Moreton Bay set to welcome first 5-star hotel, a Peppers retreat
Published 06 August 2025
- City of Moreton Bay celebrates imminent arrival of the Peppers brand and first 5-star hotel experience
- Mandala Hotels & Resorts officially acquires Mercure Clear Mountain and details plans for $4 million upgrade and expansion under Peppers brand
- Mayor says the exciting hotel investment is a testament to Moreton Bay’s growing appeal as a leisure and business destination
City of Moreton Bay is set to get its first 5-star hotel, with a popular mountaintop escape to be transformed into a premium Peppers retreat.
Mandala Hotels & Resorts has acquired Mercure Clear Mountain and detailed its plans for a $4 million upgrade and expansion to the Peppers hotel brand.
Mayor Peter Flannery said it was an exciting hotel investment and testament to Moreton Bay’s growing appeal as a leisure and business destination.
“We are thrilled this much-loved property is set to undergo a substantial upgrade that will see it enhance its offering under a premium hotel brand,” he said.
“This type of investment will allow our tourism and major events industry, which contributed more than $60 million in economic impact last financial year, to flourish and help capture new business and corporate events given its proximity to the Brisbane CBD and airport.
“Our City needs 1500 new hotel rooms by 2032, and we are confident this is the start of many more investments to come.”
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the upgrade and expansion of the retreat would help meet growing demand for accommodation in the City of Moreton Bay.
“With the green and gold runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, more visitors are being drawn to Queensland,” he said.
“This includes City of Moreton Bay, so this 5-star hotel will be a welcome boost for both corporate and leisure travellers wishing to stay in this stunning hinterland destination.”
Featuring 51 hotel rooms, the much-loved escape is perched high above the Glasshouse Mountains and surrounded by native bushland. It offers sweeping lookouts, vineyard strolls, spa indulgence and regional cuisine.
Ryan Shaw, Principal of Mandala Hotels & Resorts said the transformation would blend nature’s serenity with signature luxury.
“Our vision is to elevate this much-loved property into a premier wedding and tourism destination under the Peppers name, offering exceptional experiences that honour its natural setting and long-standing charm,” he said.
Mr Shaw said the property would undergo a carefully staged 12-month transformation, re-emerging as a premium Peppers retreat, thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the guest experience while preserving its tranquil character.
The rebrand will bring elevated luxury across guest rooms, dining, wellness, and event spaces – each thoughtfully redesigned and, in some cases, relocated to enhance the guest experience and take full advantage of the location’s natural beauty.
Mr Shaw thanked City of Moreton Bay for their ongoing support.
“Council has been incredibly proactive, capable, and genuinely understands the needs of investors and the hotel sector,” he said.
“Their support and work with SEQ Water to unlock the necessary water allocation played a huge part in our decision to acquire this site and commit to a significant reinvestment that will lift its amenity, grow capacity, and increase room numbers.”
Councillor Cath Tonks (Division 9) said the transformation would inject new energy into the local visitor economy.
“The upgrade and expansion of this popular retreat will create more opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality venues, and small businesses across the hinterland, from Samford Valley to Dayboro and surrounding areas” she said.
“It will support our beautiful hinterland and serve as a gateway to allow more visitors to explore our rainforest trails, scenic lookouts, and unique natural attractions.”
Mr Shaw said renovations would be staged to ensure the property remains operational, with careful planning to minimise disruption to guests.