Best of the Gold Coast

The Oscars are creating serious awards buzz but why should Hollywood have all the fun? Our resident Gold Coast hotels expert Tori gives out top honours for our very own Glitter Strip and helps you find the best digs for your next GC getaway in the process.

Best location

Peppers Broadbeach
Peppers Broadbeach is true luxury in an unbeatable location! If you are after a cosmopolitan or beach escape, it’s all here at your doorstep. Peppers Broadbeach boasts one and two bedroom suites and three bedroom sky homes, making it the ideal location for your next couples break, family holiday or just a getaway with friends. Within walking distance you’ll find luxury day spas, fashion boutiques and uber-sophisticated dining (minus the rat race vibe) all set against a stunning beach backdrop.

Best Pool

Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa
Hands down, Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa blitzes the ‘best pool’ category. It’s highly unique saltwater lagoon and beach features hundreds of tropical fish that guests are able to swim and snorkel with (or just feed from the deck). Or you may just want to re-live your teens in a Blue Lagoon moment by the waterfall. They’ve even got a pool bar, a five-star holiday just isn’t complete without a one if you ask me!

Best mini bar

QT Gold Coast
The awe inspiring mini bar is among the many lovely surprises at QT Gold Coast. I don’t want to give away too many details, but I just loved the inclusion of vintage toys, top end liqueurs and the genius idea of putting salsa in the fridge to go with your corn chips.

Best day spa

Escarpment Retreat
This award winning treasure is set in the rainforest on Tamborine Mountain in the Hinterland. It is definitely worth the 30 minute drive from the Gold Coast centre to experience their Spa Pavilion. Once you arrive, you’re in the ideal environment for pampering and relaxation with a menu of massage, facials, reflexology and more to choose from. Escarpment Retreat & Day Spa was recognised by Tripadvisor from 2011-2012 with an international award for being one of the top 10 in the South Pacific and number one in Queensland! Enough said.

Best for a special occasion

Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace is a hotel that needs no introduction. From the moment you walk through the door, the WOW factor sets in. Opulence and glamour are words that spring to mind with the marble, mosaic and Versace furnishings throughout the hotel. The stunning lagoon style pool is completed with a pool bar and cabanas that can be hired out. A truly splurge-worthy treat!

Best beds

Sofitel Broadbeach
I’m dreaming of a white…Sofitel Bed. With their pillow menu to choose from, Sofitel Broadbeach is the go to choice for that finicky sleeper in your life! I admittedly had one of my most comfortable sleeps EVER when I stayed here. The all feather bed Sofitel MyBeds are so good that you can actually purchase them.

Best views

Sea Temple Surfers Paradise
You’ll have spectacular ocean and hinterland views from every apartment at Sea Temple Surfers Paradise. This Iconic 77 story beauty is one of the tallest towers on the Gold Coast. The expansive views of the coast line and mountains are unbelievable – even in the evening when the city lights up. A special mention should be made to the beautiful ‘in room” views, the furnishings are stunning!

Best restaurant

Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa
Terraces Restaurant at Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa is not only a hit with hotel guests, even the locals come to visit (always a good sign). Recently refurbished, the restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh local seafood and delicious desserts. With contemporary furnishings and its surrounding water features, it wins my vote!

Best Bar

Hilton Surfers Paradise
You know you’re onto something special when the cocktail menu is designed by a renowned mixologist! FIX Bar at Hilton Surfers Paradise is a sophisticated game changer for bars on the Gold Coast. Adding chef Luke Mangan’s bar menu to the mix – I would definitely recommend a visit! lastminute lovely Kirk has many times raved about their amazing deconstructed cocktails. Yum!

Best Golf Course

RACV Royal Pines
Just a short drive from the centre of town, RACV Royal Pines Resort is a gem. With a 27-hole composite golf course and driving range, this will please the amateur and serious golfer. It was also voted ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia’ by Hacker Golf Magazine. You will get a true idea of how spectacularly maintained the grounds and golf course are from Videre Restaurant on level 21.

Best Entertainment

Jupiters Hotel and Casino
A trip to the Gold Coast is not complete without a visit to Jupiter’s Hotel and Casino. You may even be guilty of not venturing from the precinct during your stay, as everything is literally just an elevator ride away. You can choose between seven restaurants, eight bars, a live international stage spectacular and 24-hour casino.

Best Breakfast

This was such a tough category that it was a tie between QT Gold Coast & Palazzo Versace. QT Gold Coast’s buffet breakfast in Bazaar was unbelievably good; little touches like serving freshly squeezed juice in vintage milk bottles was gorgeous! Bazaar re-creates a traditional marketplace with a modern twist.

QT’s impressive spread

At Palazzo Versace, I would suggest not to hold back and go with the full buffet breakfast at Il Barocco Restaurant . This elegant restaurant offers a wide selection of fruits, pastries, hot and cold foods plus more (some dishes made to order). You’ll enjoy every morsel from your Versace branded plate while you take in the views of the lagoon.

Palazzo Versace’s incredible breakfast set up