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If someone asked me to picture a family-friendly paradise, it’d probably look a lot like JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. This Gold Coast hotel has a postcard-perfect network of pools – including a saltwater lagoon with waterfalls and 300 colourful tropical fish that call it home.
There are snorkels for hire, sandy shores with loungers, cabanas, a kiosk, poolside restaurant and bar, plus a waterslide, other pools with varying depths, grottos and jacuzzis. You’ll also spot very cute water dragons around the property. Plus, you’re only a short walk from Surfers Paradise beach. The kids will be in heaven, and you probably will, too.
My son and I had my favourite snorkelling experience of my life at this hotel – there were loads of schools of fish, including some Nemo-like clownfish and other brightly coloured little fellas, as well as some bigger fish. The thing I loved most, though, was what wasn’t in the lagoon – it was so relaxing knowing the water was peak-predator free.
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What are the rooms like at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa?
I stayed in a Junior Suite – with a king bed, a living room, water views and a balcony. The balcony looks out over the pools below, the Gold Coast canals at the back of the property, and the ocean a couple of blocks away. This is truly a water-lover’s paradise.
The room and decor is modern and comfortable, with a mini fridge, coffee machine, complimentary wifi and two flatscreen TVs (one in the living room, another one in the bedroom). But my favourite part of the room is the marble-clad bathroom – it’s huge, with a circular bath that looks towards the ocean, a separate shower, a double vanity, and even a small walk-in wardrobe that helps with suitcase and clothes storage.
To see room options, take a look over here.
What facilities and activities does the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa have?
The pools aren’t the only appealing facilities at the Gold Coast’s JW Marriott. As the name of the property suggests, there’s also a day spa, called Spa by JW. Step into this sanctuary for some pampering – whether it’s a massage, a facial, or other treatments. To start with, you’re welcomed in a serene lounge that sets the tone, then you can choose from treatments designed to either “calm”, “indulge”, “invigorate” or “renew”. Find out more about the spa here.
There’s also a fitness centre, a “sports court” and a ping-pong table. There are experiences you can book into, including kids’ activities, daily fish feeding, ‘Family by JW’ culinary cooking classes, and even on-pool Floating Pilates and ‘Aqua Sculpt Sound Bath’ experiences at the saltwater lagoon.
They’ve also just opened a JW Adventure Centre Water Cave called ‘Gwongbah’ – to offer kids some fun education and connection to conservation. In this hands-on space, kids aged 5 to 12 can learn about the Gold Coast's sea turtles, marine life and First Nations’ culture through play and storytelling. Activities include a ‘Help the Turtle to the Beach’ obstacle course that follows a hatchling’s journey; a ‘Marine Scent Station’ where kids guess the “poop” scents of turtles, dugongs and pelicans; and ‘Turtle Dig’ to uncover shells and tracks in the sand. It’s complimentary for in-house kids, and they’ll get a turtle headband to take home.
JW Marriott is also known for its restaurants: Citrique and Misono (more on these, below).
Where to eat and drink at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
My pick of the hotel’s restaurant is the ground-floor, modern Australian restaurant, Citrique, which has been awarded Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hats for the last three years. The menu focuses on excellent Australian produce, including seafood and grilled meats, as well as produce sourced from the hotel’s own garden, which you can explore. During the week, there’s an à la carte menu. You can order two courses (entrée and main, or main and dessert) for $85 per head, or all three courses for $95 per head). I particularly liked the bug dumpling dish, with grilled Moreton Bay bugs, lobster bisque, a chilli glaze, kaffir lime and fresh herbs.
On weekends, there’s a decadent seafood and grill buffet, and this restaurant is also where the hotel serves breakfast daily.
The hotel also has a fun teppanyaki restaurant, Misono, where you can get top-quality produce cooked for you by theatrical Japanese chefs. It's basically dinner and an interactive show.
In addition to these two signature restaurants, there’s also a lobby/poolside bar and restaurant, which you can also order from to the pool. And a kiosk, for daytime poolside bites and drinks (definitely treat yourself to a poolside Spritz).
What’s the area like around the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa?
As mentioned, Queensland’s famous Surfers Paradise Beach is a short walk away. There’s a boardwalk along the beach (actually, along the whole coast), so it’s a good place to walk or go for a run.
Although there aren’t many restaurants, cafes, bars or anything else nearby the hotel (it’s a heavily-packed area of hotel and residential skyscrapers), there is a tram stop near the hotel, and you can jump on that and go anywhere for 50c (yes, really, just 50 cents!).
Who will like this hotel?
Look, if you're a busy professional who wants a serene getaway, or a couple after a romantic escape, the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa may not be exactly what you're after – this place has been designed with kids and kids at heart in mind so, naturally, there are plenty of families and kids at the hotel, enjoying the pools and everything else the place has to offer. If you are a family, you can bet the kids won't get bored, thanks to plenty of non-screen-time activities. And they'll likely be worn out at the end of the day – so you can enjoy a relaxing bath overlooking Surfers Paradise.
Interested in finding out more about this place? Head over here.
Address: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, Qld 4217
Price per night: Range from about $337 to $981 per night, depending on factors including the time of year
Book now: Click here
Note: I was hosted by JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, but our editorial recommendations are always honest. You can find out more about our review process here.
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