The Gold Coast oozes fun and indulgence, but when all that sun starts to wreak havoc on the body, check yourself into a spa retreat.

DO At QT Gold Coast you can party downstairs and pamper yourself upstairs at spaQ with a pick from their Goldie Signatures spa treatments. The three-hour Pure Gold treatment offers head to toe preening including an oil back massage, facial, lash tint, manicure and pedicure. For those in need of hydration, the two-hour Skin Rescue treatment will sort you out with its aloe vera wrap, refresh facial and scalp treatment. Whether you’re after a full few hours to restore from the inside out, a manicure, spray tan or wax – spaQ has a solution to suit. Make time to enjoy spaQ’s Hammam-inspired steam and ice room to let the hot and cold thermal therapy prepare your body for your treatment. Afterwards, drink herbal tea and curl up in a lambswool-clad armchair in the relaxation lounge.

EAT AND DRINK At QT Gold Coast you needn’t ever leave during your stay – with a number of onsite dining options. For a casual meal, try the Mexican-inspired bar menu along with a smoky Mezcal Sour cocktail from Stingray (+61 7 5584 1200). For Japanese cuisine, try the fresh sushi bar or lively Teppanyaki BBQ Grill at Yamagen (+61 7 5584 1238). Those who can’t pass up a good buffet section will be overwhelmed for choice at Bazaar’s (+61 7 5584 1238) ‘interactive marketplace’ open for breakfast and dinner daily, and for lunch on Sundays. Bazaar’s award-winning buffet features all manner of fresh, fried and international breakfast dishes. Dinner is a plethora of seafood, steak, salads, wood-fired pizzas and Asian inspired cuisines. A waiter for your table will recommend wine pairings and won’t judge the number of petit fours you sample for dessert.

STAY It seems only logical you’d want to stay at QT Gold Coast (7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise), seeing as you’re having such a remarkable time relaxing and dining there. The hotel offers well-appointed and spacious rooms with clever little touches such as a set of flip-flops and sunscreen, and an emergency bow tie as part of the mini-bar menu. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout and complimentary use of Dutch-style push bikes, perfect for a spin along the Surfers Paradise esplanade. 

GET THERE One hour by car from Brisbane City.

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