Your next staycay just levelled up. A lot.
Your next staycay just levelled up. A lot.
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 23rd 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 23rd 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 23rd June 2022.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
The luxury accommodation market is absolutely thriving here on the Gold Coast. Interstate visitors, out of towners, and those looking for an excursion at home now have a plethora of choices at their disposal. Meaning once borders are completely open, you can expect our southern neighbours to be here in a heartbeat to have their slice of endless golden beaches and glorious blue skies.
The Star Gold Coast’s newest tower, a staggering $400 million, 53 storey hotel and The Star Residences on Broadbeach Island has just released some big news surrounding its impending opening. Amplifying their position as a prime entertainment and leisure destination, The Star Residences will be officially opening the Isoletto Pool Club and Isoletto Privé events space this December! Both located on Level Six of the new tower, the aptly titled ‘Leisure Deck’ offers sweeping views of both the Gold Coast shoreline and charming hinterland.
Here’s what you can expect…
Isoletto Pool Club
Created and brought to life by Plus Architecture, the venue is geared towards the sun-kissed lifestyle of the Gold Coast with pops of bright lemon and tangerine whilst being a unique utopia in the sky. Relaxation will be paramount as guests are encouraged to take a dip in the stunning pool with an impressive 12m long viewing wall overlooking Broadbeach.
Elegant daybeds and built-in wet lounges will allow guests to sip decadent cocktails delivered straight to your cabana or daybed while soaking up the high island vibes! The restaurant and lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating will also be serving up a range of delicious light dishes to devour. Sounds like utter decadence!
The Isoletto Pool Club will be exclusive to all hotel guests within any of The Star’s hotels including The Star Grand, The Darling and Dorsett Gold Coast giving you unlimited access. This said, there will be one-off special events down the track, which will give Gold Coasters access to the Isoletto Pool Club.
Isoletto Privé
This new epic event space expands on The Star Gold Coast’s already extensive events offering to deliver a distinguished coastal venue for swoon-worthy weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. Between a sprawling lawn, deck and terrace, the new event destination allows guests to enjoy a seamless indoor or outdoor event. The sun-drenched space will suit both casual canapes and cocktail parties or more premium corporate conferences.
The launch of the Leisure Deck also coincides with the first look of The Star Residences, which are 422 bespoke apartments in the upper levels of The Star Gold Coast’s newest tower offering short-term stays, long-term rentals and permanent residency with bookings now available from June 2022!
Both of these spaces will be opening sooner than you think. So watch this space!
When: Isoletto Pool Club & Isoletto Privé will open from the middle of December 2021
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST.
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.
Paradise calling… And by that, we mean Surfers Paradise of course. You might have thought it’s all just bikini and booze but there is so much more just waiting for you to rediscover. Whether you’ve been looking for something laid-back to take the whole fam to or something a little bit fancy for that date night you’ve been putting off, and of course, somewhere to have a cheeky beverage – Surfers has it all. Did we mention it’s beachside?
So we’ve done the leg work and found the 10 must-try spots for you to get the best feed in the heart of the Coast.
Citrique
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved buffets, Citrique takes its reputation seriously. For real, its award-winning seafood buffet is the GOAT for a reason – think fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails (did someone say boujee) alongside flavours of the world. If breakfast is more your vibe then you’re in luck because they’re dishing up all-you-can eat breakfast and weekend long lunches alongside their signature seafood feast. Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Langham
If feeling a bit fancy is on the menu then The Langham Gold Coast is the destination. Just as luxe as you’d expect the international hotel to be, The Langham can’t stop, won’t stop on delivering the finest food from the East and the West. Meticulously plated, T’ang Court is where precision meets passion with each dish a show of art for the ultimate Cantonese fine-dining affair. Dine beachfront while you treat yourself at Akoya or pop down to Palm Court for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
Our pick: The Langham’s iconic chef’s menu at T’ang Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Palette
Palette stormed onto the dining scene just a few short years ago and it’s been a fan favourite ever since. Located within the HOTA Gallery, this dining spot brings art to life with Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law using the Gallery’s exhibitions to inspire the decadent degustation menu. The award-winning restaurant has also modestly received Two Chef Hats from AGFG, which is reason enough for us to book a table already. Art you can eat? Yes please.
Our pick: Go all in on the Tasting Menu you absolutely won’t regret it
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Shiraz have been calling their Surfers Paradise corner home for a couple of years now, so I suppose you could say they’ve settled in well. The perfect spot whether you’re looking for a cute date night or somewhere to take the entire family, Shiraz’s incredibly chic interior is big enough (like, 200 seats big) for you to get your authentic Persian fix. Best enjoyed with their namesake’s Shiraz. Ps. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Monday (honestly, who does) then pop in for their BYO day – it would be rude not to.
Our pick: We can’t pick favourites, so go hard on the banquet, we say
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
The Island Gold Coast
This Island has long been a landmark of the Gold Coast and we think the reason locals and visitors on the Goldie love this place is in part thanks to an aptly named spot called, Goldies. With a huge lineup of foodie favourites from steak and seafood through to pizzas and parmy’s there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. If you’re after a tipple then the Rooftop is the place to perch up with a Pina Colada in hand while you soak in the iconic Gold Coast skyline, we just love a dining destination that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
Our pick: Mare e Monti Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. It’s modern fine dining in a way that ignites all of your senses while celebrating the best of authentic Japanese cuisine. Market fresh sashimi dishes are the hero of the menu, bringing the freshest fare and flavours together to be expertly paired with vast whisky list.
Our pick: Sashimi Moriawase for a taste of it all
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Avenue
Everyone has a story from The Avenue, right? And for good reason. Where else can you go and literally spend all night long there. Pop in for a bite at the restaurant and stay for the vibes at the nightclub or one of the iconic drag shows. Live music venues are becoming harder and harder to find, but luckily for us The Avenue aka the home of live music is doing the heavy lifting so you can sip back and listen to sweet tunes every week.
Our pick: Crispy Pork Belly
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
There’s something about sipping back on a cocktail while you look at the ocean that just makes it taste that much sweeter. Fortunately for you, that view and those cocktails are accompanied by one of the best new additions to the restaurant scene. Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen brings the perfect balance of fancy food with a relaxed vibe, so you can soak up your surrounds while indulging on your choice of steak or seafood, or head out to the Terrace Bar for more relaxed bites.
Our pick: Kingfish Ceviche
Where: Ocean by Meriton – Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Central Lounge
Something you might not know about us is that we love a lounge bar, so you bet we were fans of Central Lounge the moment those glorious doors opened. Massive cocktail list? Check. Epic easts? Check. R&B Sunday sessions? Check. We’ll go ahead and call that a trifecta. If you’ve been hunting for a stylish spot to sip cocktails and people watch, then this the place for you.
Our pick: Crab Linguine
Where: 8/27 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Driftwood Social
Driftwood Social, tucked just off Ferny Ave brings blissed-out, Miami pool club vibes to the banks of the Nerang River – and if it’s been a while between drinks, this secluded social spot is every bit as lush as you remember. A stacked menu is another real drawcard, and don’t be tempted to assume we’re talking basic bar bites here.
Our pick: Linguine Alla Vodka And Prawns
Where: 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Dining out can be a mixed affair. From finding yourself excitedly catching up with friends over share style plates to sitting down in a sophisticated environment with huge explorations of flavours — and no doubt courses. There is undoubtedly an eating-out experience for every occasion. Boutique dining room-style destinations offering polished and carefully orchestrated dishes are growing in popularity; offering diners the chance to take part in a culinary journey from the moment they sit down until the moment they wave goodbye.
Hasn’t it been a little while since your last date night? We thought so. Handy for you, we have compiled our take on 11 of the best Gold Coast’s boutique dining experiences. Get booking peeps!
Restaurant Labart
How do nine luxuriant courses of utter seasonality and divine savourings sound to you? Like something you need in your life, we think you’ll agree. Brought to you by renowned Sydney Chef Alex Munoz-Labart, Restaurant Labart provides one of the most on-point submersions into culinary wizardry you’re going to find outside of a capital city. Once you have taken your seat, enjoy the pared-back wooden furniture and muted colour accents permeating serene yet urbane feels. Seriously: what is there not to adore about this place?
Where: 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
The North Room
A sophisticated and contemporary dining room in Mermaid Beach, The North Room made its debut in mid-2017 introducing locals to share-style dining. The ever-changing menu focuses on seasonally inspired dishes served in a clean and minimalistic space. For wine lovers out there, rejoice. You’ll be treated to exceptional and lesser-known wine producers hand-picked to accompany the exquisite flavours of whatever chef/owner Tim Stewart has opted to curate for the day’s menu.
Where: 2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Ventura Rd and Cronulla Ave)
Palette
If the backdrop is something you consider heavily when choosing a destination for eating out, how does a world-class art gallery sound? Home of the Arts (HOTA) brand spanking new Gallery building would not have been complete without an astounding place to eat and drink, right? Enter Palette. With the talented and much experienced Dayan Hartill-Law as Executive Chef, the ethos is simple; high-quality produce with amazing provenance underpinned by knowledgeable yet approachable staff. Book in for an evening visit and be amazed by a degustation menu directly inspired by neighbouring art installations.
Where: The Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Glenelg Public House
One for the meat lovers out there: what these guys don’t know about preparing and serving up mouth-watering steak isn’t worth knowing. The menu cleverly hinges on incredibly diverse, quality produce — both from the paddock and the ocean — with old-school yummy dishes served with a contemporary Australian flair. For those who feel like something a bit special, there is an additional section for oversized select pieces of meat which can be sliced and brought out ready to share. Be sure you come with drinks on your mind, as the back bar and wine selection are another strong point at this Mermaid Beach ode to good food.
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Eddy + Wolff
The décor and styling of this tucked-away Robina hotspot will inevitably make it hard going if you intend on ordering anything quick. A central island bar with wrap-around high seat dining is the epitome of modern, sophisticated eating, and we reckon you’ll fall for it in a big way. A fusion of Asian flavours awaits you from an uncomplicated share style menu with its devoted section to BBQ: Octopus Tentacle with tangy nashi pear glaze is the absolute highlight here. Another eatery with a ‘distinction’ in Instagram profiles, showing off some mighty sexy-looking cocktails you just must try — all with subtle but considered nods to the orient.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina
Zipang
When you’re yearning for top-notch Japanese eats within a small and intimate setting, then this under-the-radar restaurant in Currumbin Waters, we think, fits the bill to a tee. From the moment you arrive, the cheery staff will bring the specials blackboard over to your table and talk you through what delicious edible sensations are on offer. If it’s available, we recommend the black sesame crusted Salmon or any one of the baos — they’re all fabulous. Pair up whatever you opt for with a selection of sakes and Japanese beers to round off a great experience of Japanese cuisine on the southern Gold Coast.
Where: 10/27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Little Truffle
Being one of the longest-standing — and most celebrated — restaurants in our city, Little Truffle most certainly has a piece of our heart. But what is it about this unassuming Mermaid Beach haven of flavour? Is it a European-inspired menu filled with the most deftly put together mouth-watering dishes, or a dazzling wine list, perhaps it’s the exceedingly polished service? You know what, we think it’s all three — and a whole lot more!
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cross-Eyed Mary
From the same folks behind the ever-popular pizza restaurant, Francie’s, this newly opened Mediterranean delight is already bringing all things delicious to the people of Coolangatta. Aesthetically, this bolt hole with a fresh white interior is the kind of place you’ll want to settle into and be in no hurry to leave. With a menu centred around some incredible handmade pasta — with a separate vegan menu — we think you’ll join us in agreeing Griffith Street just got a whole lot better. The textbook spot to pop in for an afternoon wine — or fall in love with the menu and stay late into the night.
Where: 14 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Lupo
Lupo arrived at Mermaid Beach to a whirlwind of rave reviews, and here now, nearly four years later, the adoration hasn’t stopped. The comfortable space offers a homestyle Italian menu with lashings of love and an atmosphere to match. Made up of the very best produce around, if you take a look at their Instagram anytime soon: beware. It’s plausible you’ll be lost to the world scrolling their drool-worthy photos for a while. The Pork Cotoletta is crumbed pork that will ruin the humble Chicken Schnity for you forever.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Bottega
When the prospect of visiting the cutest little Italian eatery comes your way, you should be keen as can be. The newly opened Bottega on Chevron Island features handmade pastas to hand-rolled and stretched pizzas, fired right on the spot in their pride of place pizza oven — beside the entrance, no less. Sprinkle into the equation some out-of-this-world imported wines, which you won’t find on the high street every day, and Bottega is the answer to your pasta-induced prayers.
Where: 58 Thomas Drive, Surfers Paradise
The Little Plate
Another hidden in plain sight gem, The Little Plate manages to pack a punch in the flavour department by taking Euro and Asian favourites and turning the taste up to 10! You’ll consistently find a large selection of as-fresh-as-possible specials, giving this Burleigh restaurant the ultimate replay value — no two visits will ever be the same. We suggest you give their tasting menu a go at least once and let the experts take care of the rest.
Where: Shop 11/3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
