The round-up: poolside sips to hinterland hideaways – the best Gold Coast staycations for a local escape
Every now and then (let’s be honest, this happens a few times a year) we all need to stop, get away and press reset. International and interstate travel is up in the air, so you know what that means? Staycay, baby! That’s right, it’s time to explore your own backyard. From sparkling beaches to tropical resorts and dreamy hinterland hideaways, there is plenty of goodness right on our doorstep so you can rejuvenate and soak up those holiday vibes without leaving town. Here are a few of our favourite Gold Coast staycation spots so you can relax to the max.
The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Slow mornings where you take your time to roll out of those plush five-star beds, spending the day floating about the luxe pool, relaxing in a cabana sipping on cocktails, and indulging your senses with incredible dining experiences – The Star Gold Coast is the ideal destination for a local escape. If you’re in need of a little rejuvenation (aren’t we all), The Star has a series of STARCATION packages on offer to help you plan your escape, from cheeky overnighters to luxe five-night getaways and loved-up suites featuring massages, dining vouchers and more. View all of the STARCATION deals over here.
QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
Once you park your car at QT, there’s really no need to leave – there’s a chic sun-kissed pool precinct, stellar dining spots like five-star Japanese dining spot Yamagen, the luxurious SpaQ for the ultimate relaxation, ocean-view rooms to enjoy that glorious beach sunrise, and a little bit of fun to be had around every corner. Though, if you want to venture out and explore the coast, just ask for Vroom Service when booking and you can jump in your very own MINI for the day. Oh, and if you’re a passionate fur-parent and can’t bear to leave your little mate behind, you can book QT’s paw-fect Pup Yeah! package (that’s right, you can staycay with your pup!), complete with decadent in-room doggy dinners, comfy pet beds and …. wait for it … pawdicures! QT Gold Coast is taking bookings from November 9 via the website.
The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta
Hunting for something a little more unique? You know, a little less resort-y and a little more eclectic? The Pink Hotel is, as its name suggests, an eye-catching millennial pink hotel overlooking the dreamy Coolangatta/Greenmount beach, featuring 17 different colour-soaked suites, each with its own identity and style – think grand pianos, neon lights and iconic artworks. There’s a rooftop bar for sunset sips and whisky-pouring dive bar Eddie’s Grub House is situated just below, which means you can devour a towering cheese-laden beef burger, fries and honey-mustard chicken nuggies from the comfort of your king bed. For a closer look and bookings, head to the website.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Main Beach
For those not into crowded beaches – how does having your own slice of sand sound? Sheraton Grand Mirage is the Gold Coast’s only five-star absolute beachfront resort – complete with its own lifeguard-patrolled Mirage Beach, which lies right on the doorstep of your luxurious suite or opulent multi-bedroom villa. With six hectares of lagoon pools and tropical gardens cocooning the resort, Sheraton makes you feel like you could be just about anywhere in the world – ideal for those that want to really escape. Though, the best of the Gold Coast is within reach if you want it! Oh, and there’s a swim-up bar so consider that box well and truly ticked. For bookings, head here.
The Gold Coast Hinterland
There’s a lot more to the Gold Coast than the coastline, so why not head for the hills and add a little bit of lush greenery to your staycay? Mount Tamborine is dotted with plenty of accomodation options that are ideal for a hinterland holiday – treat yourself to a tranquil escape at Songbirds, enjoy elevated staycays at Pethers Rainforest Retreat, or spend a weekend in the dreamy studio suites at Hampton Estate Wines. The best part? You can explore the natural surrounds while you’re up there – if you haven’t strolled to Curtis Falls, put it on your list! There’s also the magical Binna Burra Lodge in Beechmont, which has been rebuilt and is back open after being devastated by bushfires – its contemporary Sky Lodges (one, two and three bedroom) offer breathtaking views of the Coomera and Numinbah Valleys, which you can enjoy while sipping champagne in the spa. Perfection.
Coming soon! Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa is undergoing an exciting transformation and will reopen under a new brand – JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts – this December. While that dreamy, sparkling lagoon pool remains as is (phew!), guests will experience a new level of luxury and a reimagined design at the iconic resort, from new-look rooms to overhauls of dining venues Misono and Chapter & Verse, which will soon be joined by a new Japanese whisky bar and a cafe and providore named JW Marketplace. This is one soon-to-open staycation spot well worth putting on your radar.
