RACV Royal Pines Resort are sleighing Christmas this year.
RACV Royal Pines Resort are sleighing Christmas this year.
The silly season is almost upon us, and if you haven’t thought about Christmas parties and all the shenanigans that go along with this most fantastic time of the year, it’s about time you did! For those booking the festivities and given the fun task to organise where your office or group is heading, then we think you should pay attention to what RACV Royal Pines Resort — with their sure-to-impress celebration aptly named: The Greatest Christmas Party!
When it comes to Christmas parties of epic proportions, there’s a fairly set list of requirements: fabulous food, abundant drinks, and awesome entertainment. Cut any slack — even on just one aspect — and the whole thing can suffer; these three ingredients are all as important as one another.
Luckily RACV Royal Pines Resort are acutely aware of this recipe and will be pulling out all the stops to ensure you and your fellow party comrades will experience a festive time for the ages in their Royal Benowa Ballroom.
So dust off your best frock and dry-clean that tux, because this one is going to be big!
Three courses of the most drool-worthy festive inclusions are included with starters like King Prawns with Green Papaya Slaw before tucking into mains such as Double Lamb Cutlets with all the trimmings accompanied by a Porcini and Marjoram Sauce. If you manage to get your way through these two delectable courses, there’s a dessert buffet to answer any sweet dreams you may have, featuring classics like traditional Christmas pudding with burnt brandy sauce and contemporary favourites like Vanilla Panna Cotta, Honeycomb and Macerated Strawberries.
Tasty fare to one side, the party will also have a whopping 5-hour drinks package with all sorts of premium inclusions across beers, wines, sparkling wines, and soft drinks. This is the gift that keeps giving!
Tying the whole evening together is a smorgasbord of lively entertainment to help you get merry and no doubt out of your seat! Lined up are roving dancers, a photo booth in the foyer, and an impressive light show and dancers. As the night goes on, you’ll be singing along to classics from a Tribute to Queen Band Set and then finishing the party with Savvy Cover Band. Trust us; everyone will finish up on the dancefloor before the night is through.
For those with stamina, the Hydrate Bar in the resort reception remains open post-party for those that want to kick on! And if you make enquiries now, RACV Royal Pines Resort are offering accommodation specials to stay the night — meaning you can let your hair down without a care in the world. Now your talkin’!
Where: Royal Benowa Ballroom, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa
When: Saturday 4th December
Tickets are $179 per person and can be booked here.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
STORY SPONSORED BY RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT
What better way is there to be outside amongst nature and tranquillity than a friendly game of golf? As one of the world’s most popular sports with an estimated participation of over 60 million people, it’s safe to say a decent percentage of Australian’s also love to get out there and score themselves some birdies — or at least try!
Did you know that the Gold Coast has the greatest number of golf courses per capita in the entire country? Add to this fact we have fantastic weather and incredible scenery, and you might think it’s high time to dust off those clubs or get out there and give it a go.
Here’s a list of seven spectacular Gold Coast golf courses, so you can block out a day and hit the fairway — hopefully not the rough, though.
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club
Simply stunning – the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club have a public course with 18 perfectly manicured holes in a sleek country club setting right on the water. If you manage to dodge the many lush pine trees and navigate the abundant lakes, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy yourself out there on one of the Gold Coast’s finest golf courses.
Where: The Parkway, Hope Island
Links Hope Island
Another course with the most stunning backdrops, The Links can be found on the northern end of the Gold Coast. Set within a 360-ha residential resort community, it’s a world-renowned golf course with characteristics of old-school Scottish courses. Challenging to say the least. We highly recommend getting involved in twilight golf because sunsets over the water here are absolutely next level.
Where: Hope Island Road, Hope Island
Parkwood Golf Club
Do you have varying skills levels in your golf group? Don’t worry. Hop in a golf cart and let this flowing and beautifully put-together course challenge all ability levels and keep even the most advanced players interested. And once you’re done, head to their bar and bistro to add up your scorecards.
Where: 76-122 Napper Road, Parkwood
Emerald Lakes Golf Club
Found in the heart of the Gold Coast, Emerald Lakes is much-loved for it’s state-of-the-art golf course and beautiful restaurant overlooking said state-of-the-art golf course. The 18-hole course boasts pristine lakes and a championship-style setup (which may just make you seem better than you thought you were).
Where: Alabaster Drive, Carrara
RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Course
RACV Royal Pines Resort is home to 27 holes of utter golfing Nirvana. The course presents a chance to play the same holes which made up the highly prized Australian PGA Championship for seven years between 2012 and 2019. The last man to win here was golfing luminaire Adam Scott, and he’ll no doubt agree this course is the epitome of high risk, high reward style of golf. Immaculately presented and in great condition no matter what time of year it is!
Where: Ross Street, Benowa
Tallai Golf Club
Tallai Country Golf Club borders the majestic hinterland and offers unmatched views threatening to hamper your game! Keep your focus, though, and this delightful little 9-hole course proves to be reasonably challenging but also friendly — a great place for regular no-stress hits and a more relaxed stride for those not in a hurry.
Where: Worongary Rd & The Panorama, Tallai
Top Golf
Whilst it isn’t a golf course so to speak, you can certainly swing a club here, even if golf isn’t your thing Top Golf is the destination to enjoy some fun times with friends whilst having a bit of fun and competition. The perfect place for events and parties with great food and drink options, you’ll never look at golf the same way again!
Where: Corner of Roadshow Way and Entertainment Drive, Oxenford
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
This is our 2023 list. Here is our list of 2024 Christmas feasts.
It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.
But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.
The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, they literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills.. and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.
Check out the epic array of soirees on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Novotel Surfers Paradise
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.
Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.
This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).
The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).
Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with 3-hour beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.
Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated wine pairings.
(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).
Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.
Kicking off from from 12:00 pm, this years proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa
The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky soiree.
This year, their swoon-worthy spread includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.
If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $449pp + BF.
If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island
Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.
Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.
From 11am – 2pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.
Tickets for the Family Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day. While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
voco Surfers Paradise
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.
This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $289 per person, with children from $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kellie Leader.
It’s not very often we get to bring you news from Benowa but today is a day that we do Gold Coasters and it’s very good news indeed.
The lucky suburb is the brand new custodian of Double Barrel Kitchen & Bar 2.0 and that’s certainly something to celebrate.
Found on Sunland’s new Marina Concourse (opposite RACV Royal Pines Resort) and overlooking the lake, the newbie is stunning, all bright and airy with huge overhanging lights, a community-style table in the centre and an arched bar where you may perch on leather stools and gaze lovingly at the perfection of it all.
Water views and a breezy outdoor area complete the picture and it all comes together to create a setting you will absolutely want to spend all your spare time in.
If you’ve visited Double Barrel Kitchen & Bar’s first venue in Miami you’ll know they’re all about breakfast, lunch and coffee and in particular, tasty dishes you aren’t likely to sample anywhere else.
The breakfast and lunch menus are both extensive so we’ll chat about a few highlights that you should absolutely taste ASAP.
Starting with breakfast, the most important meal of the day as they say. There’s a bakery section which is SO GREAT and it’s filled with croissants and bagels and banana bread and all the very best things.
There’s a bowl section including bowls of the granola, Acai, spring oats and warm greens varieties plus all the breaky classics you know and love.
Our most favourite section though is the DBK Essentials section because it’s filled with things like Cauliflower Cheese and Corn Fritters, Brekkie Terrine and Apple & Rosella Country Pie for dessert. So good.
When lunchtime rolls around there are entrees like Jar Set Pork Rillets, tacos and arancini, mains like Truffle Mushroom Risotto and King Prawn Angel Hair pasta and Chicken Spatchcock with a blue cheese puree that we are now in love with.
There are also gourmet burgers including a Pork Belly Bahn that’s one of the very best we’ve ever tried (by far).
Drinks-wise there are milkshakes (best), smoothies, coffee by Supreme Roasters and of course a selection of alcoholic beverages including everyone’s fave sparkling tipple Moet & Chandon. Love you.
All perfect for a laidback morning of indulging in delicious goodies while overlooking the water and laughing with the gals.
If you’re looking for us, that’s exactly where we’ll be.
LOCATION: Shop 5/11 Marina Concourse, Benowa
HOURS: Open daily from 6am
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
