Activate VIP relaxation mode at Chuan Spa at The Langham, Gold Coast
Activate VIP relaxation mode at Chuan Spa at The Langham, Gold Coast
It was as hotly anticipated as the latest reinvention of the Dior Saddle Bag and we’re pleased as punch to announce that it surpasses all expectations!
Chuan Spa at The Langham, Gold Coast, delivers luxury wellness in spades, with a holistic approach unique to the prestigious global hotel group.
Torchbearers in their space for modern sophistication, timeless glamour, and faultless execution, The Langham Group have stayed on-brand with their newest Chuan Spa.
Offering the same exclusive wellness experience synonymous with the Chuan name, our coastal interpretation of this real-life oasis is guided by the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
Offering a range of treatments to both in-house guests and non-hotel guests, expect to leave this serene sanctuary relaxed, reconnected, and revitalised.
Unlike other spas, Chuan provides tailored, holistic wellness guided by the Five Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Allow yourself to be nurtured on a journey of self-discovery and indulgence at the hands of highly skilled therapists, who take the time to understand the imbalances and needs of each guest.
Located on the second floor of the boujee hotel, Chuan Spa boasts eight immersive treatment rooms, each one as sleek and sophisticated as the next. There are two couples’ rooms complete with steam shower (#AnniversaryFeels), plus female and male saunas.
There’s also a stunning diamond-shaped magnesium indoor pool with views of the big blue, and anything resembling our favourite rock is a-okay by us.
Visually, Chuan is a perfectly refined ten. The bespoke, contemporary design hits all the right style notes incorporating marble, herringbone flooring, curves, and arch-shaped accents. The soft, neutral colour palette is calming yet on-fleek, levelled up by the subtle scent of Chuan signature elements. This multi-sensory experience invites complete tranquillity, contemplation and inspiration, and we are all kinds of relaxed simply describing it.
Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s take a deep dive into the spa menu where you’re faced with a existential crisis; do you choose a facial, massage, scrub, wrap, hand and foot therapy, or beauty treatment, and when in doubt, zen it out we say.
Let’s start with a signature Chuan Harmony Massage designed to stimulate meridian harmony. This unique mind, body and soul experience combines the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm. Available in either 1-hour or 1.5-hour durations, umm, is there really any contest here because when it comes to massage #MoreIsAlwaysMore.
The 2.5-hour Chuan Ritual is another crowd favourite, where guests customise their own luxurious ritual including Chuan Signature Massage, an iKOU Customised Facial, and a choice of three Chuan Extra Retreats.
Personally, we’re on Team Mini Chuan Feet Retreat, because the relentless post stiletto struggle is real.
Or, we could be swayed by the Chuan Tao of Detox with a divine full-body exfoliation to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, a warm mud wrap infused with Elemental oils, acupressure massage to release energy blocks, and iKOU facial to nourish and restore dehydrated skin.
We should also mention that treatments feature a range of serums, oils and masks from results-driven luxury skincare brand, AMRA Skincare. And fun fact incoming; this is the very first time they have partnered with an Australian wellness spa, yet another feather in Chuan’s very fancy cap.
So Gold Coasters, put the spa-rk back in your step at the esteemed Chuan Spa, the ultimate embodiment of Langham luxury.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 10am – 6pm Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST
Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. Although many of our neighbouring states and cities may have once turned their noses up at the GC dining landscape, sir, times are a’changin!
This year, a whopping 26 of our fave local eats destinations scored at least one hat, and we are proud as punch! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20. No restaurant has yet achieved the holy grail of a perfect score.
In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with eight venues receiving hats, including BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar, which debuted on the list this year with a score of 13. Social Eating House and Bar (13) also made the list with fellow Oracle Boulevard residents Mamasan Kitchen + Bar, (13), kōst (12) and Orzo (12).
Of course, a couple of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs, including Japanese sensation Kiyomi (14) and Modern Australian go-to for a fancy night out Nineteen at the Star (13).
Rounding up Broady’s winners are grinners list with a score of 13 is long standing steak restaurant, Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill.
Moving slightly south to Mermaid Beach and boutique dining superstar The North Room scored a whopping 15, while the beloved Little Truffle has scored 14 and esteemed Japanese restaurant Etsu Izakaya earned a 13.
Euro-inspired newcomer Juju brought a whole new level of fun and flavour to Mermaid in October and made its debut with a score of 12, as did The Oxley’s sizzling new addition, Lars.
Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets. Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 14.
Now let’s talk Burleigh and again, there are a few to unpack here. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian cuisine. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s, Kin and newcomer LIMLAY Thai Street Food & Bar all scoring 12.
Hidden gem, La Bella Cellar also got a well deserved nod (13).
Daniel Ridgeway’s new Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 12.
Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, who proudly scored 16, earning them the highest score and making them the first three hatted restaurant on the Gold Coast.
The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.
Neighbouring Main Beach’s modern Australian waterfront venue La Luna scored a 12.
Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…
Words by Belinda Symons
Finding a traditional Cantonese fine dining experience in Australia is harder than locating your hoop earring on a packed Retros dancefloor. With this in mind, we were extra eager to sample the hotly anticipated T’ang Court, a major coup for the region situated in our new home of luxe, The Langham Gold Coast. Well this gastronomic gem is officially open for business and as expected, has brought its A game! The very first Australian sibling of the internationally acclaimed T’ang Court restaurants, it has all the makings of an icon, leaving fans of fine dining and super swish hotels wonton more!
The ‘T’ang Court’ name is synonymous with an unmissable, Michelin-star worthy eats experience of the highest calibre. Presenting elevated culinary masterpieces, seasonal delicacies and exquisite flavours crafted with the finest local produce, our Surfers Paradise T’ang Court is every bit the international superstar we had envisioned.
Upon walking inside this 80-seat indoor venue, you’re immediately mesmerised by the juxtaposition of modern luxury and traditional authenticity. Boujee furnishings greet you at every turn, their refined beauty accentuated by bespoke abstract art pieces by Australian-Chinese artist, Lindi Li. The aesthetic represents a celebration of the vibrancy of the T’ang Dynasty and no, this is not a Chinese version of the American 80’s soap opera. It’s China’s culturally rich golden age, perfectly reflected in the timelessness of the fit out.
As desirable as its highly revered Michelin-starred sister restaurants across Asia, it certainly has big shoes to fill (most likely Jimmy Choos). And oh how it does! To provide context, T’ang Court, Hong Kong is a Michelin-star magnet, earning three Michelin-stars for seven consecutive years in a row and seriously, that place needs an in-house astronomist.
Take your pick from three set menus and an extensive range of a la carte dishes, all embracing the essence of Southeast China with panache. Pair your choice with a bespoke wine (of which there are plenty) and who knew us mere mortals could access this level of culinary quality.
We could bang on about the menu’s specialties all day long but in the spirit of ‘less is more’, we’ll stick to a few absolute standouts. There’s only one thing better than traditional Cantonese Duck, and that’s a three-part dish paying homage to our favourite waterfowl. Indulge in the Duck Pancake with Chef’s special hoi sin sauce, Duck Bun with lychee and raspberry sauce and supplemental caviar, and Sliced Duck Breast and Leg in plum sauce. Talk about a quacker of a meal.
For something a little less embellished but still packing maximum flavour, the Sauteed Pearl Meat with ginger, shallot and Asian greens is an ancient crowd-pleaser which has stood the test of time. Or, if you’re channelling locally sourced seafood fresher than a pillow with a mint, it’s hands down the Spicy Black Tiger Prawn with roasted garlic. Salivating yet?
So for guaranteed Cantonese flavour authenticity, elegance and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, T’ang Court at The Langham Gold Coast is all that….and dim sum.
Where: Level 3, The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 12pm – 3pm (lunch) & 5.30pm – 11pm (dinner), Wednesday – Sunday
Words By Bianca Trathen.
Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.
And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.
In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake.
Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.
It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.
There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).
Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.
Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.
They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall
Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg.
In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen
