A sense of peace descends as I arrive at the Spa by JW at the Gold Coast’s JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Exit the hotel elevators, travel down a long, candlelit corridor and you’ll find yourself at the spa lounge. Here, a palette of sand and blush tones calms the senses, while Japanese-style foliage amplifies the air of understated luxury.
Staff member Melissa pours me a signature iced tea. Created from lavender from the Scenic Rim, and locally sourced lemon, it’s much like the welcome drink I sipped upon check-in to the hotel yesterday. But the spa version has some secret additional ingredients, Melissa says, which are designed to stimulate collagen synthesis, strengthen connective tissue, boost blood flow and hydrate the skin.
The once over The spacious Spa by JW cues serenity. Spanning 2500 square metres, it was dreamed up by Australian design studio DBI, and incorporates sinuous curves, soft lighting, translucent walls and lashings of natural materials. Venture beyond the welcome area to find an additional lounge populated with relaxation pods tailor-made for post-treatment reclining. These are furnished with cream-coloured chaises longue and low set tables; sheer curtains can be drawn to create additional privacy. There’s more seating beyond in the wellness hub, which Melissa dubs ‘the cove’, along with an outdoor seating area. Organic flower bloom ball teas, sparkling water and a daily mix of local fruit infused elixir are all available at the refreshments bar.
Facilities The facilities here are sublime. Ahead of my treatment, I slip into one of the ‘experience showers’. This is a large shower-like cubicle which functions as a made-to-order steam room, where you can fine-tune the temperature and, at the push of a button, and turn on overhead or side taps to cool down. ‘Steam rooms can be quite overwhelming,’ says Melissa. ‘So when it gets a little bit too hot, it’s nice to have that cold water.’ The benefits of hot and cold therapies can also be tapped through a spell in the sauna. There’s nothing quite like watching water sizzle as it turns to steam over heated stones. Access to the sauna for 30 minutes is included with all treatments of 60 minutes or more. There are six treatment rooms, including a signature couple’s room with its own private lounge, ensuite stone bath and twin showers.
Spa menu Spa by JW has built its treatment menu around four distinctive states guests typically seek when visiting a spa – calm, indulge, invigorate, and renew. Signature treatments include a makrut lime and ginger salt scrub made with Bundaberg ginger and pink Murray River salt which is designed to stimulate blood flow and soothe inflammation. There’s also a chamomile and lavender bath soak and a native clay body mask. The therapists are highly skilled. After my 60-minute aromatherapy massage and facial designed to evoke ‘calm’, I could barely remember my name.
Must do Sink deeper into the experience by savouring some post-treatment nibbles. Rice paper rolls based around your choice of king prawns, wagyu steak, grilled salmon or seared tofu are available ($24). Hungrier? I had the wellbeing high tea which includes a traditional blend of savoury items like smoked salmon tartine, sweet treats such as chocolate dipped strawberries, and scones ($79).
Stay I was one of the original guests at the Surfers Paradise Marriott (as it was) when it first opened in 1992. Though the Gold Coast has a seemingly endless supply of hotels, even back then, this one was special. Two years ago, the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa (as it is now) undertook a $35 million refresh to modernise and elevate its offering and to create a beachy aesthetic synonymous with sea and sand. Most recently, I stayed on the 23rd floor in a junior suite corner room with ocean view. The 68 square metre space is stylishly divided into sleeping and living quarters. One of the room’s best features is the oversized tub set within a marble bathroom. From up here, you’ll get a view of the resort’s grand lagoon and the beach opposite. There are several venues to eat and drink – or there’s always 24-hour room service.
Spice it up Chapter & Verse located just upstairs offers cocktails, oysters, and more substantial meals. I sipped on a coconut refresher mocktail, which is the closest thing to a Pina Colada, sans the rum.
Celebrity spa-goers I have it on good authority that I’m A Celebrity stars stay here after they’re booted from the Australian jungle.
Service Staff are friendly and attentive without being overbearing, anticipating needs before you’re aware of them yourself.
Neighbourhood The JW Marriott Gold Coast offers ample activities onsite for in-house guests, including cooking classes, herb planting and guided tours, snorkelling in the saltwater lagoons and daily fish feeding. The hotel’s private marina is located behind the pool area, opening up potential for water activities such as kayaking, jet boating, parasailing and jet skiing, If you’re keen to venture further afield, though, it’s only a few blocks from the world class beaches of Surfers Paradise.
Logistics By road, the Spa by JW is located just over 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport and barely an hour from Brisbane. The hotel provides undercover car parking for a nominal fee.
The wash up The wellbeing high tea suits those (like me) with a serious sweet tooth. However, those on a diet or watching their sugar intake would be well-advised to stick with the rice paper rolls.
Perfect for Singles, couples, and groups of pals who are seeking an elevated experience (with a price-tag to match).
Summing up Savour this experience. Arrive early, make use of facilities such as the sauna, experience shower, and post-treatment relaxation pods.The Spa by JW is open daily, but be sure to make an appointment first. Book here.
