the other end of the island. Shopping is no problem although prices factor in the cost of transport from the mainland.

The local golf course welcomes visitors and there are clubs for hire. The bus will drop you about 400m from the club house.

If you want to chill out - this is just the place.

And looking back to the days when we had children it would be a great place for the kids. A safe place to do their own thing.

Thanks Chris for a great fortnight.

Mike and Ro

Management invisible: not once were we asked if everything was OK. Simply disinterested management. Very dated rooms and furnishings for the price. Not an upmarket experience at all and certainly not worth the price. Quite insulting to charge so much ($200+) for such old hat. The owners should be ashamed for promoting this as "modern 4 star luxury" on their website: www.sailsonhorseshoe.com.au
The propery is a time warp and really only "modern" if you were to turn the clock back to the 1980's. TV is actually LCD but cheap along with cheap DVD player (and yes video player just in case you brought along your old video collection from the 1980's!)
Wall mounted ir-conditioning units dusty and dirty giving a very poor impression; split system air conditioning compressors just outside bedroom window (just in case you like a noisy hum to lull you to sleep!) Very dated style kitchen and cheap appliances: dirty bench-top under microwave, old plastic pedal bin; stove, fridge, dishwasher, sinks, tap fittings, cutlery and crockery all cheap and dated. Old faded carpets; old lounges and chairs; grubby cheap plastic balcony chairs; old washing machine and dryer; beds oldish but adequate; dated sheeting, pillows and poor standard camping style doonas ; dated bathroom, old weathered chrome tap fitings. Cheap iron and board and so it goes on. No visble heating if you were ever to get cold in winter. Even air-conditioners seems to be cooling only. Really-dated everything!
Cleaning superficial. Nothing seems to have been moved for a thorough clean in long time. Common Grounds OK, clean but uninspiring. Location is excellent-beautiful beach across quiet road- but that is about it for the positives. This property needs urgent refurbishment. Look elsewhere.

I am from cairns and work in the Hospitality industry so im not usually too fond of staying in Hotels/resorts as it reminds me of work. However, we came to Magnetic island and stayed tat Sails for 3 nights. and all i can say, it was the perfect gettaway. The hosts/managers are lovely, the resort is clean and tidy. The rooms are great!! lots of space, nice decore, can sleep 6 so we asked a couple of other friends to stay with us and they were made to feel very welcome also. I will highly recomend Sails to all mates and guest at work who are thinking of going down that way. Thanks heaps!!!!

We have stayed at Sails for many years and there is no doubt this is a top location, beach front at Horseshoe Bay. But this year we felt fed up with the tired old kitchen utensils and just a feeling that the place lacks that extra special touch. Advertised as self-contained but very old utensils, buckled fry-pan, dirty toaster, blunt knives and one small packet of dishwashing detergent. If you are travelling as a couple there are lots of families here which take over the pool and BBQ area. But it is still a beautiful and reasonably priced location, although we will stay (upgrade) to a better place for next year.