The 5 Best Gold Coast Stays to Book This Winter Break
Whether you’re taking the kids on a trip or fleeing the chill of winter, Queensland’s Gold Coast has a raft of new luxury accommodation offerings perfect for families – so everyone can enjoy their time in the sun.
Dorsett Gold Coast
Checking into the new Dorsett Hotel, it’s easy to get distracted by the lobby. A stunning Currumbin-crafted chandelier resembling undulating gold waves hangs from the ceiling and a series of hotel artworks designed by Brisbane-based creative Shayle Flesser shimmer along the walls. Nestled within The Star Gold Coast’s leisure and entertainment precinct, Dorsett Gold Coast feels a little like a boutique hotel somewhere in London, with all the convenience you’d expect of a glossy city stay. With the light rail just minutes away and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre plus Pacific Fair Shopping Centre all within walking distance, you’ll be moments from all the action.
When the kids get tired of the beach, take a plunge in the stylishly retro, resort-style pool (we’re talking umbrellas the shade of an Aperol Spritz) that overlooks Broadbeach and includes a poolside bar and restaurant. But if you want to pad on up to your room, most of them are interconnected, which means Mum and Dad can have one room while teens can have privacy in the other. While guests have access to a great range of food and beverage outlets within the centre, level 19 has its own special Executive Lounge, where you can enjoy drinks and canapes as you admire the sunset or a buffet breakfast every morning.
The Langham, Gold Coast
The Langham, Gold Coast threw open its swanky doors in mid-2022 to claim the title of the first new five-star beachfront hotel on the Gold Coast in more than 30 years. Inside the striking structure (the hotel is the one of three towers that resemble a trio of black diamonds) the interiors are decked out in muted blues and creams, with every elegant guest room offering panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean or the hinterland. If you’re staying with smaller kids, you can choose the Celebrate with Paddington package, which includes a Paddington Bear-themed room, complete with teepee, doona, robe, slippers and breakfast at the onsite Akoya. Kids will also receive their own Paddington Bear plush toy, mug, drawstring bag, balloons and activities to take home.
The Jewel Residences, Gold Coast
In a group or with older kids? Then your best bet for next-level accommodation is The Langham, Gold Coast’s luxury Jewel Residences. Choose from one of the 170 sunlit serviced apartments that range from one-bedroom offerings to a four-bedroom penthouse. Guests can opt for a room-only rate (for when you want to make use of the full kitchen to enjoy home-cooked meals) or upgrade to the bed-and-breakfast option, which includes the epic buffet breakfast at Akoya. The apartments also have a washing machine and dryer so your swimmers will be ready for another dip in no time at all. At the moment, there’s a Linger Longer offer, which allows guests to save up to 20 per cent on multiple-night stays.
Eden Health Retreat
Recently the recipient of a major facelift, Eden Health Retreat features 12 luxury cabins and a new Eden Pavilion hosting a range of daily health rituals and experiences, including yoga, Pilates and sound healing. Located among the rainforest of the Currumbin Valley, the retreat has no reception or TV connectivity so mobile phones, laptops and tablets cannot be used – perfect for those looking to really switch off. The retreat offers multi-night packages for those seeking relaxation, weight or stress management, fitness improvement or simply an escape from city life. Take your mum (or your dad) and your siblings and stay at one of the cabins or the premier suite, which has two queen-sized posturepedic beds.
qtQT Gold Coast
qtQTs six chic cabins can be found on the rooftop of the QT Gold Coast hotel in Surfers Paradise. Each two-person retreat features a private balcony set within a tropical green oasis, delivering glimmering horizon views. Guests can book one or secure all six cabins exclusively for a multi-generational holiday or group getaway.
During your stay, you’ll be able to completely unplug and unwind or choose from a range of activities organised by qtQT's Curator of Sunshine, a dedicated concierge who can put together anything from al fresco feasting on The Terrace to local experiences, including pottery classes, surf lessons and gin tastings. In addition to a collection of luxe amenities local to Queensland (including Saya Skincare from Noosa and Drift candles from Currumbin) the cabins are stocked with board games, QT tablets and homemade treats.
