Roadtrips have to be one of my favourite things to do, whether they are one day, two days or more. What’s better than getting behind the wheel on the open road and getting away for a little escape.
That’s just what I did recently on a road trip from my home town of Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast with Mantra Hotels & Peppers Retreats, Resorts & Hotels. It’s one of my favourite road trips to do, follow the coast road up from Byron, meandering along through the seaside towns of Northern New South Wales, stopping along the way and ending up on the Gold Coast.
Leaving Byron mid afternoon on a Friday, I drove the coast road to my first overnight stay at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa at Kingscliff. This place has been on my list for a while and it did not disappoint. Peppers Salt Resort & Spa is a destination in itself, the pool is one of my favourites, who doesn’t love a lagoon style beach pool (even though the beach is right next door!). The resort is perfect for an intimate getaway or a family holiday. The resort is located in Salt Village, which has a beautiful small coastal town feel to it, with cafes, bars boutiques and restaurants. While the resort offers everything from hotel rooms, to 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments, I stayed in a one bedroom Spa Suite overlooking the pool (perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape). I love the layout of these rooms, big bathrooms (with a big spa bath), spacious lounge and bedroom area and a fully equipped kitchen.
After time spent chilling out on the lounge and devouring a cheese platter, I walked across to the beach to watch the sunset, it was pastel perfection (my favourite) and a perfect way to end the day. I enjoyed a 3 course dinner at the award winning (AGFG Chef Hat 2017 Winner) Season Restaurant, which is located at the resort, feasting on organic and fresh local produce such as duck, pork belly and the yummiest apple desert ever.
Sunset strolls on Salt Beach, Kingscliff
After my sleep in my very comfy King Sized bed I set off to continue my road trip north to check out Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta. With stylish accommodation ranging again from hotel rooms to apartments, all with coastal views. This hotel is centrally located, just a stones throw from some of Queenslands most famous beaches, catering for all holiday types and the perfect place to stay if you are seeing a show next door at Twin Towns Club. I was treated to breakfast here and I must say the full buffet breakfast was delicious!
Mantra Twin Towns, Coolangatta
Next stop was BreakFree Diamond Beach, Broadbeach, located between the beach and Pacific Fair. This low rise resort is set on over 6 acres and it does not feel like you are in the middle of one of Australia’s busiest holiday destinations. With lush beautiful gardens, an incredible pool and BBQ area, this place is perfect for families and socialising. With so much to see and do so close, it’s the perfect place to base yourself for a Gold Coast holiday.
When you visit the Gold Coast, spending time at it’s world famous beach is a must. I stretched my legs and dipped my toes into the salt water, a perfect day on the sunny Gold Coast! After getting some much needed Vitamin D it was across the road to one of my favourite shopping destinations… Pacific Fair. With it’s recent revamp this place is better than ever. With over 400 stores and over 20 casual and upmarket restaurants this place is a destination within itself and a must see when visiting the Gold Coast.
Pristine Beaches, Broadbeach, Gold Coast
After spending a few hours shopping up a storm I continued on my road trip north to my accommodation for the night – Mantra Circle on Cavill. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise with 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments with ocean and hinterland views, lagoon style pools and ofcourse Spa Suites (which I took full advantage of). I have stayed here before and loved it for the fact that once you check in, you don’t need to drive anywhere, with everything you need within walking distance, restaurants, bars and endless shopping. There’s also a Tram stop out the front so you can catch the tram to Pacific Fair!
I spent the afternoon walking around the shops of Surfers Paradise, stopping for a Chai and a chill-out, followed by a sunset walk on it’s most famous beach, only a 5 minute walk from my hotel.
One Bedroom Spa Suite, Mantra Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise
My final day of my road trip was spent watching the sunrise from my 20th floor apartment overlooking the beach, a late breakfast and some more shopping (I couldn’t help myself). I went and checked out Peppers Soul Resort, one of the most iconic buildings on the Gold Coast. At 77 stories tall, this place is luxury accommodation at it’s finest, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and Sub Penthouses, which are beautifully themed and spacious. Located on the Esplanade of Surfers Paradise, right on the beach, the views from this building have to be the best on the Gold Coast (especially from the higher floors), and you can pretty much see all 22 of Mantra Hotels and Pepper Hotels Gold Coast properties from the balconies of this building.
View from Peppers Soul, Surfers Paradise
There really is so much to do on the Gold Coast, from shopping, theme parks, restaurants, bars, cruises and my favourite – Whale Watching. Whales in Paradise are one of the best tour groups on the Gold Coast, with multiple cruises leaving daily during the Whale Watching Season.
My road trip ended with a content and happy me! After staying in some of Northern New South Wales and the Gold Coasts best accommodation I had a quick 1.5hr road trip back down the coast to Byron. This is one road trip I’ll be doing again very soon.
I hope you get to enjoy your own road trip to the Gold Coast soon and experience a stay at one of Mantra Hotels and Pepper Retreats, Resorts & Hotels on your next holiday.
Sjw x
www.mantrahotels.com
www.peppers.com.au
www.pacificfair.com.au
www.whalesinparadise.com.au
Disclaimer – All photos in this Blog Post were taken and edited by myself. This road trip is in partnership with Mantra Hotels and Peppers. All opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.