World-class luxury has established itself on the Gold Coast's Soul Surfers Paradise. Luxury and Surfers Paradise in the same sentence, you gasp? It's true.
This 5-star hotel injects a potent dose of sophistication into the glittery Gold Coast strip. Yes, the same strip famous for its beachfront, gold-bikini-clad Meter Maids and the hedonistic nightlife of Orchard Avenue.
Whether the kids are in tow, you've packed the laptop on a business trip or you're rekindling the romance with your honey, Soul Surfers Paradise is perfect for a night or even a month.
The sleek grey structure dramatically rises 77 stories above the Esplanade and includes a retail and dining precinct. Cavill Avenue is right on your doorstep, yet you'll feel worlds away in this swanky enclave.
A striking marble cantilevered staircase winds up from ground level to the second-floor lobby. This is no fluorescent-lit, clinical reception area; just straight up resort-style glam in hues of coffee and cream with check-in neatly tucked around the corner.
Soul soars into the Surfers skyline
The lifts whisked me upwards at lightning speed and it was only a matter of moments before I opened the door to my 38th floor one-bedroom ocean view apartment.
There's no daggy rattan furniture in sight; instead, an open plan living space with a fully-equipped kitchen a hatted chef would be content with, stylish lounge area, dining table and all the mod cons expected from a 5-star hotel.
It's as comfortable as it is stylish. It's glamorous coastal living at its best.
Let's not forget the views. Glass sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows beam natural light into the apartment and unveil a private balcony with uninterrupted views of the sea-swept coastline. Beachgoers are but mere specks on the sand from this high up.
Spacious, practical, stylish - the one bedroom ocean view apartment
A king-size bed takes centre stage in the bedroom and, if you don't fancy shuffling the few steps to the lounge, there's a mounted wall TV so you can get your Kardashian late-night news fix while tucked under the covers.
The ensuite is separated by a glass wall, ensuring you make the most of those ocean views from the spa bath.
This spa rookie was a bit too eager to jump in and received a spray (drenching) because someone* didn't ensure the tub was adequately filled before turning the jets on. (*Me.)
As tempting as it was to settle on the couch, don a robe, order room service and cheer on the lads in the Australian Open semi-final, there were dinner reservations to get to.
The one-hat Seaduction restaurant
Behind golden double doors, Soul's Seaduction is a destination in itself. This hatted restaurant with Executive Chef Steve Szabo at the helm serves an inspired contemporary Australian menu.
Dishes are immaculately presented and matched wines are the perfect foil for each course. It's all capped off with the kind of service where nothing is too much trouble.
Seaduction lays out all the trappings for a substantial breakfast buffet, too.
Backing up a five-course meal with a buffet perhaps explains why the gym is decked out with the latest cardiovascular exercise equipment. Though, if maintaining your fitness regime is the last thing you're concerned with on holiday, the swimming podium has your name on it.
Choose your perch at Soul's tiered outdoor pool
The beach may be about two strides across the street, but Soul amps up the aquatic fun with an indoor heated pool – for those who've forgotten to slip, slop, slap – and an outdoor tiered resort pool should you wish to make a splash under the searing Queensland sun.
You'll also find a hot tub large enough to host a family reunion, steam rooms, saunas and no shortage of day beds to lay back and work on your tan.
For a short break or extended holiday, there's just something so appealing about Surfers Paradise. From pool to beach, cafe to club, the best of the Gold Coast is within easy reach and the lavish splendour of Soul makes coastal life just that little bit easier.
If Gold Coast extravagance had an address, Soul Surfers Paradise would be it.
Fast Facts
- Rooms range from one-bedroom ocean view apartments to four-bedroom sub penthouses
- Hatted restaurant, Seaduction
- Retail and dining precinct
- Steps from Cavill Avenue
- Swimming podium
gold coast surfers paradise
