Celebrate Autumn’s arrival at Pearls Bar.
Celebrate Autumn’s arrival at Pearls Bar.
Somehow, summer has passed by, and you’re hit with the realisation you’re well overdue to round up the girls… but the prospect of the standard coffee or brunch meet isn’t quite tickling your fancy? Craving something slightly more fancy, more sartorial, more…. scrumptious?
Well, get excited Darjeelings, because Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort has just the ticket. An indulgent new Falling For Flavours: Autumn High Tea experience. A decadent, seasonal twist on its famed Pearls Bar spread. This is the perfect excuse to don our favourite frocks and pencil in some quali-tea time treating ourselves to moorish, jam-laden Scones and house-smoked Salmon crostini.
From 12pm-4pm daily, round up your besties for a soul-satisfying, laugh-till-your-face-hurts session of bubbles, French teas and fanciful bites overlooking the swaying palms of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s sparkling lagoon pool. Aaah, bliss!
Perch up at Pearls Bar to savour and sip a curation of the finest flavours the cosy season has to offer. Dreamy morsels such as Roasted Hazelnut Nutella Slice, Sea Salt Caramel Tart and Spiced Pumpkin Cake are among the symphony of seasonal delights the talented culinary team has whipped up to welcome the balmier days, one delectable bite at a time.
The artisanal Autumn-inspired spread is accompanied by unlimited coffee and a selection of top shelf, La Maison Du Thé teas with refreshing, hand-picked infusions such as Roobios Raspberry Vanilla and Calming Chamomile worth popping those pinkies over.
Of course, no high tea is complete without a complimentary glass of Sparking Wine – or perhaps you’d prefer to go all-in on your high socie-tea soirée with the Perrier Jouet Grand Brut glass of champagne upgrade.
Our tiniest tea party companions are also welcome to tag along for the fun – with a kid’s high tea option and requisite refreshments also available for little ones lucky enough to partake in the tantalising snack-fest.
With thirsts suitably quenched and niceties exchanged, settle in for the best part of this Bridgerton-vibing affair – diving in to tiers of jam-packed, sweet and savoury treats, while you channel your inner Lady Whistledown with a side of tea spilling (the juicy goss kind, not the literal kind… we hope *cries in clumsy*).
To get the proceedings off to a swimming start, there’s a selection of delectable savouries such as citrus cream topped House smoked salmon on rye crostini and Prosciutto, heirloom tomato and burrata.
The sweets selection, which have all been cleverly crafted with an earthy, Autumnal toned palette – combine classics like Homemade vanilla scones and clotted cream, with satisfying, fall-inspired flavours such as Spiced pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon–infused Apple crumble mousse. All of which is surely as close as one can get to a cosy hug for the tastebuds.
The special edition, Falling For Flavours: Autumn High Tea experience starts at $76 per adult, including a glass of Sparking Wine, or $38 per child (aged 5 – 12 years). Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Glass of Champagne beverage upgrade is available for $12. Bookings are required.
Where: Pearls Bar, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: 12pm–4pm, 1st of March until the 31st of May
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
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
The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Buffet is open daily for breakfast, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet, which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast daily, with Seafood buffet dinner on Saturday nights.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Saturday and Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above. SkyPoint’s breakfast buffet is served every day between 7:30am – 10:30am.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet. Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
From brekkie platters piled high with tropical fruit to eggs cooked exactly how you like them (#PoachGoals), voco Gold Coast has your morning sorted. Sip on a fresh espresso and mix it up with healthy bites or hearty classics – or both, it’s a buffet, live a little! And if seafood is your love language, come back for the seafood buffet dinner. We’re talking whole prawns, rock oysters on the shell, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean faves, and seasonal dishes to keep things exciting. Oh – and did we mention the epic kid-friendly dessert bar? Breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am – 10am, while the seafood buffet rolls out Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm – 9pm.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. They are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks, it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski
If you ask anyone what their numero uno ‘must have’ is when looking at staycays here in our beautiful city, chances an insta-worthy (or family-friendly) pool experience would take pole position. Okay, so a cosy spa is WAY more appealing right about now but let’s be real, winter lasts for a millisecond on the Gold Coast and before we know it, we’re back to sweating bullets and channelling poolside hangs.
So our point remains – a pool maketh the staycay, and we’re here to give the low-down on the best pools in town coz girls (and guys) just wanna have sun…and swims…and preferably with a cocktail in hand.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Awarded Australia’s Best Hotel Pool 2021, take a dip alongside tropical fish in the famous saltwater lagoon and sorry, it doesn’t get much cooler (literally) than this. Enjoy white sandy beaches, waterfalls, and a swim-up grotto. And, for small peeps, the freshwater pool with an epic waterslide will keep them entertained for hours while you chillax in a jacuzzi or poolside cabana #VIP.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
Swim in the crystal blue water of the one-acre saltwater lagoon, float around on colourful beanbags, or relax on a sun lounger sipping on an InterContinental coconut! There’s also a 15-metre-long terrace swimming pool and spa, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, reclining sun loungers and plenty of space for family activities. Just like Adele, you’ll be rolling in the deep (end).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circuit, Hope Island
The Star Gold Coast
The Star houses an all ages-friendly, glisteningly gorg pool side area decked out with cabanas, a relaxing water feature, spas, and plenty of sun lounges and seating. Or, if you’re really hamming it up at The Darling, it’s a case of “to infinity (pool) and beyond”! Situated on the nineteenth floor with breathtaking GC views, this elegant infinity pool is a showstopper.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett (located within The Star) doesn’t just have a pool, but its own super on-fleek Isoletto Pool Club #TooPoolForSchool! Experience the 12-metre-long viewing wall overlooking Broadbeach, delish light eats and drinks, comfy cabanas around the pool deck, as well as our fave ‘wet lounges’ built into the pool itself! They’ll even deliver your spritzers and cocktails straight to your cabana. Suns out, buns out we say!
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Langham Gold Coast
Whether you love a luxurious indoor pool, or prefer a five-star outdoor pool experience, The Langham has you covered. The 20-metre-long indoor pool is perfect for those channelling a (multi) million-dollar Pacific Ocean view with their workout. Meanwhile outside, another 20-metre-long outdoor pool awaits, with a highbrow swim-up pool bar, a sandy lagoon-style entrance, and plenty of swanky pool lounge chairs. Fancy feels for days!
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Sea World Resort
Another one with its own water park, find us a kid who won’t go bonkers for this place! Whilst the pool and spa area may be closed until the 16th of August for remedial works, the ever-popular SpongeBob Splash Pads and Aqua Play will remain open. Once the maintenance and ‘shoosh-up’ are finished, create everlasting family memories with a 50-metre lagoon, complete with waterfall and soothing 12-seater spa. Bliss!
Where: Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Paradise Resort
Voted Australia’s Best Family Resort for the 11th year in a row, you just know this place gives a good pool! Heaven for kids and paradise for parents, it even has its own water park with a giant water playground, lagoon pool, large, heated spa and two enormous aqua play attractions. And, for mum and dad, stay tuned for the new Parents Retreat unveiled, featuring an adults-only (eee!) swimming pool and lounge bar #KidsWhatKids?
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Experience beachfront bliss and soak up ‘dem luxurious feels as you take in the vast pool surrounds – 6,727 square feet of them to be exact! Plus, there’s just something about a pool that’s a hop, skip and a jump away from the ocean! Oh and remember, it’s a rite of passage to treat yo’self to a cocktail or five (daily) at the swim-up bar… no judgement.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Mantra Sun City
Aquaholics listen up coz good times and tan lines await at Mantra Sun City. With three swimming pools and a sauna, you can cool off and warm up on repeat or in the words of Dory, “just keep swimming just keep swimming”. The whipper snappers are well catered for here too, with several waterslides making their staycay an adventure they’ll always remember!
Where: 3400 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
Mantra Crown Towers
Relax poolside and get your zen on as you laze by the lush tropical lagoon pool at Mantra Crown Towers. There’s no “I’m bored mum” here, as the kids are too busy living their best life in the splashtastic children’s pool. With its own sandy beach, waterslide and pirate ship, they won’t want to leave – and neither will you!
Where: 19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Imperial Hotel
We reckon we’ve seen at least 1 million poolside selfies here last year alone. An exotic poolside oasis, the Imperial Hotel showcases an award-winning 63-metre pool with its very own white sandy beach and Australia’s first-ever Water Salon. The exclusive cabanas add a whole new dimension of luxe, with breezy sheers for more private poolside luxury.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Mantra Towers of Chevron
So much water, so little time! It’s an eternal case of pool hair, don’t care when you’re swimming in Mantra Towers of Chevron’s 600m2 lagoon style pool ‘Beaches in the Sky’. Proving that life looks better from a lounge chair, it’s pure #poolgoalz. For those keen to mix things up, there’s also an indoor pool to frolic in, because variety is the spice of life, no?
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen