I’m going to be honest, the Gold Coast isn’t normally my go-to destination, but having spent a few days on the glitter strip recently, I have a new appreciation for the GC! On this visit, we’re exploring the tourism mecca of Surfers Paradise and find there are some hidden gems if you look beyond the glitz, glam and tourist traps.
We checkin to Q1 Resort & Spa and despite its grand scale, we love that it’s privately owned & managed giving it a more personal edge than the chain hotels. During check-in I’m advised I’ve been allocated a One Bedroom Ocean View room on the 39th floor and do a little fist pump at my good luck.
Zooming up to my bed in the sky, I’m greeted with a view so breathtakingly impressive it’s hard to tear yourself away from the windows. There’s a perfectly positioned little day bed at the corner window so I can perch there and take in the panoramic view of the Gold Coast laid out before me. It’s the perfect spot for a little reading if you can tear yourself away from the view.
Waking up to a stunning beach view from these comfy beds.
The apartment is large enough to move right in! There’s a gleaming white kitchen, fully equipped with all you need to settle in to a beach holiday including stove, oven, dishwasher and full size fridge. There is a modern dining table and spacious lounge room with plenty of comfortable couches to relax and soak up the view. A welcome card from the Q1 team, chocolates and bottle of wine seals the deal for a warm welcome.
There is also an enclosed alfresco balcony, ideal for outdoor dining with the safety and security of sliding windows given how high up we are. The separate bedroom leads through a walk in wardrobe to the modern bathroom with separate shower and bath and Romy amenities. Plus there is an extra study with desk and lounge that I dedicate as my ironing room given there is very little actual work going on during my stay.
No need to pack light with spacious Q1 walk-in-wardrobes.
There are plans for a refurbishment and General Manager, John Wilder escorts me on a little tour to view the prototype, a corridor freshly painted featuring plush carpet, luxe wallpaper and striking black & with architectural photography of the mighty Q1. It’s a contemporary and modern look that will be rolled out across each floor in the coming weeks.
There is no mini-bar in the apartments, but you can easily pop out for groceries and happily prepare something back in your kitchen, or head out to the dining spots of Surfers. Good coffee is also available downstairs at Crema Espresso if you’re not a fan of the sachet variety.
One such discovery is Black Coffee Lyrics, just a stroll along Surfers Paradise Boulevard from Q1. We missed it at first, as it’s located upstairs in a non-descript arcade but we’re so glad we double backed for this slice of Surfers Paradise deliciousness. Ok, they had me at “happy hour” espresso martini but the menu didn’t disappoint. Black Coffee Lyrics takes its own twist on a classic espresso martini & other great cocktails and the menu includes a selection of small-med-large plates, pizzas and desserts. We shared a number of dishes with a standout being the Beef Short Rib; slow stout braised beef short rib, coffee sauce, deep fried shallot rings, carrot puree and horseradish crisp. The food, service and atmosphere were all exceptional and we’re definitely planning a return visit!
If you’re looking for something a little more elegant & formal, try Salt Grill by Luke Mangan. We dined with a bunch of travel bloggers talking all things food & travel in the sophisticated diner.
Our party opted for the two course set price menu including a glass of wine for $49 which proved extraordinary value for the high quality. I chose the zucchini flower, goats cheese, semi dried heirloom tomato & basil, followed by main of Rangers Valley striploin, garlic & rosemary kipfler, béarnaise which were superb and all the meals were first class. Highly recommend.
Across the road from Q1, don’t miss new bar Walrus Social House, it’s another great establishment that feels very “un-Surfers”. I loved the eclectic interiors of the Walrus, with copper hanging lights, bold tiles and lots of cool spaces to relax. An extensive wine list and signature cocktails plus tapas menu completes the cruisy scene. Reclaimed windows create a divide between the bar and Clifford’s Grill & Lounge. Clifford’s is a cool little eatery with open kitchen with a ten-burner grill as its centrepiece where you can watch all the action. Tapas plates were great for sharing or there is heartier fare on offer.
After grazing along the glitter strip, you’re in the perfect location at Q1 to burn off the calories with a morning beach walk. Waking early, I head down to the beach in time to catch a spectacular sunrise and walk along the long stretch of sandy beach, it’s an invigorating and beautiful way to start the day.
Back at Q1 there is also indoor and outdoor pools if you’d like to take the plunge and an onsite day spa with several treatment rooms to relax and rejuvenate. There is actually plenty to see & do in Q1 alone with the Skypoint Observation Deck a highlight or tackle the Skypoint Climb if you’re feeling game. All these activities make Q1 the perfect destination for a couples getaway or family beach holiday.
While there has been greater focus on dining further south in Burleigh and beyond, don’t overlook Surfers Paradise for a fun foodie, coastal cool getaway and staying at the pinnacle, Q1 Resort & Spa.
The writer was a guest of Q1 Resort & Spa.
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