So you’re coming to the Gold Coast for our 50 kilometres of flawless sun-drenched beaches, we hear? You’re picturing yourself emerging from the sparkling turquoise ocean, dripping wet yet glamourous like Honey Ryder in Dr. No.
Reality is, there will likely be waves (we are famous for that too), and after taking a foamy washing machine ride, your hair will be a tasselled bird’s nest across your face and your bikini bottoms full of sand. Bubble burst yet?
There’s still hope to uphold your composure while holidaying on the Coast… Where, you say? The sweet-ass hotel pool, that’s where. To help you in your quest, we’ve gathered together our pick of the Gold Coast’s best hotel pools.
So, get booking!
Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace is the epitome of luxe on the Gold Coast. With a pool so glam it’s been dubbed the “Water Salon”; a 65-metre designer lagoon trimmed with palms, sun loungers, and views across the Broadwater. For the full Versace experience, book a breezy private cabana with tempting poolside menu, bottle service, and an impressive cocktail list. Oh la la!
Where: 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast
Sheraton Mirage on Main Beach is another top contender among Gold Coast’s best hotel pools. Sheraton’s lush pool is fringed by landscaped lagoons, resort rooms, tropical gardens, boardwalks, and a swim-up bar (hello!). It’s the only five-star resort on the Coast with absolute beach frontage, so for those still keen to plunge into the surf, it’s a short barefoot saunter across the dunes to beautiful Main Beach. And if you can manage the early start, watching the sunrise with a cup of joe poolside is our idea of a pretty perfect start to the day.
Where: 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Watermark Hotel
We’re happy to sing our praises from the rooftops—‘cause Surfers Paradise’s Watermark Hotel is one of the Gold Coast’s best hotels. With two glorious pools to choose between—to capture the morning and afternoon sun, naturally. Spread out under an umbrella on a sun lounge for the day and go crazy on the poolside menu. After all, you’re on holidays!
Where: 3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Recently undergoing a major facelift, Jupiters Hotel is making waves among the Gold Coast’s best hotel pools. The pool, chic private cabanas, and adjoining bar look damn inviting if we do say so ourselves. Jupiters’ pool area is also overlooked by stylish Italian eatery, Cucina Vivo which makes for a luxe backdrop to that next long lunch with the ladies.
Where: Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Marriott Resort and Spa
We reckon Surfer Paradise’s Marriott Resort pool is extra special ‘cause it contains, wait for it, fishies! Its sprawling resort-style pool has mini beaches, water features, cabanas, bubbling spas, plus a slippery slide, snorkelling, fish feeding, and educational sessions, which is great for families or easily amused adults. The Marriott has recently added a sexy new alfresco bar too so, dry off, throw on a kaftan, and continue the afternoon with cocktails at Chapter and Verse.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
QT Hotel
What the QT Hotel pool lacks in size, it makes up for in character. We simply love everything about this fresh and funky hotel. Its spunky personality continues through to the elevated pool area which is lined by foxtail and yukka palms, sun loungers, parasols, a jacuzzi, and is the ideal spot from which to order pina coladas and margaritas from the handsome dude serving behind the swim-up pool bar. So, pack your biggest floppy hat, designer sunglasses, and you’d best be shopping for a new bikini or three, too.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Still want the feel of sand between your toes, even when the nearest beach is a 30-minute drive away? Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove has two dang sweet pools, including a landscaped sand-trimmed lagoon that overlooks palms and other native foliage plus, drool, a swathe of luxury canal-side homes. Yep we can all dream, right?
Where: Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Q1 Resort and Spa
Staying the night in Australia’s tallest residential tower is enough to get any new visitor to the Coast excited. Hello ridic ocean views! Q1 Hotel’s lagoon-style pool area is totally splashable too, or kick back in lounge chairs that’ll let you soak up the scenery without getting your feet wet.
Where: 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Wave Resort
Broadbeach’s Wave Resort takes the hotel swimming pool to another level, the rooftop! Despite its size, the Sky Pool has killer views or everyone loves an infinity pool which you’ll find on level four.
Where: 89—91 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When Brooke Darling is not travelling to far flung places or sailing around the world, she’s scouring the coast for the best ethnic food, new openings, and hidden gems, all in the name of research for Metropolist. She loves motorbike rides to the hinterland, learning (frustratingly) to surf, and will try any adventure sport at least once. Find her on Instagram @darlingisamrs
Photo Credit: Palazzo Versace, Sheraton Mirage, Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Q1 Hotel