Splash out on a staycay to experience the region’s best pools
Cocktails delivered to your sunlounge and underwater tunes - we’ve found the best hotel pools within a short drive of the Gold Coast. SEE THE STUNNING PHOTOS
Gold Coast
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Warm days are on the way! Whether you prefer to take the plunge or sip spritz in the sunshine, these hotels come with poolside perks
SURFERS PARADISE MARRIOT RESORT & SPA
Surfers Paradise
While a $35 million revamp will see this tourism icon rebranded in December to JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, the lagoon pool will remain the star attraction. The aquatic playground includes a tropical, foliage-fringed lagoon filled with fish, and a freshwater pool with a spa, both heated to a dreamy 23 degrees year-round. Explore caves that connect the pool to the grotto spa and waterslide or laze on white beaches made up of a special silica sand formulated to stick to itself rather than you. You can grab a snorkel and swim with the fish anytime, or stay dry and see them at the 9.30am daily feeding. The covered cabanas lining the lagoon can be rented for half or full days to take maximum advantage of poolside cocktail delivery.
BLACKBIRD BYRON
Mullumbimby Creek
Head to the hills in northern New South Wales for a more boutique bathing experience at Blackbird Byron. The star of the show at the adults-only hideaway is a 10m mineral magnesium infinity pool with soul-soothing views of Cape Byron, Mount Chincogan and the Pacific Ocean.
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W BRISBANE
Brisbane city
Rain or shine, day or night, the pool vibes are always flowing at W Brisbane. With its bold black and white geometric ceiling and mosaic tiling, WET Pool is the jewel of the hotel’s level-four rooftop oasis WET Deck. While it’s tempting to join the beautiful people basking on sunlounges, the music is piped underwater so you won’t miss out if you take the plunge. WET Deck Bar reopens October 2 with a new menu of cocktails, gourmet bites and live DJ tunes.
THE CALILE HOTEL
Fortitude Valley
The Calile’s polished pastel pool, is an urban oasis … not to mention the only place you can get Hellenika’s famous zucchini chips delivered to your sunlounge. The central 27m style statement is fringed by cabanas set for alfresco feasting. Splash out on a multi-course meal or sip spritz in the sunshine.
INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT
Sanctuary Cove
Hidden within InterContinental’s leafy grounds is a showstopping one-acre beach lagoon pool. The saltwater lagoon is ringed with colourful beanbags so grown-ups can while away the day while little explorers play in the white sands. An adults-only area provides a pocket of poolside peace or pause at The Pool House for all-day light refreshments and drinks. Giant poolside games are a hit with families.
Originally published as Splash out on a staycay to experience the region’s best pools