At QT Hotel Gold Coast, THERE’S A SURPRISE WAITING!

WORDS: Steve & Estelle Hunt PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied by QT and Brian Usher

You’ll be amazed what happens after you check-in…..

Its underlying theme is ‘unrequested and unexpected’. And that’s after sampling the rich tapestry of offerings QT Gold Coast presents to its guests that we believe few other resorts can match.

Welcome to one of Australia’s most unique resort destinations in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Where you will find yourself in an almost magical array of culinary, cultural and lifestyle experiences that bely your traditional Gold Coast resort.

From Japanese whisky tasting to high teas (yes this includes man teas and kids high teas), sushi-making classes, pottery classes, a wildflower gin masterclass, romantic or platonic spa experiences, surf, yoga and pilates and much, much, more, QT really does offer it all. You don’t even have to go looking.

It’s like entering Narnia through the wardrobe – into a labyrinth of experiences designed to enrich your stay – whether it’s to rest or play or dare we say it, even work.

“Our ethos is creating a personalised experience to every booking and incorporating unrequested and unexpected touches does just that,” says the QT Curator of Sunshine.  

“While we have such a variety of offerings to enrich the QT experience, we feel our strength is in experiencing what you don’t expect and don’t request.

“There are little secrets we don’t advertise that serve to provide an entirely unique service that is in addition to what we already offer.”

Enter one of QT’s best-kept secrets – qtQT –six beautifully adorned, privacy-guaranteed luxe cabins.

Nestled in the heart of the resort away from prying eyes, these exquisite cabins offer a truly unique experience for resort-style accommodation.

The word is cosy.

When you jump into the elevated king bed to rest your weary head after a day of activities followed by aperitifs and luscious cuisine, you really just do not want to get out. Like jumping into a cloud.

We’ve stayed in many places as travel writers but trust us – this was something special. You are in the metropolis while simultaneously being in a dreamy escape of your own.

Where you can enjoy your own company or the exclusive company of others around the fire pit and lush gardens for pre-dinner drinks and a few surprises.

The cabins are all adorned with local luxe products, filled with QT’s signature splendour.

It’s all soft textures and lived-in luxury – packed with luxe amenities with distinct local themes; robes and linen from I Love Linen in Burleigh Heads; Saya Skincare amenities from Noosa; Drift Diffuser from Currumbin and Harvest Clay ceramics produced locally.

“Designed for discerning creatures of comfort,” its marketing collateral suggests …” unplug, without the distraction of television where layers of pattern and colour connect barefoot indulgence to the blissful outdoor oasis.”

We were invited for one night as guests of the qtQT and trust us, it wasn’t enough.

We would recommend staying in the cabins for two nights – enjoy the gluttony of ‘first night fever’ and spend the second relaxing, recuperating, enjoying and indulging in the sensualities and simple pleasures of togetherness without the noise or need to be anywhere other than where you are.

Switch on or switch off!

If it’s your thing, enjoy board games and coffee table books without the need to leave the cabin, or use the cabin as the base from which to experience the myriad of activities that QT Gold Coast offers.

Use the QT tablets for room service and information for your stay and indulge in the homemade treats courtesy of the QT chefs with a selection of complimentary biscuits, bliss balls and an assortment of teas and coffees.

One of the highlights of our stay was centred around the Japanese-themed dining and whisky-tasting experience of Yamagen restaurant, nestled in the middle of the resort.

Yamagen is home to one of Australia’s most extensive Japanese whisky collections – one bottle of whisky in the collection is valued at $A27,000.

Hosted by our homegrown whisky expert Damian, we were treated to a cultural lesson in the finer arts of creating Japanese whisky, discovering the pattern of flavours that connect each whisky’s flavour to its origins.

We learned that the crisper, clearer whiskies tended to be created in the northern regions of Japan because of the crisper, cooler temperatures, whereas the Okinawa whisky from the south tended to be darker and more flavoursome. Others from central Japan tended to be a blend of both.

We also surmised that Okinawa – where the Americans famously hoisted the US flag on their way to victory in World War II – was where the legacy of Japanese whisky-making may have been born. 

It was indeed the Americans who introduced whisky to Japan – the Japanese just perfected the art of curating it.

Talented QT whisky specialists guide you through four tastings where each whisky is paired with a sushi roll as part of a pre-dinner experience that you won’t forget.

If the QT experience is the soul of the resort, then Yamagen Japanese restaurant is its heart.

A favourite with locals, Yamagen is a restaurant without peer – offering a range of sashimi, sushi, seafood and red meat experiences that allow you to indulge in all things Japanese.

The morning High Tea – once fashioned for the ladies – is the next big favourite. High Tea at QT is a truly diverse offering including Australia’s first and only Man Tea – ideal for casual get-togethers, business meetings, bucks parties, and birthday parties.

Trust me, there’s not much tea involved (whisky, bourbon to name a few of the offerings).

Gentleman’s sashimi tacos, mini nachos, Cornish pasties, Moroccan chicken milk bun and Peking duck boa buns are highlights of the Man Tea, which concludes with the Cigar – a couverture chocolate cigar filled with a single malt whiskey mousse, candied bacon and lemon ash.

For the ladies, if champagne and tea go together, this is for you.

Oh, and there are plenty of other options from bottomless mimosa Aperol spritz, elderflower Aperol spritz and pink gin spritz.

Added with a range of savouries and pastries, what could possibly go wrong?

As the high tea is marketed – “Put down the fine china and stroll into QT on an old favourite. Elegantly devour three-tiered stands of mouth-watering treats, with a hint of our signature quirk.”

And beyond the ‘quirks’, there is always the unexpected and the unrequested.

Receive 30% Off Special Accommodation Discount only for Ocean Road Magazine… Enter promo code QTOCEAN – Bookings must be made prior to 30th September for stays before 30 December 24. T&C apply. 

Visit: www.qthotels.com