We have recently stayed at the Coral Horizons Apartments. The apartments are located directly across from the beach, and more importantly across from the safe swim area designated by the life guard on duty.
We stayed in a two bedroom apartment, there being only 7 in the building, which offered all the comforts of home ie washing machine, clothes dryer, full kitchen with equipment and Austar TV, all be it in a limited form as not all channels are available, but still you are not on holiday to watch TV. The beauty of the washing machine etc allowed you the opportunity to keep on top of all those sandy clothes after your day at the beach. There is a small pool located at the back of the apartments, but we did not use this as we spent all our time at the beach.
Rebecca and Sarah who work for Boutique Collection who manage the apartments were most helpful, friendly and accomodating. A wonderful job - thank you.
Coral Horizons is at the north end of the esplanade and is located a short stroll from all of the restaurants which offer a five star service - they are all on the pricey side, so make sure you have a well planned budget - it cost on average between AUS$150 to AUS$200 per night for two people to have entree, main course and three or four beers.
I have provided some pictures of the resort to give you an idea of what the beach looks like and the apartments proximity to the beach. I have not provided any pictures of the interior of the apartments as they appear on their website.
I would not hesitate in recommending Coral Horizons as not only do you have a home from home, you get to avoid the crowds associated with the larger resorts at Palm Cove.