Words: Charmaine Yabsley
If you are longing for the bright colours and quirky streets of Europe but your budget says otherwise, then put away your passport and pull out your bikini. A stay on the coast can be just the ticket to a relaxing break.
Is the QT Hotel in Surfers Paradise the coast’s best kept secret? Forget the cookie-cutter tourist hotels. The QT in Surfers Paradise redefines luxury with a playful touch of sass, fusing cutting-edge design with iconic beach vibes. Brimming with style, colour, and cool, it’s an ideal retreat for a girls’ getaway or a romantic night for two.
The crown jewel of this chic haven lies on the second level: the qtQT Cabins, a “hotel within a hotel” offering a unique, tranquil escape unlike anywhere else on the coast. Enter through a corridor adorned with striking Slim Aarons prints, and you’ll emerge into an oasis of calm, complete with decked paths surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Despite being in the heart of Surfers, this sky-high sanctuary feels delightfully remote, with little noise filtering through.
The qtQT Cabins—six in total—circle The Landing, a communal outdoor space featuring a cozy firepit and stylish lounges. The contemporary cabins, designed for two (but adaptable for small families), are infused with coastal chic. Expect impossibly comfortable mattresses dressed in soft I Love Linen sheets, a kitchenette stocked with complimentary coconut cookies and veggie chips, and an indulgent minibar. The large, light-filled shower is a treat, thanks to a skylight, and comes fully stocked with luxurious Saya Skincare products.
After a refreshing shower, wrap yourself in the Missoni-patterned robes and head to your private deck for sunset views, complete with a cocktail. Under the open sky, as night falls, the city lights blend beautifully into the darkness. We sipped a vodka tasting tray and savoured a delicious charcuterie board, soaking up the serene atmosphere.
Room service became our choice for the evening, but if you’re looking to venture out, the QT offers three fantastic dining options. These include the glitzy Stingray bar, where you can even sign up for a cocktail masterclass, and Yamagen, the hotel’s fine-dining Japanese restaurant.
“Our qtQT cabins are perfect for couples or groups looking to book all six cabins for a private getaway,” says Zyra, our cheerful Sunshine Coordinator. “We’re here to curate your experience and make it unforgettable.” Whether it’s a cozy group dinner by the fire or a morning yoga session on the terrace, Zyah and her team are just a message or button press away.
The next morning, after a blissful night’s sleep, we indulged in the QT’s Bazaar buffet breakfast. It is open for dinner too, brimming with options ranging from Middle Eastern delights to Latin American dishes. A stay in the cabins also secures you prime access to the striking pool area with its black-and-white tiled aesthetic. We claimed a poolside cabana and spent the day alternating between reading, swimming, and soaking in the jacuzzi. A picnic lunch and refreshing drinks were delivered right to our cabana, complete with a special menu for kids.
For the ultimate relaxation, we headed to the spaQ on the first floor. With options ranging from facials to couple’s treatments, I opted for a remedial massage. My therapist Mikayla’s expert touch transported me to an hour of pure bliss. The Hammam-inspired steam room, available for an extra $25, extended the indulgence, leaving me utterly rejuvenated and completely transported, leaving me feeling that I had experienced a true escape from everyday life. Tempted? Escape to the qtQT Cabins for a luxurious, one-of-a-kind stay.
Book now: www.qthotels.com
Address: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
