Surfers Paradise goes Voco in world first
AN international hotel group has chosen the Gold Coast as its world-first location for its luxury brand, launching a trendy new bar and restaurant at the same time.
A VIP guest list will attend the launch of Inter-Continental Hotels Group’s first hotel under its luxury Voco moniker, which was only announced five months ago, at the building which previously traded as the Watermark.
IHG announced in June it would refurbish and manage the Watermark under its own brand for new owners, Melbourne-based investment firm SB & G Hotel Group, which bought it in March.
As well as a new-look hotel, the property will feature a rebranded bar and lounge named Social House Café – and onsite beehives for the freshest honey available.
Voco, on Surfers Paradise Blvd near Clifford St, has 389 rooms, two swimming pools, gym, day spa, 800sq m of meeting space and expansive views of both the ocean and hinterland.
The hotel restaurant Waves, and popular Clifford’s Grill, will continue to trade.
SB & G Hotel Group managing director Paul Salter said another 14 properties would be addded to the Voco stable by the end of this year, including one in the Yarra Valley, one in the Melbourne CBD and several in the UK, with another slated for Dubai next year.
“We are proud to be the first owner of a Voco branded hotel in the world and to have worked closely with IHG to bring this new brand and service culture to the Gold Coast, making the high-quality refurbishment a reality in only five months,” he said.
The group has appointed Brenden van Blerk as its Gold Coast general manager.
The Voco brand has sustainability focus, promising refillable soap dispensers and recycling of kitchen waste.