Why travel long distances and fork out for expensive overseas flights when luxury exists on our very own shores? Located in Surfers Paradise, on Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast and nestled amongst lush landscaping and a private tropical lagoon is the luxurious, five-star Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa. It’s a honeymooners haven, where romance is around every corner and the sprawling beaches and magnificent hinterland of Queensland’s favourite destination is at your doorstep. Modern Wedding spoke with Marriott’s creative design manager, Sharron Richards about this hidden gem in our very own backyard …
“The Gold Coast is renowned for fun but it is also synonymous with romance,” says Marriott’s creative design manager, Sharron Richards. “Be it for a honeymoon, anniversary, proposal or just a romantic getaway, at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa the opportunities to spoil your partner and sweep them off their feet are limited only by your imagination.”
Recently completing a $20 million makeover in October 2011, the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa’s elegantly furnished rooms, state-of-the-art facilities, fine food and exemplary service cement the internationally-acclaimed property as one of Australia’s finest honeymoon destinations. With an abundance of tranquil and secluded hideouts – from private daybeds around the stunning tropical lagoon to the spectacular views from the cosy couches in the exclusive Elandra Retreat Club, the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa is a destination in its own right, located at the heart of the Gold Coast.
Having spent 12 years organising proposals, weddings and honeymoons at the resort, Sharron has been lucky enough to witness many special moments.
“I remember we once organised a gondola ride down the canals for a couple of young newlyweds,” she recalls.
“When they got close to the resort, the man blindfolded the lady and walked her up our private jetty and into our lagoon-side restaurant, Citrique. We had prepared a special, secluded table outside near the water fountains and covered the area with tea light candles and rose petals.”
“The gentleman had organised a three-piece band to play during their private dinner but even he was surprised by the beautiful setting that our team had arranged and the look on both their faces was truly moving. It was just magical.”
With scope for private candle-lit dinners on the sand by the lagoon, couples’ pampering at the resort’s Lattouf Hair & Day Spa, high teas in the beautiful surrounds of the Lobby Lounge Bar, and quiet pre-dinner drinks in the exclusive Elandra Retreat Club on the 27th floor, there really is no need to leave the resort to create the perfect romantic experience. But for those in search of something extra, the Marriott’s activities desk, Platform Tours, can organise anything from a hot air balloon ride at dawn, to a trip to the hinterland wineries, a yacht to a nearby island or a picnic on famous Burleigh hill where you can watch the sunset over the sparkling lights of Surfers Paradise.
The Resort is home to two of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants. “Couples can enjoy an entertaining evening filled with superb food as they watch their meal prepared before their eyes by the teppan tricksters and their amusing antics in the award winning Benihana Japanese Steakhouse,” suggests Sharron. “Or for something truly indulgent, Citrique offers our famous seafood buffet with everything from Australian seafood to roast meats and wood-fired pizzas, whilst our cooking stations create specialty dishes from around the world. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert bar offers a selection of decadent treats and an ice-cream station that is simply to-die-for.”
The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa is located just a few minutes walk from the heart of Surfers Paradise and its famous beaches. The 329 room resort sits on a serene waterfront site with more than 2.5 acres of lush landscaping, tropical lagoons, grottos and waterfalls. All guest rooms have private balconies and feature stunning views of either the Gold Coast hinterland, Surfers Paradise skyline or Pacific Ocean. The Resort is home to the Lattouf Hair and Day Spa, two highly acclaimed restaurants, lounge bar, Japanese sake bar, patisserie style coffee shop, a 24 hour gymnasium, two flood lit tennis courts and a spectacular lagoon pool complete with a manmade reef, tropical fish and sandy beaches.
Honeymoon packages start from $520 per night and include overnight accommodation, seafood buffet dinner for two in Citrique, buffet breakfast or room service, chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of French champagne on arrival, a $100 spa credit to use at the Lattouf Hair & Day Spa, valet parking and late checkout of 12 noon. Couples Getaway packages start from $320 per night and include overnight accommodation in an ocean view room, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival, room service, valet parking and late checkout of 12 noon.
For more information visit www.surfersparadisemarriott.com.au or call +617 5592 9800.
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