There’s no place that embodies the Australian lifestyle quite like the Gold Coast. This beachside haven, just an hour’s drive south of the Queensland capital Brisbane, is the spiritual home of Australian surf culture, as well as offering an enviable lifestyle of high-quality dining, world-class cultural institutions, and miles and miles of some of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen.
The Gold Coast has long been a hugely popular destination for Australian holidaymakers, with easy access from major centres such as Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns, and experiences on offer that range from water sports and beachside relaxation, to immersion in pristine nature in the nearby hinterland, to luxury hotel stays. The following experiences neatly sum up the high-end offerings in the Gold Coast, with a little something for every visitor seeking the ultimate in Australian beachside lifestyle.
This sparkling new hotel is set to become the jewel in the Gold Coast’s crown – quite literally, in fact, given the Langham is housed in the prestigious Jewel development in Surfers Paradise. The Langham, Gold Coast, due to open in mid-2022, will redefine the idea of luxury in the Gold Coast, as a modern, innovative property that includes high-end dining, bar and retail facilities, not to mention world-class rooms, suites and residences that command views across the Pacific Ocean and beyond the glorious Gold Coast hinterland.
This is the first new absolute beachfront hotel that will open in the Gold Coast in more than 30 years, and it won’t disappoint. The rooms will all be beautifully appointed, leading examples of five-star luxury, featuring modern furnishing and high-quality amenities. Facilities for guests of the hotel will include an indoor pool, day spa, gym, sauna, and 24-hour concierge service.
Though there are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Langham, on site the hotel will feature T’ang Court, high-end Cantonese dining, as well as Palm Court, in which the Langham’s signature Afternoon Tea will be served, the Coral Moon rooftop bar, and 26 & Sunny, the hotel’s laidback cafe, the perfect spot to grab a coffee or a juice overlooking the beach. In other words, everything you need.
Nothing says luxury quite like having a helicopter at your disposal, particularly when you have the chance to explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer. Gold Coast Helitours offers fully customizable charters, unique experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. The versatility of a helicopter means you can be transported to a whole host of elite locations in the Gold Coast and its surrounding area, from islands to restaurants and wineries to luxury hotels.
Though itineraries can be tailored to suit your desires, Gold Coast Helitours has a few ideas for the perfect day out. Embark on a scenic flight to a secluded island for a picnic prepared and served by a Michelin-star chef – who in the case of Frank Meijer, will also be your helicopter pilot for the day. Alternatively, travel to Sirromet Wines, Queensland’s largest and most awarded producer, in style, with a helicopter transfer straight to the restaurant and cellar door.
Take a scenic tour of the Gold Coast before settling down for a buffet breakfast at the five-star Palazzo Versace hotel. You can even skydive from a helicopter here, if that’s your thing.
The options are almost endless, limited only by your imagination and the time you have to spend.
This isn’t the Gold Coast you might be picturing. The city is known for areas such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, urban hubs with high-rise apartment blocks and beachside locales. And that is a true experience of the Gold Coast. But it’s not the only one.
Now, take yourself well away from the skyscrapers and the highways, away from the beaches and from the city entirely. Take yourself to Lamington National Park in the nearby Scenic Rim, an area named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 regions to visit in 2022. Take yourself deep into the rainforest, where the only sounds are birdsong and bubbling creeks and the rustle of wind in leaves.
Welcome to Nightfall Camp, luxury glamping that takes you far away from the trappings and the hassles of modern life. This experience is all about getting back in touch with nature, experiencing the wonder of Lamington National Park, the pure fresh air and the tranquility of the forest, while also enjoying a few creature comforts. The camp is limited to only eight guests at any time, ensuring privacy, intimacy, and the chance to explore this beautiful area without intrusion.
The custom-designed Nightfall glamping tents seamlessly blend the natural with the luxurious, with timber floors, rain-head showers, organic bedding, and canvas walls that can be rolled up to create a mesh room where the inside blurs with the out. Unique, and unforgettable, much like the Gold Coast itself.
For more information, visit destinationgoldcoast.com