5 Luxurious Experiences to Have on the Gold Coast

World-renowned beaches and a rainforest hinterland are a given, but what’s truly astounding about a Gold Coast getaway is the number of extravagant experiences on offer, each one geared towards the discerning traveller.

Roll around in 24-carat gold

A lazy afternoon luxuriating in gold? The Langham’s wellness retreat, Chuan Spa, is guided by the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and delivers luminosity (and bragging rights) in spades with The Langham True Gold treatment. The 90-minute Golden Opulence Journey starts with a 24-carat-gold full body exfoliation, followed by a 24-carat-gold body oil and AMRA Gold Hot Stone massage, finishing with AMRA’s unique Precious Drops of Gold and a 24ct-Gold Body Spritz. It will leave you – and your renewed complexion – feeling (and looking) a million dollars.

Grace the clouds with a scenic flight

Having the world at your feet is a strong start but being able to gaze down upon it from the clouds is even better. Strap yourself in for a scenic tour with Gold Coast Adventure Flights, a 25-minute aerial adventure in a Cessna 182 plane that delivers a bird's-eye perspective on the Gold Coast’s varied landscape. From the aquamarine beaches of Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta to the magic of Q1, Sea World and of course, those sprawling waterfront homes and golf courses, no area is overlooked. Keen to get your heart racing? A tandem skydive can be tacked on to the flight.

Indulge in oceanfront dining

From coastal Australian cuisine savoured in Akoya’s beachfront dining room, to the iconic Langham Afternoon Tea, and Chefs hatted T’ang Court’s fine-dining Cantonese dishes, embark on a culinary journey at The Langham, Gold Coast. While at The Langham, make sure to experience Akoya’s newest offering curated by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Matthew Woolford, highlighting local Australian produce and designed to be shared (or not). Our personal favourites? The wood-fired Moreton Bay Bugs topped with whipped sea urchin butter, and the Imperial Blossom Wagyu butcher’s cut.

Salute the sun from the comfort of a hot air balloon

Take breakfast to new heights on the one-hour Balloon Aloft sunrise balloon flight – champagne in hand – as you float over the lush Gold Coast Hinterland and watch the sun peep through the clouds over the cityscapes of both the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Descending to Earth could be viewed as a downer, but a post-balloon gourmet champagne buffet breakfast at the Star Hotel in Broadbeach awaits. Complimentary transfers and digital in-flight photography round out a flawless start to a postcard-perfect day.

Enjoy absolute beachfront decadence

Boasting direct beachfront access (the first property to enjoy the privilege in more than 30 years) and 17 categories of rooms and suites, a stay at five-star The Langham, Gold Coast is an easy choice. Each room is a study in coastal elegance with sun-bleached floors and white furnishings adorned with pops of blue, while panoramic ocean or hinterland views provide a Zen backdrop. Base yourself in the lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar, take a pilates class at the health club or work your way through the property’s six restaurants and bars, where a classic afternoon tea can be enjoyed in Palm Court, and a generous selection of Australia’s top spirits await at the Lobby Bar – it’s the luxurious break you deserve.

SEE ALSO: 21 of the Coolest Things to Do on the Gold Coast