By Kylie Mitchell-Smith www.travellingsenorita.com
The Gold Coast has always been known as the place for fun, dotted with theme parks and long stretches of golden sand. But in more recent years there’s been an array of international hotels, retro style eateries and cultural precincts opening.
From the exclusive Langham Hotel to the stylish Dorsett Hotel to an upgrade of the QT hotel, adding the qtQT cabins to their portfolio. HOTA (home of the arts) has become the epicentre for culture on the coast, along with Miami Marketta and an array of top-notch eateries, which has elevated the coast as a foodie and arts paradise.
The Langham is an absolute beachfront property that oozes charm, aesthetically pleasing both inside and out. The décor is ‘pretty as a picture’ with soft pink hues, metallic trimmings, fresh flowers and sculptures adorning the hotels foyer.
The Langham offers a range of dining options. From a decadent High Tea in Palm Cove to Cantonese fine dining in T’Ang Court and a sumptuous fresh seafood banquet at restaurant Akoya. There is a beachside sandwich and cocktail bar ’26 & Sunny’ and a sophisticated lobby bar, adding another dimension to the coasts burgeoning food scene.
The Dorsett Hotel opened last year, classic in style with soft pastel hues and copper trimmings, the hotel is luxurious and affordable. Close to all the action of Broadbeach, with access to the Star Casino, Isoletto pool club and restaurants. Book an executive room which includes the lounge, situated high above on level 19, offering complimentary food and beverages-with sublime views across the coast to the mountains beyond.
The ever-popular QT Hotel has added a unique accommodation option, in the form of locally designed tiny homes. The qtQT Cabins are located on the rooftop of level 2 and are reminisce of retro bathing boxes-they include open-fire pit, lawns and an al fresco dining area. Super stylish in design they are kitted out with freshly baked goods, local teas, candles and skin care.
The Palm Springs style has inspired a plethora of the coast’s café, bar and restaurant openings over the last few years. Such as The Tropic, La Luna Beach Club, Cali Beach Club, Palm Beach Ave, Palm Springs, Paloma Wine Bar, Lucia Tapas Bar and Hyde Paradiso, plus a whole lot more.
The Tropic has an enviable position high above the bustling Rick Shores restaurant in Burleigh Pavilion, with arguably the best ocean views in town. A fresh seafood and local produce menu compliment the soft lime green and white interiors and beachside booths.
La Luna Beach Club is the new kid on the Marina Mirage block, built on floating platoons with a Mediterranean style menu, two sparkling pools, poolside cabanas and the coolest pool bar to relax by.
The latest venture for the southern end of the coast is the retro chic Palm Beach Ave, in Palm Beach- a coastal restaurant with vibrant striped umbrellas, lush interiors and the sound of the ocean as the backdrop.
Along with Lucia Tapas Bar, a Latino inspired eatery in Tugun with a delicious share plate menu, cocktails, wine and local craft beer. it’s the ideal place for that special occasion with the dreamiest Tapas Garden by the sea.
Located on James Street, Burleigh Paloma Wine Bar is a European inspired local’s bar with a delicious tasting menu, curated by the owners of the award winning Restaurant Labart, you know you’re in good hospitality hands.
Further North is Palm Springs, a bustling café built into a stunning art-deco building with clean line interiors and Besser block exterior-adorned with a the most picturesque cactus garden.
Hyde Paradiso is a retro inspired eatery and cocktail bar located above Surfers Paradise beach in the stunning Soul Building. The place to be for sunset cocktails and the freshest of seafood, with chic interiors and expansive dining space, offering uninterrupted views across the ocean.
Head over to HOTA (home of the arts), centrally located at Evandale Park, Bundall, the brightly coloured cube building can be seen from all over the coast. HOTA is an interactive, arts space built for the people. There is an open-air amphitheatre that hosts regular live performances, with some of the hottest acts coming to town.
HOTA Gallery is home to the award winning, fine dining Palette restaurant, a showcase of fresh, seasonal and local produce, with a decadent Sunday High Tea. The Exhibitionist Bar is situated on the rooftop of HOTA and boasts views as far as the eye can see. The cocktails are inspired by the exhibitions at the gallery, with fine wine and food to suit.
Now’s the time to explore all that’s gold on the Gold Coast, take a day trip from Brisbane, a drive from the Sunshine Coast or a short fly from Central Queensland. A nature-based destination with a flourishing foodie and arts scene-that has made the Gold Coast one of Australia’s most desirable locations.
