Inside The Star Casino you’ll find Kiyomi, a hatted restaurant making some of Queensland’s best Japanese food. Slivers of kingfish, toro and salmon sushi are perfect to whet your appetite but those who dine choose one of the set menus will be rewarded with izakaya-style small plates such as robata-grilled pork and tender cuts of Wagyu beef with an eel and kombu jus.

Treat yourself to some serious R and R by indulging in a seven-day detox at the wellness-focused Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. Based in the Gold Coast’s leafy hinterland, which means the property has incredible sweeping views of bush to ocean, the detox rests and renews the body. Organic meals are on offer, as well as massages, facials, wellness seminars and access to all of Gwinganna’s facilities and scheduled activities, including morning meditation and daily hikes.

Don’t have a week to spare? It’s still possible to pamper yourself and relax at Aurora Spa. The Tranquil Beauty three-hour beauty retreat covers all the indulgent essentials: a muscle-releasing massage, a nourishing facial and a manicure or pedicure. Aurora recommends hydrating drinks post-treatment so if you head to Vanitas, the on-site fine-dining restaurant and bar, afterwards, opt for a virgin cocktail rather than a Negroni.

Palazzo Versace’s lobby gives an opulent glimpse into what to expect during a stay at the fashion-inspired waterfront hotel. Columns crowned with gold rise to the vaulted ceiling, the floor is an intricate mosaic of tiles and a glittering chandelier presides over the space. The hotel boasts spectacular architecture, three award-winning restaurants, Versace-designed furnishings, a day spa and, of course, a Versace boutique.

The Gold Coast is a renowned luxury shopping destination and the Harrolds store in the recently refurbished Pacific Fair shopping centre offers fashions from the best design houses in the world under one roof. Pick up a striking Tom Ford Natalia bag, Manolo Blahnik heels or delicate Sarah & Sebastian jewellery to complete a dinner outfit for the evening or go for a bespoke tailoring experience with a made-to-measure suit from Harrolds Private Label.

Watching the sun rise over the Gold Coast’s hinterland from a hot air balloon is the ultimate way to start your morning and truly appreciate how beautiful this part of the world is. Glide over a patchwork of rainforest and farmland to O’Reilly’s Vineyard where a three-course breakfast awaits. Follow your meal with a visit to the vineyard’s cellar door before being chauffeured back to your hotel.

For a getaway that’s farther afield, board a seaplane to South Stradbroke Island, around 40 kilometres from Surfers Paradise. The western beaches are your destination for quiet lagoons ripe for swimming while those on the eastern side are ideal for surfers and bodyboarders. The flight back follows Queensland’s coast, over Moreton Bay.

The interiors at Cherry are all about indulgent excess; from the VIP booths lined with velvet to the rich cognac leather touches on the 22-metre-long bar. Order a tropical cocktail – the Chi Chi mixes vodka, fresh mango, and coconut – and slide into a booth for an intimate date. DJs spin until late on Friday and Saturday nights.

For a quintessentially Gold Coast experience, have lunch at The Fish House. Though the impressive water views beg for your attention, the real star at this hatted restaurant is the seafood-heavy menu. For a simple pleasure, the crumbed John Dory with thick-cut chips and a dill pickle is a constant crowd-pleaser, while the tender whole fish (which could include King George whiting, coral trout or Balmain bugs) is a showstopper. The wine list is extensive so dine with friends to sample it properly.

Harrolds is home to some of Australia’s most talented designers as well as the finest design houses from around the world. From Tom Ford to Saint Laurent, Emilio Pucci to Kenzo, Harrolds’ luxury department stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast offer a tailor-made shopping experience for fashion lovers with discerning taste. (link)