JW Marriott Resort&Spa’s first Australian property is the result of a stunning $35 million redevelopment of the Surfers Paradise Marriott. The property’s eye-catching lobby features a turning marble staircase and Raffles Hotel-style slow-turning rattan fans. But the tropical lagoon with fine white sand beaches and waterfalls is its show-stopper,where a silver Airstream serves lunch beside the water. There’s a market garden outside with produce used at the resort’s multiple dining places,including seafood market experience eatery,Citrique. Activities such as stand-up paddle boarding and jet-skiing are available on a canal behind the resort.
THE LANGHAM GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast’s first genuine five-star-plus hotel,The Langham Gold Coast is only a few streets from Surfers Paradise but feels cocooned in its own private sandy world. Built 30 metres from the beach,every room looks out either across the ocean or up to the Coast’s stunning green hinterland. There’s a 20-metre pool with lagoon-style sandy beaches and transplanted palm trees,while ground-floor restaurant,Akoya,will make you feel like you’re dining among the sand dunes beside the surf. Step things up with a visit to upscale Cantonese restaurant,T’Ang Court,a sibling to Hong Kong’s famous three-Michelin starred T’Ang Court.
SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
The only way you can get closer to the ocean is by chartering a boat – the Sheraton Grand Mirage is the Gold Coast’s only five-star absolute beachfront resort (you’re literally just a few steps from the sand). Set on the Gold Coast Spit beside the Gold Coast Seaway,you’re within walking distance of fine dining restaurants and bars built beside luxury marinas,which offer a variety of boat tours. That’s if you can leave the property:the Sheraton Grand Mirage is set in six hectares of lagoons and gardens beside the beach with its own bars and restaurants.