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The multi-award-winning resort, named a Best of Queensland Experience 2026, has something for absolutely everyone: championship golf, a luxury day spa (that earned its own Gold in the Best of Queensland Experience award), a water park, eight bars and restaurants, five tennis courts, and 333 recently refurbished rooms and suites. It's the kind of place where a week disappears faster than a poolside cocktail.
Accommodation
Check-in sets the tone with ease, efficiency and warmth. The rooms themselves, always spacious and well-appointed, are currently fresh from a recent refurbishment.Superior King and Twin Rooms are smart and comfortable for couples or pairs. Mountain View Rooms and Deluxe Mountain View Rooms sleep up to four with two double beds and sweeping views of the hinterland, ideal for a lingering morning coffee. Higher up the tower, Executive Rooms on floors 17 to 19 offer upgraded space and access to the private 21st-floor executive lounge.
For those who want something a little more indulgent, the Spa Suites are where it gets seriously interesting. Split-level lounge and bedroom areas, spa baths, and views across the golf course and skyline make it genuinely hard to leave. Executive Spa Suites take that a step further still, while the Level 22 Suites top it all off with panoramic outlooks and marble surrounds. Two-bedroom studios and suites on Level 4 cater beautifully to families, with balcony access and optional rollaway beds.
One Spa
This is the one (pun intended) experience that has locals and visitors alike pencilling in return visits before they've even left. One Spa at RACV Royal Pines is a Gold standard bearer in the Best of Queensland Experiences, and the moment you step through the door, it's clear why.
Tucked away on the ground floor, One Spa is a world away from the resort's usual hum of activity. High ceilings, immaculate décor, and warm, professional staff greet you at the door.Treatment rooms feel luxuriously refined and facilities include in infrared sauna,Geisha tub, Lusar and Vichy showers, a four-seater spa, Somadome Meditation Pod, and an O2 Breathing Chair. Before and after treatments, raise the zen level in the spa's relaxation lounge with pillow-like recliners, herbal teas and views across serene waterways and the golf course.
The treatment menu is thoughtful and comprehensive. Massages range from bespoke full-body sessions designed to dissolve tension and restore balance, to the signature volcanic pumice exfoliation ritual; a full-body seasonal treatment using warm, aromatic oils that is exactly as dreamy as it sounds. Facials and skincare treatments use the LaGaia UNEDITED range, a luxury line focused on powerful skin and wellness results.
Word to the wise: Booking ahead is essential. OneSpa is popular with both resort guests and the general public, for good reason. Keep an eye out for mid-week specials on spa treatments.
Golf
Royal Pines has a deeply embedded golf pedigree. The resort's 27-hole championship course, redesigned by notable golf course architect Graham Marsh, was previously home to the Australian PGA Championship and remains one of the most respected layouts on the east coast. Three distinct nines offer variety: the Blue nine challenges with deep bunkers and undulating greens, while the Green and Gold nines combine to form the celebrated 18-hole championship configuration, weaving through scenic lakes and manicured fairways.
For those looking to sharpen their game, the state-of-the-art driving range and on-site pro shop have you covered, with lessons available for beginners and experienced golfers alike. Non-golfers in the group will have no trouble filling the time while you're on the course, although you may return to find them reluctant to give up their sun lounger by the pool.
Family Friendly
Travelling with kids in tow? Royal Pines has thought of them, too. The always-popular water park features three waterslides and a toddler pool, positioned alongside the lagoon pool for easy family supervision. A dedicated children's playground includes a giant inflatable jumping pillow and rope climb structures that will happily occupy the kidlets for hours.
Family Suites and two-bedroom studios on Level 4 provide the breathing room that families actually need, with generous space, flexible sleeping configurations, and balcony access to take in those resort views. It's the kind of set-up that lets parents relax, which is ultimately the point.
Leisure and Activities
Beyond the spa and pool, Royal Pines offers a full complement of active pursuits for guests who can't quite switch off, or simply love to get their sweat on. Five tennis courts invite friendly competition for players of all levels (again, pre-booking recommended), and the fully equipped fitness centre covers cardio machines, free weights, and resistance equipment. For those seeking membership access, One Lifestyle memberships are available on one, three, six, or 12-month terms.
The outdoor lagoon pool is a genuine highlight. This tropical centrepiece is fringed with palms and timber decking, complete with a poolside bar, the Arika Pool Bar & Terrace, where light meals and drinks are served daily from 10am to sunset. On a sunny Queensland afternoon, this is a genuinely perfect experience.
Bars & Dining
With multiple bars and restaurants around the resort there's always somewhere to go for a bev and a bite, and always something on offer to suit the mood. Breakfast kicks off at Kalinda (pictured below), where a generous hot buffet sets you up for the day from 6:30am. The fresh pastry bar is a particular fave.
Japanese restaurant Arakawa takes a striking, immersive approach to its craft. Dark tones, vivid murals, and meticulous plating set the scene for a menu spanning hand-crafted sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, and intimate tatami tables bookable for special occasions.
With a vibrant Med-inspired menu, bright and spacious dining area, dedicated bar and outdoor seating, Amici is the perfect place dinner destination from Thursday - Monday. Head to Tee's Clubhouse for casual meals overlooking the greens,or drop by the Hyrate Bar or pool bar for a cold drink.
Plan Your Stay
Keep an eagle eye out for packages and deals. There are often stay-and-play promotions and seasonal specials worth snapping up. RACV and RACQ members should also check whether member benefits apply to their booking, as discounts are regularly available.
RACV Royal Pines Resort sits on Ross Street, Benowa, a short and easy drive from the M1 and roughly equidistant between Brisbane and the Gold Coast's southern beaches. It's a genuinely central base, and once you're there, the hardest decision you'll face is which part of this remarkable resort to explore first.
Want to explore more? Check out the best shopping spots 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.