Q1 Resort & Spa caused a ruckus in the hospitality industry when it opened its doors in Surfers Paradise, Queensland in 2005. Designed as a luxurious and affordable accommodation option, Q1 literally reached new heights as the tallest standing building in Australia (321 meters)!
Sitting behind the sand dunes on the Gold Coast, the property was sublime for our Christmas family vacation. After Boxing Day, we travelled from Sydney with our two children and some friends of ours who have 4 children of their own. We required accommodation which would house all 10 of us, comfortably, in one space. Q1 seemed too good to be true with it’s “grand” 4-bedroom apartments (complete with chocolate and champagne). Not only is the exterior of grand proportions, the rooms are spectacular in size. We hardly noticed that we had 6 children under 8 years old staying with us.
Champagne (Chevalier Wines) and Chocolates (Belgian Delights) on arrival. Boater hat by Morgan & Taylor
Poolside Cabanas and Cocktails. Wearing Camilla Dresses & Jessica Bratich Bag
The spacious balconies with sweeping views of the coastline and the surrounding tropical landscape welcomed a sense of retreat from our hectic city-life. As did the luxurious cabanas and the variety of sophisticated dinning options within the vicinity.
Tropical Landscape. Wearing Decjuba Dress
As all summer holidays should, our days consisted of a dip in one of the beautiful lagoon pools, a stroll to the beach or Cavill Avenue, followed by cocktails and afternoon burgers at the poolside bar. Speaking of burgers, Longboards Bar has been awarded Gold Coast’s best gourmet burger and deservingly so!
Longboards Bar ‘Phat Bastard’ Burger
Nothing is done in half-measures at Q1 – from the pond in the lobby upon entrance to the mini theatre.
Let’s not forget the Day Spa, nestled perfectly among the lush gardens and trickling waterfalls. The state of the art facility, offers treatments that are unheard of at a traditional spa. The children were taking a nap so mummy seized the opportunity and snuck out to the day spa. What a treat! My treatment began with luxurious body exfoliation followed by a deep, full body and scalp massage. Then a mud-wrap was applied to my body to remove those toxins I’d accumulated over the Christmas period. Once the minerals had worked their magic, I was treated to the most phenomenal experience of all! If you’ve never had (or heard of) a Hydrostorm Vichy jet shower, make it your priority to familiarise yourself with it. I have not felt that incredibly nourished and rejuvenated in a very, long time! Ready to take on the New Year.
Waterfalls of the Day Spa. Wearing Camilla & Marc dress and Wittner Shoes
This trip was everything we needed (and wanted) – from the sublime setting to the drink-me-in views of the coast (and the New Year’s Eve fireworks) from our balcony, world-class buffet breakfast on top of the world (literally! 230 metres into the sky!), transfers to the theme parks and a tram stop at our doorstep to conveniently access a range of shopping destinations including Pacific Fair!
Q1 Lobby Pond. Wearing Zimmermann Dress
Photography: A huge thanks to Paul Broben, who took time out of his busy celebrity and media schedule to capture these moments over the Christmas period. Paul, you are exceptional!
Keep your out for an Instagram competition = I am giving away 6 tickets to the SkyPoint Observation Deck.
