One destination, three ways: Gold Coast

THE Commonwealth Games arrive here next month, but there’s plenty for non-sports lovers too: a hot food scene, luxe spa experiences and, of course, those glorious beaches.

Gold Coast: Our playground up north is enjoying a moment in the (sporting) sun.

NEED a vitamin-D hit? The Commonwealth Games arrive here next month, but there’s plenty for non-sports lovers too: free cultural events, a hot food scene, luxe spa experiences and, of course, those glorious beaches.

MINTED

Location, location: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise is just opposite the beach, making it the ultimate spot for sunrise swims and watching stunning sunsets from its luxury apartments and penthouses. Or combine a dip with a killer view at the swimming podium perched high above the beach. From $359 per night; mantrahotels.com/peppers-soul.

The hatted SEADUCTION Restaurant + Bar on level 2 offers an innovative menu that changes each season to ensure dishes of the freshest quality. Wind down after with a cocktail as you gaze out at the water.

Nestled into the Gold Coast hinterland, organic beauty spa EARTH & SKIN is all about natural luxury pampering. Signature massage and facial experiences start at $160.

MID

For the cost of a bottle of wine, you can watch the world’s finest athletes reach their PBs — the final release of GC2018 tickets, including some of the most in-demand events, are on sale now; gc2018.com.

Housed in an old post office, THE COLLECTIVE PALM BEACH is a unique food experience with five restaurants, a grand bar area, plus a rooftop bar — the perfect excuse to come back more than once.

Whether you’re taking the kids or indulging your inner child, the $149 VILLAGE ROADSHOW SUPER PASS scores you seven days of unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet‘n’Wild Gold Coast.

MODEST

You don’t need a cent, or an interest in sport, to enjoy Festival 2018 — two days of free culture taking over the Gold Coast from April 4—15 to celebrate the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Experience music, theatre, circus, dance, ideas, visual arts and film from around the globe.

Check out the Gold Coast’s blossoming creative scene without breaking the bank at NIGHTQUARTER night markets. There you’ll find a selection of the best (cheap) street eats on the Gold Coast. Every Friday and Saturday from 4pm.

With 300 days of sunshine a year and 57 kilometres of stunning coastline, you can’t beat the Goldie’s favourite pastime: A DAY AT THE BEACH. Paddle Pop optional.

TRAVEL NOTES

Between March 5—9, book in for a future stay (through to September 20) at any Peppers property in Australia, New Zealand and Bali, and you’ll nab your room at rates that run as low as $269 per night for a two-night stay.

Text by Naomi Chrisoulakis.

Originally published as One destination, three ways: Gold Coast