For those who love the finer things in life the Gold Coast delivers a decadent array of luxury accommodation, fine dining and 5-star experiences, from exclusive rooftop pool clubs and lavish hotels to heavenly hinterland escapes and extravagant entertainment. We've reserved a poolside cabana for you and have a complimentary cocktail awaiting your arrival. Treat yourself!
STAY
If you like your hotels oozing luxury then you’ll want to check into The Dorsett in Broadbeach. Offering a new level of style, sophistication and service, bliss out in your plush room complete with sweeping views of the sparkling coastline to the lush hinterland. Downstairs you can get your zen on with a soothing stone massage at Azure Spa and sip on a spritz on a sun lounger at Isoletto, The Dorsett’s private pool club. Yes, it’s boujee and utterly fabulous.
In Surfers Paradise, slink into a watery oasis at JW Marriott, which has not one but two sprawling lagoon-style pools – one of which is home to hundreds of tropical fish and a waterfall so you can make like you’re in the Mediterranean. Take your experience to the next level by booking a private poolside cabana – complete with butler service. And prepare for one of the dreamiest sleeps of your life in their cloud-like beds and spacious rooms.
Just down the road set along the shore of Main Beach, wake up to the sound of the ocean and immerse yourself in a dreamy, tropical seascape at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Level up the luxe with a stay in one of the spacious two or three bedroom Pacific Mirage Villas. Finished with luxurious fitting and furnishings, the modern open-plan villas are filled with natural light which floods in via floor to ceiling windows along with fresh sea breezes. And then there’s the rooftop balcony – perfect to soak up ocean views, entertain or just take some time to yourself. And to top it all off, there’s a sprawling luxurious lagoon to laze around, plus instant access to the beach.
EAT
When it comes to million-dollar views, they don’t get much greater than a seaside seat at The Tropic. Perched on the edge of the ocean at Burleigh, watch the Gold Coast surfers put on a show while the waves fizz onto the rocks below. The coastal chic furnishings and dreamy colour palette of pistachio, lemon sorbet and fairy floss pink, will transport you straight to Palm Springs. The menu heroes fresh local produce, like oysters, king prawns, goldband snapper and Angus sirloin. Make sure you cap off the experience with some caviar and a bottle of champagne to really live that luxe Gold Coast lifestyle.
If you’re craving a trip to Italy, take your taste buds on a tour to Orzo. Nestled in the heart of Broadbeach, the fine dining Italian eatery is contemporary cool with blonde timber, linen booths and marble accents. Here you’ll find a menu inspired by traditional Italian recipes, flavours and methods with a modern take. Feast on delicate, handmade tagliatelle ragu, melt in your mouth wagyu carpaccio and tiger prawn risotto. If you can’t decide what to order, opt for the five-course chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing. You won’t regret it.
Bathed in soft red light and furnished with South East Asian relics, dining at Mamasan Kitchen + Bar is a must do for serious foodies. With a menu that is designed to be shared, devour decadent dishes like Moreton Bay bugs tossed in umami black pepper and chilli, Wagyu red curry, miso cod and spanner crab ravioli dumplings. Sweet tooths should save some room for the ice cream bao – deep fried coconut bao with miso ice cream, 18 kaya jam, raspberry gel, sesame nougatine and popping candy.
PLAY
Culture buffs will want to make a beeline for a day of art appreciation at HOTA Gallery. A world class venue boasting incredible interactive art installations and experiences, you’ll lose hours exploring HOTA Collects – a permanent collection of over 100 beautiful pieces from Australian artists. Outside the creativity continues with HOTA’s Sculpture Walk where you can discover art in nature. And keep the stroll going with a visit to the rooftop for a cocktail at The Exhibitionist Bar where the master mixologists will craft the perfect cocktail for you – best sipped with a side of jaw-dropping views of the GC.
For a show you’ll talk about for years to come, book yourself a ticket to one of the many cheeky shows at The Pink Flamingo. Drenched in gold, rich velvet booths and pretty-in-pink furnishings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the roaring ‘20s at this spiegelclub. Relax in lavish surroundings, sip champagne and prepare for your jaw to hit the pink floor as the circular stage comes alive with acrobats, dancers, DJs and cheeky comedians. Pro tip: if you book the last show, stick around – the tables disappear and the venue transforms into a vibing nightclub.
After all that action and exploring, it’s time you carved out a little ‘self love time’ with a visit to the One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Slip on a robe and sip herbal tea in the relaxation room, before heading to your private retreat for a dreamy massage and facial. Each of the treatment rooms here have their own balcony that fringes the Royal Pines lake – so don’t be surprised if you see a swan or two glide by when you’re relaxing post-treatment. The serenity here is the real deal.
COAST
With a long stretch of sugar white sand and sparkling azure blue waters fringed by beachside parklands, decadent restaurants and vibing bars, Broadbeach is the seaside suburb everyone should have on their must-see list. From world class entertainment at The Star and The Pink Flamingo, to night caps at speakeasy bars and the Gold Coast’s best shopping precinct Pacific Fair, Broadbeach is the Gold Coast’s ultimate playground.
HINTERLAND
Prepare to be enchanted with a visit to Beechmont Estate. The luxury retreat, set on a privately-owned Wagyu and polo farm nestled beside the world heritage-listed Lamington National Park, is what your country escape dreams are made of. Disconnect from the stresses of your everyday life and slow down in one of their decadent pavilions. Curl up by the fire with a wine in hand, indulge in a Wagyu tasting experience, explore the 75 acre property on one of their many walking trails and in the evening, head to the hatted Paddock restaurant for one of the best meals of your life.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Sanctuary Cove on the northern end of the Gold Coast is a swanky suburb that embodies coastal luxe. Boasting a 300-berth marina which can accommodate super yachts, world-class golf courses with accompanying country club, retail boutiques and waterfront restaurants it’s a spectacular spot to go for long lunch, a round of golf or a spot of shopping. Another option is to swan off on a cruise across the Broadwater at sunset, with a glass of bubbles in hand. Don’t mind if we do!
Need some more luxe in your life? Book a 5-Star experience at one of these luxury Gold Coast hotels or check out 48 Hours of Absolute Indulgence on the Gold Coast
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.