The Gold Coast is more than just sun, surf and sand – it’s also home to some of Australia’s most luxurious escapes. Beyond its famous beaches are hotels that redefine what it means to indulge, from sleek, oceanfront retreats to hidden sanctuaries, all with the best of the region’s natural beauty on the doorstep.
Whether you're after a serene spa day or a chic rooftop bar with panoramic views, these resorts are more than just a place to stay – they’re a destination in themselves.
Urban List's Top Picks
- Best Swim-Up Bar, The Langham Gold Coast
- Best Entertainment, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
- Best Beach Access, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
- Best Family-Friendly Stay, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
- Best Dining, Beechmont Estate
- Best Pool, Dorsett Gold Coast
- Best Infinity Pool, ULTIQA Signature at Broadbeach
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise The Langham Gold Coast
The Langham’s Gold Coast outpost marries its luxury heritage with the laid-back vibes of the Gold Coast. It’s designed for those who appreciate the finer things, with a lagoon-style infinity pool that seems to spill right into the ocean, a swim-up bar that invites you to sip and soak, a holistic Chinese medicine-inspired wellness spa, and a sleek indoor pool for those who prefer a quieter dip.
Inside, the rooms offer a refined coastal retreat; they’re a considered blend of pale wood and plush textures, with thoughtful details like deep soaking bathtubs and Langham-branded thongs. When it comes to dining, expect award-winning Cantonese at T’ang Court, wood-fired plates at Akoya and stunning high tea affairs at Palm Court, whose London outpost is credited as the birthplace of afternoon tea.
1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
Perched above the glittering Gold Coast skyline, this award-winning, all-suite stay is curated for indulgence. 56 spacious suites (which can be up to 328 square metres) feature floor-to-ceiling windows and lavish marble bathrooms. When hunger calls, share a romantic dinner for two, order a late-night snack or enjoy breakfast with a view – all in complete privacy with 24/7 in-suite dining.
The Darling's magic lies in its seamless connection to The Star's playground of entertainment, including multiple fine dining spots, glamorous rooftop bars, and a state-of-the-art theatre and casino. Azure Spa & Fitness takes unwinding up a notch with BABOR skincare treatments, private outdoor cabanas, and a view that rivals the relaxation. After working out at the Technogym, cool off with a cocktail by the iconic rooftop infinity pool.
71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
You’ll feel like you’ve landed on your own tropical island, right in the heart of Main Beach at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast. Sprawling across six hectares of lush gardens and lagoons with direct beach access, it’s one of the few spots on the Gold Coast where you can truly unwind while only moments from its iconic attractions, just steps from Marina Mirage for shopping, or a short drive to the theme parks the Gold Coast is known for.
The resort’s lagoon pools are its crown jewels, framed by tropical palms and a swim-up bar for those who like a poolside tipple. Dining is all about waterside serenity, with four restaurants to choose from, including the seafood-focused Terraces Restaurant and elegant ocean view Pearls Bar (think cocktails topped with an oyster and finger lime ‘cigar’).
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
At the crossroads of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast hinterland, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa pays homage to its tropical surrounds. At the heart of its paradisical leafy grounds is one of Australia’s best hotel pools: a saltwater lagoon lined with soft white sand and private cabanas.
The onsite JW Garden supplies the resort with fresh herbs, edible flowers, and seasonal produce, powering its authentic farm-to-table experience. From botanical cocktails to garden-fresh ingredients that inspire the modern Australian cuisine at the Chef-Hatted Citrique Restaurant, the resort’s commitment to sustainability elevates every dining moment.
The Spa by JW delivers bespoke treatments and experiences, from floating aqua Pilates to therapy baths, couple’s massages and paraffin hand treatments.
422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont Beechmont Estate
This exclusive 75-acre retreat is a secluded sanctuary set in the Scenic Rim, blending contemporary design with the raw beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Its private cabins and luxury pavilions offer panoramic views of rolling hills and untouched wilderness, only 45 minutes from the Gold Coast’s bustling centre. Its Chef-Hatted restaurant, The Paddock, delivers a culinary journey that embodies a farm-to-plate philosophy, sourcing the finest seasonal produce from the surrounding region.
Expect curated experiences like bush walks, e-bike rides and wildlife spotting when you’re not sipping cocktails at sunset on your private deck or melting into a bath with nature at your doorstep.
5 The Darling Ave, Broadbeach Dorsett Gold Coast
Located within The Star Gold Coast, the stylish Dorsett boasts 313 chic hotel rooms all decked out with top-of-the-range appliances, sweeping coastline, ocean and Hinterland views and king beds in every room. If you don’t get excited about a king bed, you need to rethink your priorities.
While the rooms are certainly impressive, it’s Dorsett’s hotel features and location that secures it as one of the Gold Coast’s best hotels. You’ll have exclusive access to Isoletto Pool Club, a heated 12-metre rooftop infinity pool, direct connection to The Star and all its venues and the hotel’s Level 19 Executive VIP Lounge with sunset tapas hours and sky-high buffet breakfast. We also love that all of the hotel’s impressive artworks are designed by Gold Coast locals.
12 Philip Avenue, Broadbeach ULTIQA Signature at Broadbeach
ULTIQA Signature at Broadbeach offers a chic, all-suite experience just steps from the surf. Here, it’s all about setting the pace of your own getaway, while having all the luxuries of resort-style facilities. Modern, open-plan apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, plus shared barbeques and even a teppanyaki grill, make this feel like a home away from home.
Its centrepiece is a sparkling 50-metre infinity-edge pool that seemingly melts into the ocean and a lush podium lawn for lounging. Watch a flick at the private theatre, unwind at the spa and relax in the Finnish sauna. With Pacific Fair shopping centre and Broadbeach’s best cafes and restaurants just a short walk away, you’re never far from top-notch dining and shopping.
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Main image credit: The Langham Gold Coast | Supplied
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