There are times when we just need to get away; when our bodies are screaming for a break from routine, some ‘me’ time, or some new experiences. However, the thought of a long-haul flight leaves us anxious (even before we start talking about the planning and the cost)!
It’s time for a staycation, a short holiday close to home, maybe even in our hometown. The rise of the ‘staycation’ is a revolution in how we view leisure time, providing many of the mental and physical benefits of a traditional vacation without the price tag, stress and discomforts of travelling overseas.
The Gold Coast is a destination for world travellers. Its 70 kilometres of sandy beaches and rolling surf, theme parks and fabulous fresh food attract about 15 million visitors annually. Some travel thousands of kilometres to relax, enjoy outdoor or cultural activities and adventures.
For many people, the worst thing about travel is the journey itself. The complications begin when we try to clear several weeks of work to make the most of our long-haul flight. By choosing to take a short break close to home, on the other hand, we can reduce our stress, avoid airport queues, uncomfortable flights, lost luggage, language barriers and complicated trip logistics.
We decided to take a one-night break at the Hilton Surfers Paradise, one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious hotels and apartments. On Orchid Avenue, this luxury hotel is perfectly located in the middle of town, walking distance from the famous surf beach, shopping, dining and entertainment, and within a block of the G:Link tram, which can take us from Helensvale to Burleigh Beach.
We arrived at the Hilton in no time at all, and entered our one-bedroom suite, settled in and relaxed. Through floor to ceiling glass, we could see from the skyline of Surfers Paradise to the hinterland, with glimpses of the ocean a block away.
There was little preparation for this staycation. Forget months researching and planning, booking flights, hotels and attractions. Our accommodation was booked in just a few minutes, a few things thrown in an overnight bag and we arrived relaxed, ready to spend time together.
Though we could have explored further, it was cool outside, and with room service we didn’t even need to leave our room except for a short walk. There is a compendium of activities to explore, linked to a QR code in our room, including attractions in the area, local events and hotel services. On warmer days, the hotel’s Deck Bar serves poolside cocktails, and the relaxing eforea spa offers rejuvenating treatments for face and body. There are four pools, a spa, a sauna, two fitness centres, a mini cinema and an Executive Lounge in the hotel, so there’s no need to even go outside.
Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats, in the foyer area of the hotel, offers coffee, breakfast and all-day tapas-style dining, drinks and signature cocktails overlooking the street. We enjoyed a high tea here, facing out to the parade of passersby on Orchid Avenue. The three-tier high tea stand includes both savoury and sweet treats, from Peking duck spring rolls to fresh scones with jam and cream and gourmet chocolate bon bons. We settled for barista coffee, which is included in the high tea, noting that bottomless sparkling wine is available for an extra charge.
We spent the afternoon relaxing in our room, taking a walk to Surfers Paradise beach before dinner.
A staycation such as this would also be a great way to explore local experiences or to catch up with local events, such as the Airshow. Just as our stay fitted us and our needs, everyone can tailor a staycation to suit themselves. It doesn’t matter whether you focus on your own wellness, physical or mental health, or check out your area according to your interests and priorities. Be as active as you like. This is your time.
As locals living at the foot of the hinterland, we don’t go to Surfers Paradise very often. This staycation allowed us to check out the locale while minimising our carbon footprint and investing money in our local community.
Our hotel room offered serenity and quietness away from our hectic life. It’s a great opportunity to disconnect from technology, recharge, reconnect, and make a fresh start.
A staycation also focussed our attention on ourselves, the real reason why we were taking a holiday in the first place. Even a couple of days away gave us the chance to take a break from routine. We relaxed without feeling locked into a self-imposed packed itinerary, as we often do on trips and cruises.
Priorities are different on a staycation. You can turn the focus on you rather than on the external environment.Without the costs associated with long haul holiday travel (such as visas, baggage fees, flights and insurance) we have more money and time to spend on ourselves.
We stayed in house for our meals, dining in Catch Restaurant, the hotel’s signature eatery. It’s a sedate environment serving a classic menu, the focal point of its sustainable seafood and steak offerings being a seafood platter for two. Instead, we ordered local oysters and prawns followed by a West Australian half Lobster Thermidor, and a 300g Wagyu rump MBS7+ accompanied by a potato galette and red wine jus. It was a great steak, cooked rare as requested, to perfection.
We indulged in the hotel’s signature buffet breakfast, served daily at Catch Restaurant. It carries extensive options, from hot dishes to freshly made pancakes, eggs, muffins and breads. For me, there’s no going past freshly cut fruit and berries with yoghurt to start the day.
With an 11am checkout, there’s no rush. We could take our time and enjoy a final walk before heading home.
Our staycation at the Hilton Surfers Paradise provided us with a stress-free way to take a break from routine, unwind and recharge close to home. We may not have been amazed by wonders of architecture or ancient culture, but sometimes the little, achievable joys of life are exactly what we need.
NOTE: The author stayed as a guest of the Hilton Surfers Paradise.
The Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217
Phone: +61756808000