HIGH- RISE RETREAT

Stay

Sub Penthouse at Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

3 bedrooms; sleeps 7 | $$ From $1300 per night | hotel.qantas.com.au/pepperssoul Finding a calm spot in touristpacked Surfers Paradise might seem unlikely but it’s possible when you’re 63 floors above sea level. Located on the Esplanade, Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise has more than 200 apartments – all with expansive views. Our pick is the three-bedroom Sub Penthouse (No. 6301), a lavish retreat with leather couches and taupe walls. Sliding glass doors open onto the main balcony, making the most of the ocean-facing aspect, while the second balcony offers a sweeping view of the Gold Coast’s canal estates and the hinterland in the distance.

Do

Guests have access to all resort facilities, including two pools and a sauna, steam room and spa. Set aside time to explore the newly revamped Pacific Fair (pacificfair.com.au) in Broadbeach, a short drive from Surfers. The mall has more than 400 retailers – Tiffany & Co., Hardy Brothers, Chanel and other high-end brands – and a plethora of dining options, including Italian restaurant Rivea (rivea.com.au).

Eat

For fine dining, look no further than the hatted Seaduction Restaurant + Bar (below; seaduction.com.au) on the second floor of Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise. With fully retractable glass walls, it offers indoor and outdoor seating, uninterrupted ocean views and chef Joel Bryant’s daring menu. Expect kangaroo carpaccio with blue cheese or kipfler gnocchi with pumpkin-seed pesto. To further explore the Gold Coast’s hospitality, head to Cocoon (cocoongoldcoast.com), a chic, all-white lounge bar and restaurant at the other, quieter end of Cavill Avenue. Snag a cabana on the outdoor deck before tucking into posh pub grub such as beer-battered fries with Japanese mayo, chicken skewers sizzling in yakitori sauce and arancini with prosciutto, parmesan and brie.