Overview
Sun, surf and sand is a relaxing combination, and one of the Gold Coast's big drawcards. Soaking, steaming, sipping and staring at scenic views? That's also on the agenda if you're looking for a stint in Surfers Paradise without hitting the beach. The latest spot to head to: JW Marriott Gold Coast's Spa by JW.
Open since mid-July, this new place to chase bliss is a hefty 2500-square-metre wellness space, and joined the hotel as part of its broader $35-million transformation. A spell here means enjoying the sounds of the ocean, a vantage over the hinterland, both tea and wine service, and a sizeable list of treatment options and spa packages. Fancy a massage solely designed to help you sleep? An aromatherapy facial? Hopping in the bath with your date or best mate? They're all on offer.
Upon arrival, guests are first greeted at Spa by JW's curator's desk, then hang out in a living room-style lounge setup before diving in. From there, six different rooms unleash the venue's treatments, including one just for couples that comes with its own private lounge, ensuite stone bath and twin showers. Also onsite: saunas, steam experience showers, pods for relaxing and an outdoor garden terrace area dedicated to exactly that as well.
For those making a group hang out of their spa experience, Spa by JW features a space for private groups, too, that's intimate but still in view of the wider lounge.
The treatments focus on calming, indulging, invigorating and renewing, with a kaffir lime and ginger salt scrub, a chamomile and lavender soak, and a native clay body mask among the highlights.
If you're keen to eat and drink while you're there, everyone gets a lavender tea upon arrival; however, that's just the beginning of the food and beverage range. The tea service is all about local inspiration, the food menu is curated by the hotel's Executive Chef Paul Smart and vino is an option.
Think: lavender scones, chocolate-dipped strawberries, native honey seed nut slices and chocolate roses with hazelnut cream on the high-tea spread — and four types of rice paper rolls, spanning chilli king prawns, wagyu steak, tofu and grilled salmon, if you're after a less-decadent bite.
This is also the first Spa by JW in the Australia and New Zealand region, with Australian design studio DBI taking care of its look. As the building's original architects and interior designers, it has a history with the site, and has gone with a coastal Queensland vibe for the wellness space. Think: curves aplenty, translucent walls, natural materials and textures, and neutral hues, plus lighting to suit the mood.
Find Spa by JW at JW Marriott Gold Coast, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise — operating 9am–6pm Monday–Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sundays.