Get ready to don those designer shades, your fanciest parfum (eau de toilette just won’t cut it) and Sunday best outfit because folks; because a swanky and uber-sophisticated 5-star hotel is opening on Thursday 23^rd June. Overlooking the breathtaking beaches of the GC, the hotly anticipated unveiling of The Langham will redefine luxury as we know it. Bringing a wave of unprecedented posh to our ‘hood, we’re more pumped than a Kardashian at a Met Gala.

Brought to us by visionary luxe-perts, The Langham Hospitality Group, their newest Australian offering boasts sophisticated grandeur for days. The 339-room lavish hotel is the tallest of the three eye-catching Jewel Residences towers (also managed by Langham and sharing the launch day limelight on 23^rd June), standing loud and proud between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. And stop the press, because there’s a fun fact incoming… It’s the first development with direct beachfront access to be built on the GC in more than three decades. We reckon that deserves a nod and if we weren’t sold on a staycation here before (we were), we sure as heck are now!

With 17 different types of rooms and suites, ALL with striking designs, breathtaking ocean and celebrated Hinterland views, The Langham is quite the showstopper. Set to knock the socks off locals, interstate travellers and international tourists alike, it promises an unmatched level of timeless elegance with all the VIP trimmings.

Guests will be wooed with a fitting modern coastal palette, beautiful ginger flower fragrance, and artwork by globally celebrated Australian sculptor and artist, Camie Lyons. But, that’s not even the highest high-brow offering because drumroll please, every single person who stays at this Rolls Royce of resorts will be privy to the signature Langham Service Stylist. Tasked with making every guest feel like a highflyer, their job description includes anticipating needs, gift prepping, managing all stay-related bookings and reservations, and providing recommendations on just about anything. Umm, can we borrow one for everyday life please and thank you?!

The luxury experience doesn’t stop there, with fancy-pants facilities including a pool bar (our love language) and a range of exquisite food and beverage venues. These include Palm Court, home to the world’s first-afternoon tea in a Grand Hotel and celebrated with the famous Langham Afternoon Tea, 26 & Sunny (best.name.ever) and the all-day dining goodness of Akoya.

The foodie-friendliness is set to continue with the addition of T’ang Court – sister venue to the internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurants – pencilled for Spring. Also on the must-visit hitlist later in the year is The Langham’s open-air bar Coral Moon, and for a bit of R&R, Chuan Spa. Harnessing a holistic wellness concept born from the ancient healing philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we’re always here for anything pro-pamper.

We suggest booking stat before the opening offer is no longer on the table which includes a guaranteed ocean view, complimentary buffet breakfast for two and welcome cocktails upon arrival. So go on, treat yo’self and book in for a visit to The Langham for a spellbinding, deluxe stay or eats experience guaranteed to fill your (fancy) cup. (And set your social feeds ablaze!)

Reservations can be made at www.langhamhotels.com/goldcoast.

Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Bookings are available now. Opening Thursday 23^rd June 2022.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Know what time it is? No, not hammer time but Langham time! Thursday 23rd June, the GC’s long-awaited luxury hotel The Langham, Gold Coast (along with Jewel Residences also managed by the luxe-perts at Langham), will unleash a level of lavish we’ve only seen in the feeds of our fave cashed-up influencers! Only no filters required ladies and gents – this priceless gem between the jewels (quite literally) is pure posh perfection, with dining options of the same calibre thanks to a star-studded culinary team.

The Langham is dishing up hotel dining industry veteran Craig Robertson as Executive Chef, served with a side of Executive Sous Chef David Vandenabeele, and for dessert/all things pastry (our weakness), Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Stevenson.

For ‘starters’ (pun totally intended), Craig Robertson boasts over 35 years’ industry experience and 20 years’ as an Executive Chef leading large-scale teams in luxury hotel environments. Translation, the man can cook anyone under the table…or the Gaggenau oven. Robertson’s most recent gig was Executive Chef at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort where he led the Culinary Operations across multiple outlets with diverse, international cuisines.

Like we mentioned, joining this icon is Executive Sous Chef David Vandenabeele. Originally from Belgium, David has over 25 years of experience in Michelin Star fine dining and luxury hotels across the world, including Belgium, Australia, London and New York. Most recently leading the F&B pre-opening operations for the launch of the first Curio hotel brand in Australia, this star is definitely Langham-worthy.

And the icing on the cake is Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Stevenson, two-time recipient of the Belgium Chocolate Master, plus maker of the 2009 Best Praline in the World. Ryan was previously Pastry Chef for Belgian chocolate brand, Callebaut, Head Pastry Chef at a 3-Michelin star restaurant in Belgium, and is currently team captain for the Australian Pastry Team prepping for the 2023 World Pastry Cup. What a résumé!

Together the exceptional team have created unique culinary offerings across the variety of new Langham Gold Coast dining venues. These range from a humble club sandwich and decadent buffets through to Japanese robatayaki, Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine, and award-winning cocktails. No prizes for guessing which of the above we’ll be sampling first….cheers!

So, if anyone can deliver a world-class dining experience to elevate your senses, it’s this trio. Forming an integral part of the overall luxury experience for guests, the extensive range of dining options will provide a cohesive feeling of luxe. Plus, there is a strong focus on sustainable produce, and a collaboration with local suppliers to create a bespoke Langham experience unparalleled on the Gold Coast.

So do yourself a favour, and book yourselves in for a deluxe stay-cay and sample all of our region’s finest eats venues, all in the one spectacularly flash hotel location. And when we say flash, we actually mean it because your phone’s camera will be in overdrive capturing all the highbrow glamour and style of The Langham, Gold Coast experience.

For reservations or to find out more about the experts leading The Langham, Gold Coast’s dining experiences, click here.

Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise.
When: Bookings are available now. Official opening – Thursday 23rd June 2022.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST

Without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting down in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts here on the Coast. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

Cove Cafe
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever – as is the 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 Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise, and Salted Caramel Choux with orchid vanilla tea cream and caramel sauce.

Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, so 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 to bottomless rosé or the signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail – either of which sounds pear-fect to us (and bonus, we can finally swing by and suss out that lush, spruced up lagoon pool in the process). Prices start at $57 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Pearls Bar
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. Starting March 1 they invite us all to celebrate the heart of autumn with their Falling for Flavours: Autumn High Tea. Infused with luxurious flavours inspired by the new season, we’re drooling in anticipation. From Roasted Hazelnut Nutella Slice to Spiced Pumpkin Cake, you certainly won’t leave underwhelmed…or hungry. Complemented by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms, it looks as decadent as it tastes. $76 per adult, which includes a glass of Sparking Wine as well as unlimited tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
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 be feeling very high socie-tea indeed sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings. There are two high tea options to choose from (fancy and fancier) – depending on how bougee you’re feeling – starting from $89.90 per person. 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) for around $30 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Chapter and Verse
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 of Honey Lavender Scones and Salted Caramel Chocolate Tartlet… 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

Bumbles
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

QT Gold Coast
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 include 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 tastebuds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Choux Pastries and Brownie-macarons. Prices start at $64 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz really enhance to your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ms Margot’s
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 soft-shell crab bao, pumpkin arancini, and halloumi with pickled fig. The Signature and champagne upgrade Par-Tea option come in at a very Carrie approved $42 and $67 respectively – bc, y’know – more to splash on shoes. OTT outfits optional.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Palette
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 Prawn Toast with yuzu mayo and sesame and for the sweet tooths, Davidson Plum and Marshmallow Pinwheel. Yum! Prices start at $70 per adult.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Greendays
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. To set the scene on the type of sumptuous snack spread they put on – we’re talking mouth-watering morsels like Pork and Chestnut Gyoza, Pandan Swiss Roll and Dragonfruit Pannacotta. Throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $12… just because, or go the whole hog and upgrade to bottomless bubbles for an extra $45 pp. There’s also a separate vegan high tea and junior high tea so no one misses out. High Tea from $65 per adult.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

The Langham
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 Miniature coconut + mango pavlovas, Hot smoked salmon rillettes and Lemon curd scones, we’re not about to get caught up in the semantics now are we (a ‘Rosé’ by any other name and all that).

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 practicing your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $109 per person Monday to Friday and $119 per person Saturday & Sunday.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Videre
Local fave Videre does a high tea with panache… with the added perk of some some pretty stellar views, to boot. From Moreton Bay Bug Fritters and Barramundi Summer rolls with bush tomato relish, to a selection of sweets whipped up by the in-house Chef de Patisserie’s – the quali-tea here is unparalleled. And quite frankly, the assortment of freshly baked scone flavours served with all the trimmings (hellooo Sun-dried mango scone and just-churned butter!) alone is enough to get us swooning. Don’t forget the unlimited French press coffee and ‘Tea Drop’ tea and breathtaking panoramic views from the 21st floor whilst the golf folk slug it out below. We know what we’d rather be doing. Prices start at $68 per person including a glass of Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige or a speciality mocktail, delish!
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mecca Bah
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 in to three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista made coffee and tea, and a sparking wine or mocktail on arrival. $69 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Bon Appetea Teahouse
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 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

Words by Kellie Leader.