USE YOUR LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

IT’S EASY TO FIND THE BEST ATTRACTIONS WHILE STAYING IN STYLE AT THE GOLD COAST’S NEWEST HIGH-RISE HOTEL

The latest hotel on the Gold Coast’s glitter strip also hands you the “keys to the city”.

Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences rises over 35 floors, offering travellers the keys to 219 one- or two-bedroom contemporary suites.

It’s just one of many significant changes in the city’s skyline ahead of the Commonwealth Games this year.

With all the comforts you’d possibly need, its greatest attraction is how it connects you instantly with local insider knowledge to discover the coast’s best kept secrets when it comes to where to eat and play. As a native holidaying in my own backyard, even I discover some new, non-touristy things to do.

There’s no need to plan an itinerary, haunt the visitor information centre or spend hours trawling Google for the best breaky or beaches for kids. It’s right in the palm of your hand.

Upon picking up your room swipecards from the lobby, simply scan the unique code on the card using the Messenger app and you are instantly connected to a local tour guide to provide recommendations for your stay, anytime, anywhere.

The apartments, which were unveiled in December, are fresh and tastefully decorated with lashings of colour.

Apart from being new, one of the best features is floor-to-ceiling windows in the living areas and bedrooms, maximising the magnificent ocean, city and hinterland views. The higher you go, the more incredible aspect you’ll wake to. The nice-sized balcony would be the perfect place to spot whales between May and November.

There’s a landscaped terrace and zen garden, private resident’s lounge, well-equipped gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and sun deck, and expansive ground floor bar and restaurant opening soon.

With our bags unpacked, it’s time to ask a local insider for their best recommendations to make the most of 24 hours to spare on the coast.

Best Mexican feast? After a couple of swipes of the phone, we are booked in for a sundowner dinner at Miss Margarita Mexican Cantina. It’s hard to pass up a $10 margarita.

Healthy breaky spot? Elk Espresso. Just a skip and a jump from the hotel, an almost-too-pretty-to-eat breakfast panna cotta breaks the fast. We also hear The Loose Moose, voted No. 1 breakfast on the Gold Coast last year, is well worth a try for its Nutella waffles and “freakshakes”.

Next take a dip in the cool shallows of Kurrawa beach. You might even grab lunch at the newly refurbished surf club. Across the road, see how many bags you can juggle at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or hop on the G:Link tram outside the hotel doorstep and explore the coast at leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, hire a bike. Beach Bikes deliver your wheels, helmet and lock to your hotel.

For an hour of afternoon fun, we journey south to Currumbin Alley and hire some stand-up paddleboards.

While there, you could also check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with the kids, or ditch the coastline completely and head to the hinterland to discover “green behind the gold”, like Natural Bridge or Lamington National Park.

The best part is you can connect to the hotel’s chat bot anytime and anywhere you need a suggestion to make the most of your seaside sojourn.