IT’S bright and sunny here in Gold Coast, Australia. I’m at Level 77 of the Q1 Resort and Spa building, a vertiginous structure with its shape reflecting the elements of the Olympic torch and the Sydney Opera House.
The building, located in Surfer’s Paradise, offers an unparalleled and breathtaking view of one of Australia’s most vibrant cities with its long stretches of stunning beaches, theme parks and laidback coastal neighbourhoods.
The magnificent vista has me almost forgetting the long and tiring eight-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur earlier that morning.
I’m on a media familiarisation trip organised by Air Asia X along with Tourism and Event Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Air Asia X. It’s only fitting that the celebration takes place right here at the Gold Coast. After all, this is the first route Air Asia X began with when it commenced operations a decade ago.
“What’s that building that looks like a ship’s stern over there?” I ask my guide Mish Lockington, the coordinator from Gold Coast Tourism, pointing to a building in the distance.
“That’s the hotel you’ll be staying in, The Star Gold Coast,” she replies, smiling.
The need to recuperate intensifies as I look at the hotel longingly. But first things first — the celebration has to take precedence. So it’s only three hours later that I finally arrive at my hotel, located in the suburb of Broadbeach.
The concierge greets me with a warm smile and informs me that my luggage has been sent to my room. While waiting to check-in, I look around the spacious lobby and am mesmerised by the big round lamps suspended from the ceiling. They remind me of full-bloom dandelions in spring time. In startling contrast, striking neon lights from the casino can be seen blinking from across the reception area.
As soon as I receive the key card, I make my way to Level 15 where my room is. The room doesn’t disappoint.
There’s an ambience of warmth and elegance welcoming me the minute I walk in. The bathroom is big enough to keep me happy. Clean fluffy white towels are folded nicely under the sink. An array of exclusive amenities from leading international brand L’Occitane is neatly placed on the spacious counter. My inner wish-list for a perfect stay is ticked as I check out the room. The king-sized bed with white linen complete with soft pillows spells nothing but comfort. I close my eyes as I stretch out on the most comfortable bed I’ve ever experienced. Forget everything else — I want to stay here forever!
But duty calls so I reluctantly roll myself off the bed to get to the lobby for a tour of the property.
EXPLORING THE STAR
At the concierge, a young blonde woman greets me and introduces herself as Nicole Barclay, the communications executive of The Star Gold Coast.
“How do you like your room?” she asks, smiling.
“Oh I love the bed!” I exclaim in delight.
Barclay’s smile grows wider. “The Star has a specially designed pillow menu called ‘The Cloud’ mattress topper, which is exclusive to The Star properties,” she discloses.
A pillow menu? How decadent, I think to myself.
I learn that the property’s almost 600 rooms have been refurbished recently. Locally-commissioned artwork gives each room a unique personality, while no expenses have been spared on electronics.
“Our guests can customise the lighting according to their preference and even control the draperies without having to get up from bed,” she says.
Barclay leads the way and takes me on a quick restaurant tour. “Our guests are spoilt for choice,” she tells me with pride. “From high-end dining cuisine to laidback bites, there’s an array of restaurants to cater to your every whim.”
Our first stop is at the award-winning Japanese restaurant, Kiyomi, which was recently awarded yet another Chef’s Hat for the third year in a row.
(The Chef’s Hat is Australia’s answer to the Michelin Star bestowed to restaurants who display the hallmark of fine dining quality.)
Opened in the December 2014 under the guidance of executive chef Chase Kojima, the restaurant gained industry recognition in just six months, claiming its first Chef’s Hat at the 2016 Brisbane Times Good Food Guide Awards.
We move on to Italian restaurant Cucina Vivo. Launched also in Dec 2014, the restaurant was the first indoor-outdoor dining venue to open as part of The Star Gold Coast’s landmark transformation, offering a stunning balcony view overlooking the newly-renovated pool.
The centrepiece of the restaurant is a two-metre long wood-fired oven, with the property’s own resident pizzaiolo who serves up mouth-watering pizzas.
The menu showcases traditional favourites as well as inspired interpretations of the classics.
“There are a total of seven restaurants in this hotel. Soon, we’ll be expanding to 10 in our next phase of redevelopment,” divulges Barclay as we make our way to the Garden Kitchen & Bar where we’ll be having our dinner.
Embracing the Gold Coast’s enviable climate and luxurious laidback lifestyle, The Star’s largest new restaurant, Garden Kitchen & Bar, opened in January last year to reveal a quintessentially Queensland design.
The impressive modern fit-out features a generous dining and lavish bar area bathed in natural light, an open kitchen equipped with a chef’s rotisserie oven, a semi-private dining room for more intimate celebrations, and a sun-drenched deck complete with its own outdoor bar that overlooks the property’s lush tropical gardens.
A mouth-watering array of seasonal dishes are expertly crafted by Garden Kitchen & Bar’s team of talented chefs, utilising only the freshest produce and a selection of garnishes and herbs hand-picked from an onsite herb garden.
That night, we are served a shared menu beginning with marinated olives, house-made focaccia with olive tapenade and pesto, followed by tuna poke, seared Tasmanian salmon and a mouth-watering plate of chocolate goodness for dessert.
LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT
During dinner, I learn from Barclay that the hotel was originally called Conrad Jupiter Casino when it opened in 1985 before being rebranded The Star recently.
The property has undergone many transformations since 2006, with the latest currently underway.
This, she informs me, heralds a new era for the property and forms part of the crucial investment in the region ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
At the front of the property, the Gold Coast’s first six-star hotel in more than a decade is taking shape and will be completed in time for the Games.
“It’s the first time that the Gold Coast is hosting the Games, so we’re all excited and in full gear,” shares Barclay.
The Star Gold Coast’s new hotel will comprise luxurious spacious suites, while also showcasing new signature bars and restaurants.
Signature offerings include opulent rooms, butler services and a breathtaking infinity pool.
“Have you been outside yet?” she asks me. Outside? She nods her head and explains that the existing hotel has an amazing projection display on the building’s facade.
The system utilises a whopping 36,771,840 pixels to illuminate the property and makes it alive with visuals that represent the natural environment and vibrant Gold Coast lifestyle.
“You should see the hotel from outside at night. It’s really beautiful,” she tells me.
I’m curious enough to agree and decide to take a 10-minute walk after the hearty dinner.
The display is as magnificent as Barclay promises. Every night, The Star Gold Coast is illuminated by a new lighting display. Seventeen individual projectors combine to create this moving spectacle, making this one of Australia’s largest permanent outdoor projection systems.
I call it a night and make my way back to my room. I have three exciting days ahead of me here in the Gold Coast. For now, I just can’t wait to rest my head on ‘The Cloud’.
The Star Gold Coast
Address 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Phone +61 7 5592 8100
The writer’s trip was sponsored by AirAsia X and Tourism & Events Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism