CHRISTOPHER Skase’s once pride and joy in Port Douglas has been elevated to ultimate prominence – the Sheraton Mirage Resort will now be known as the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas – achieving the highest level within its brand.

It will join many hotels and resorts worldwide with its Sheraton Grand status – a new, premier tier designation that recognizes destinations and high design.

“I can confirm Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort has joined Sheraton Grand, the brand’s premier tier of hotels recognised for their enticing locations, distinguished designs, and excellence in service and guest experiences,” said Nathan Gadd, the resort’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

Owned by the Fullshare Group, the resort recently underwent a $43 million redevelopment which included the introducing of 41 Lagoon Edge Rooms and 12 Lagoon Edge Studio Suites on the ground floor with private balconies offering guests exquisite views of and direct access to the resort’s saltwater lagoon swimming pools.

Other properties that have been recognised in recent times with Grand status are Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel – Brigade Gateway in India; Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel; Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai; Sheraton Grand Edinburgh Hotel in Scotland; Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort in Miyazaki, Japan; Sheraton Grande Walkerhill in Seoul; Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel; Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok; Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel; and Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel and Resort in Rio de Janeiro.

Once regarded as one of the country’s most famous fugitives, Skase unveiled the Sheraton in 1988 and turned the once sleepy town of Port Douglas into a luxury resort for the rich and famous. Celebrities such as Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Mick Jagger, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton are among many who have visited Port Douglas over the years.

The flamboyant Skase was renowned for displays of wealth. He had a lavish 40th birthday party in 1988, and a company Christmas party that cost $450,000. In one particular incident, he had his private jet fly from Port Douglas to Melbourne to pick up a dress for his wife, Pixie.

Skase later fled Australia for Majorca, Spain after his business empire crashed. This is also where he died in August 2001.

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