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Pure Gold
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By: ALICE COOMANS, Issue 27 – Winter 2006
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(Gold Coast accommodation)
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AN INDULGENT ESCAPE TO THE GOLD COAST AND BEYOND DOESN'T HAVE TO BE AN ADULT-ONLY AFFAIR. CHILDREN CAN ALSO ENJOY THE 22-CARAT EXPERIENCE.
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As you walk through the main entrance of the Sheraton Mirage you can see out through the floor to ceiling glass to an expansive sparkling lagoon, stretching out towards the sea reflecting the cloudless sky. It is a picture-perfect example of what the Gold Coast has to offer. It is a belt of shimmering Australian coastline that is a leisure playground for discerning travellers. Along the Queensland coastline luxury boltholes are offering enticing escapes. Among this wealth of luxury destinations there are many that are family-friendly, offering the opportunity to soak in all the beauty and comfort that the five star hotels of the area have to offer without leaving the children at home. Here are some of the best:
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PALAZZO VERSACE
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In the heart of the Gold Coast looking over the Broadwater, the extravagant Palazzo Versace is the epitome of an indulgent escape. Wall-to-wall Versace, nothing has been spared to create the opulent surrounds. The mosaic driveway of the hotel is the second largest pebble mosaic in the world. Where is the first? Outside parliament house in Rome. When all the rooms have a playstation and spa-bath as standard you know that the needs of both children and parents have been carefully thought through. Families are welcomed into the lavish surrounds and have the option of booking adjoining rooms, or a condominium (with two- or three-bedrooms) and children receive a Palazzo Versace Activity Book brimming with colouring-in and crosswords. The Palazzo Versace hotel has even taken its family-friendly approach one step further with its ‘Pregnant Pause’ weekend package, welcoming expectant mothers (or fathers) into the fold for an indulgent weekend of pampering including a 60-mintue rejuvenating pedi-spa, (and to take home with you) a Versace baby rose-soap, a Palazzo Versace bathrobe and towel for baby, and Cedric the Palazzo Versace Teddy Bear.
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COURAN COVE RESORT
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Hidden on South Stradbroke Island, just a boat ride outside the main Gold Coast strip, Couran Cove Resort, is an eco-sanctuary, where beautiful surrounds, first-class restaurants and family-friendly facilities go hand-in-hand. There is Kites Kids Club that caters for ages three to 12, and an activities centre for visiting teenagers. But with an entire island to explore including a rainforest boardwalk, children’s playground and pools, extensive sporting facilities, a road train running to the Surf Club, and fully patrolled beach – featuring stunning views back to Surfers Paradise – they may not come in from the great outdoors. The resort also offers a full-range of water sports and can book fishing adventures or sailing excursions. Bicycles are also available for hire, in every shape and size; tandems, three-wheelers, kids sizes and adult. A wide range of contemporary accommodation ensures there is something to suit every family, from Marine Resort Suites (up to four people), to Lodges (up to six people) or Villas (up to eight people), and Nature Resort rainforest surrounded eco-cabins (sleeping up to seven people).
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SHERATON MIRAGE RESORT AND SPA
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With the ribbon of soft sand known as Surfers Paradise’s Main Beach greeting you at the doorstep, The Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa has a unique drawcard: it is the only luxury resort where you can step directly from five star comfort on to the beach. No where else on the Gold Coast has a complete beachfront location. From the moment you walk through reception, turquoise water wraps around the resort with seemingly endless tropical lagoons that will entice all members of the family. While rollaway beds are available in the hotel rooms and suites for younger guests, the fully contained Pacific Mirage Villas running down the side of the hotel, offer the space and comfort, combined with classic style that make for a relaxed family stay. There is no Kids Club, but that shouldn’t matter here, as there is a roll call of first-class attractions such as The Marina Mirage Shopping precinct and Sea World at your fingertips.
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MARRIOTT RESORT SURFERS PARADISE
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With a snorkel and spare afternoon or two in hand, children (and the young at heart) will be enthralled with the underwater playground at the five star Marriott Resort. An $8million dollar aquatic centre is home to a heated five-meter deep saltwater lagoon showcasing more than 100 tropical fish and an artificial coral reef. The fish are fed daily creating a kaleidoscopic colour show to entertain even the youngest of guests, while the slightly older will be captivated with the swim through waterfalls, and secret rock grottos and spas. Outside the pool there is a Kids Club for children aged between two and 14 years old entertaining with a myriad of changing activities. For families, the 30 lavish suites – all with panoramic views – provide all the indulgences and service you would expect of a five star resort.
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HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE
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Offering exclusive access to Australia’s only Arnold Palmer signature-design golf course, The Pines – normally only members of the Sanctuary Cove Country Club can play these greens – an indulgent Spa Chakra and fully supervised Kids Club, the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove will have the whole family rising early. Camp Hyatt, for children aged from four to 12, is open weekends and school holidays (subject to demand): one day may be snorkelling or flying kites, the next papermaking or sandcastle competitions. Budding sports professionals are also catered for as the hotel can organise for its junior guests (from eight years and upwards) private tennis and golf lessons under the guidance of professional coaches. All of this is wrapped up in a five star resort hotel styled as a grand colonial homestead. For families rollaways are available for use in the double rooms or there are sumptuously appointed suites.
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OCEANS MOOLOOLABA
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Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast is a little known secret compared with the glittering Gold Coast. But if sun and surf at an unhurried pace is high on your holiday agenda it is the perfect family escape. Oceans, one of the newest luxury destinations on this part of the coastline is a practice in contemporary surrounds, with more than enough room for all the family. The 46 suites and penthouses are filled with all the latest technology – surround sound systems, plasma TVs, and ‘intelligent’ mood lighting – and the hotel boasts a private movie theatrette. While penthouses come complete with spas, lap pools, and outdoor barbecue area, there is a children’s wading pool, spa, gymnasium, and beachfront location to explore.
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Details:
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- Palazzo Versace, 1800 098 000, www.palazzoversace.com.au
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- Couran Cove Resort, 1800 268 726, www.couran-cove.com.au
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- Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, (07) 5591 1488, www.sheraton.com/goldcoast
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- Marriott Resort Surfers Paradise, (07) 5592 9800, http://www.marriott.com.au
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- Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, (07) 5530 1234, www.hyatt.com
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- Oceans Moloolaba, (07) 5444 5777, www.oceansmooloolaba.com.au
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