JW Marriott Gold Coast’s ultimate summer send-off.
JW Marriott Gold Coast’s ultimate summer send-off.
We hate to break it to you, but summer is almost over. Almost! Before you swap bikinis for long sleeves, there’s one last sizzling soirée that demands your attention. On Friday 27th February, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is cranking up the heat and turning up the volume with the End Of Summer Party — an evening of indulgence that’ll have you sipping your way to the ultimate summer send-off.
Let your worries melt away as you enter the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s new Lagoon Gallery Terrace. Kick off your evening with a refreshing Aperol Summer Cocktail, designed to transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise.
As the sun sets over the saltwater lagoon, sip on a curated collection of crisp wines and refreshing beers. Trust us, you’ll be rosé-ing to the occasion all night long.
Now let’s talk beats – because what’s a summer send-off without a seriously epic soundtrack? DJ Libre spins tropical tunes that will keep your spirits high. Whether groovin poolside or kicking back with a cocktail – the rhythm of the night is guaranteed to hit all the right notes.
Of course, no summer soirée is complete without a feast, and the JW Marriott’s award-winning chefs have cooked up a spread worthy of a sea-sational celebration. Say “shuck yeah” to freshly shucked Australian oysters (because nothing says luxe like oysters overlooking the pool) before the live teppanyaki theatrics take centre stage. Watch as chefs work their magic over the grill, flipping, searing and creating smoky, flame-licked delights. And don’t miss out on the charcoal-grilled meats – every bite will have you savouring summer’s finest flavours.
For $149 per guest, the food stations and bars will keep you satiated all night, making this event your ultimate passport to paradise – right in the heart of the Gold Coast.
If you’re anything like us (we know you are!), you’ll want to make it a true summer escape. Extend your evening and stay the night in luxury at the JW Marriott Gold Coast. Drift into sweet dreams on plush bedding as soft as a cloud, waking up refreshed and ready for the new season.
Make the most of the hotel’s outstanding amenities — dive into the tranquil lagoons or resort-style outdoor pool, break a sweat at the state-of-the-art fitness center or indulge in a day of bliss at Spa by JW.
And whatever you do, don’t miss Citrique’s famous buffet breakfast! Devour omelettes and eggs made to order, fluffy waffles, melt-in-your-mouth pastries and pancakes you’ll want to stack sky-high. It’s the tastiest way to kiss summer goodbye!
Bookings are essential and tickets are limited so to secure your spots at this unforgettable summer evening under the stars, visit JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
When: 6pm–9pm, Friday 27th February
Where: Saltwater Lagoon, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tickets: $149 per guest.
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA
Dive headfirst into this list.
If you ask anyone what their numero uno ‘must have’ is when looking at staycays here in our beautiful city, chances an insta-worthy (or family-friendly) pool experience would take pole position. A pool maketh the staycay, and we’re here to give the low-down on the best pools in town coz girls (and guys) just wanna have sun…and swims…and preferably with a cocktail in hand.
Just a few sandy footsteps from Burleigh Beach, the GC’s newest hotel pool is bringing a touch of international cool to our shores. Mondrian’s Haven Pool Club is where golden hour never ends and the vibes are as crisp as the rosé flowing by the cabanas. Inspired by the world’s best beach clubs, think live DJ sets, luxe loungers, and poolside grazing that’s made for sharing (and snapping). Whether you’re here for a lazy lounge or a sunset sesh that turns into a dance floor moment, this pool scene is pure Burleigh brilliance.
Where: First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Quite possibly Australia’s best hotel pool, take a dip alongside tropical fish in the famous saltwater lagoon and sorry, it doesn’t get much cooler (literally) than this. Enjoy white sandy beaches, waterfalls, and a swim-up grotto. And, for small peeps, the freshwater pool with an epic waterslide will keep them entertained for hours while you chillax in a jacuzzi or poolside cabana #VIP.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Swim in the crystal blue water of the one-acre saltwater lagoon, float around on colourful beanbags, or relax on a sun lounger sipping on an InterContinental coconut! There’s also a 15-metre-long terrace swimming pool and spa, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, reclining sun loungers and plenty of space for family activities. Just like Adele, you’ll be rolling in the deep (end).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circuit, Hope Island
The Star houses an all ages-friendly, glisteningly gorg pool side area decked out with cabanas, a relaxing water feature, spas, and plenty of sun lounges and seating. Or, if you’re really hamming it up at The Darling, it’s a case of “to infinity (pool) and beyond”! Situated on the nineteenth floor with breathtaking GC views, this elegant infinity pool is a showstopper.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dorsett (located within The Star) doesn’t just have a pool, but its own super on-fleek Isoletto Pool Club #TooPoolForSchool! Experience the 12-metre-long viewing wall overlooking Broadbeach, delish light eats and drinks, comfy cabanas around the pool deck, as well as our fave ‘wet lounges’ built into the pool itself! They’ll even deliver your spritzers and cocktails straight to your cabana. Suns out, buns out we say!
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
With its own water park, find us a kid who won’t go bonkers for this place! Whilst the pool and spa area may be closed until the 16th of August for remedial works, the ever-popular SpongeBob Splash Pads and Aqua Play will remain open. Once the maintenance and ‘shoosh-up’ are finished, create everlasting family memories with a 50-metre lagoon, complete with waterfall and soothing 12-seater spa. Bliss!
Where: Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Whether you love a luxurious indoor pool, or prefer a five-star outdoor pool experience, The Langham has you covered. The 20-metre-long indoor pool is perfect for those channelling a (multi) million-dollar Pacific Ocean view with their workout. Meanwhile outside, another 20-metre-long outdoor pool awaits, with a highbrow swim-up pool bar, a sandy lagoon-style entrance, and plenty of swanky pool lounge chairs. Fancy feels for days!
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Voted Australia’s Best Family Resort for years in a row, you just know this place gives a good pool! Heaven for kids and paradise for parents, it even has its own water park with a giant water playground, lagoon pool, large, heated spa and two enormous aqua play attractions. And, for mum and dad, enjoy a dedicated Parents Retreat, featuring an adults-only (eee!) swimming pool and lounge bar #KidsWhatKids?
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Experience beachfront bliss and soak up ‘dem luxurious feels as you take in the vast pool surrounds – 6,727 square feet of them to be exact! Plus, there’s just something about a pool that’s a hop, skip and a jump away from the ocean! Oh and remember, it’s a rite of passage to treat yo’self to a cocktail or five (daily) at the swim-up bar… no judgement.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Relax poolside and get your zen on as you laze by the lush tropical lagoon pool at Mantra Crown Towers. There’s no “I’m bored mum” here, as the kids are too busy living their best life in the splashtastic children’s pool. With its own sandy beach, waterslide and pirate ship, they won’t want to leave – and neither will you!
Where: 19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Aquaholics listen up coz good times and tan lines await at Mantra Sun City. With three swimming pools and a sauna, you can cool off and warm up on repeat or in the words of Dory, “just keep swimming just keep swimming”. The whipper snappers are well catered for here too, with several waterslides making their staycay an adventure they’ll always remember!
Where: 3400 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
We reckon we’ve seen at least 1 million poolside selfies here last year alone. An exotic poolside oasis, the Imperial Hotel showcases an award-winning 63-metre pool with its very own white sandy beach and Australia’s first-ever Water Salon. The exclusive cabanas add a whole new dimension of luxe, with breezy sheers for more private poolside luxury.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Take the plunge at The Spring, QT’s stylish poolside precinct that’s equal parts elegance and fun. With its chic striped tiles (swaying palms and resort-style cabanas, this is one of the prettiest places to cool off on the Coast. Dip between the shimmering blue and sun-drenched lounges, then refuel with flavours inspired by Japan, Mexico and the Med. Whether you’re here for a leisurely float or a little poolside glamour, The Spring has that effortless QT sparkle.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen
Cheers to the freaking weekend….and weekdays.
If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.
It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.
Executive Chef at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
If there’s one thing Executive Chef Paul Smart knows, it’s how to serve up pure culinary magic—both in the kitchen and across the Gold Coast’s thriving food scene. With an impressive career spanning world-class hotels, a victorious stint on Iron Chef Thailand, and now leading the charge at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Chef Paul is a true maestro of flavour.
From his must-try Moreton Bay Bug Dumplings at Citrique to his love of gnocchi nights with his kids, we caught up with Paul to chat all things food, family, and the ever-evolving Gold Coast dining scene.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have actually been a Gold Coast local on two occasions: between 2007 and 2011, and again from 2020 to the present. I’ve enjoyed being a Gold Coast local even more this second time around.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
What I love most about the Gold Coast is the incredible variety it offers. It’s a perfect blend of amazing beaches and lush hinterland, offering the best of both worlds. And of course, the warm weather is a big plus!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a professional chef, classically trained as an Apprentice Chef from 1996 to 2000. I studied cookery III and IV at Regency Park TAFE in Adelaide and completed my Front-Line Management course at William Angliss College. I further honed my skills in England at the famous Ritz London before returning home to manage kitchens with Accor Hotels for 15 years. This included four years at Sofitel Gold Coast Room 81, the opening of Sofitel Bangkok, and my first role as Executive Chef, which lasted seven years. I also spent three years in Vietnam at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi before coming back to the Gold Coast to join JW Marriott as the Executive Chef. In terms of my personal life – I’ve been happily married to my wife, Grace, for over 12 years, and we have two young boys who were both born in Bangkok but now study here on the Gold Coast.
Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating menus for Citrique?
My inspiration for creating menus at Citrique primarily comes from locally sourced ingredients. I work closely with our suppliers and producers to gather the freshest, most seasonal produce. Then, I think about how I can present these ingredients in a visually appealing way while enhancing their natural flavours. Temperature and texture are also important elements, as every component needs to come together to create harmony in each dish.
Which dish on the menu would you recommend as a must-try when visiting Citrique, and why?
I would highly recommend trying the Moreton Bay Bug Dumplings. The dish balances all its components beautifully. The dumplings are filled with a Bay Bug mousse infused with kaffir lime, while the bugs are grilled and glazed with chilli jam. The bisque sauce ties everything together, and it’s finished with herb oils and baby herbs from our JW Garden here on site. It’s a perfectly balanced combination of flavours and textures.
What is your favourite dish to cook at home?
My favourite dish to cook at home is definitely gnocchi as it’s one where I can get the kids involved in the process. They crack the eggs, grate the parmesan, and roll the potato gnocchi, while I prepare the sauce. It’s a dish that warms the soul both during preparation and when it’s served at the dinner table. The boys have so much fun trying to make each piece perfect, and it’s a great way to teach them important base recipes for the future.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
Winning Iron Chef Thailand was a huge career boost and helped me step into the role of Executive Chef in Asia. However, the achievement I’m most proud of is earning a Chef Hat for Citrique for the first time. The entire team was ecstatic, and it was a special moment for both me personally and the whole team.
What do you think about the hospitality scene on the Gold Coast?
Having experienced the Gold Coast dining scene on two separate occasions, I can confidently say that it has raised the bar significantly over the years. I’m proud to be part of this growth. There are now so many more dining options, with talented chefs and service teams throughout the region. We all help each other push the boundaries and improve year after year. An initiative that I’ve spearheaded is the JW Marriott Gold Coast Culinary Stars Showcase which is all about putting the Gold Coast on the culinary map and showcasing the diversity of the hospitality scene here.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/Coffee spot: If it is not from my work during working hours then it’s Bam Bam Bakehouse.
Restaurant: Anekawa, Eddy & Wolf, and North Room are some of my favourites.
Bar or place for a drink: HOTA’s Exhibitionist Bar is a fantastic place for a nightcap, offering amazing Negronis and Tommy Margaritas to get the night going.
Beach: Now that we have a dog, we enjoy going to Palm Beach, Main Beach, or near Mermaid/Nobby Beach.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
On my days off, I love spending time with my family. We often head to the soccer field where I practice shooting goals with my two boys. We also enjoy swimming in the pool, going to the beach, or discovering new spots in the hinterland on walking trails or bike rides.
