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ith its beautifulbeaches and laid back holiday vibe, the Gold Coasthas long beena favouritefor family holidays, but not everyonearrives with a bucket and spade. Coupleshave discovered Gold Coastalsooffers the the ultirnateromantic escape. Think glamorousaccommodation, sophisticated clining,sr-rblitne spasanclsunsetstrolls.The Gold Coastreallv is beautiful orreday and perfectthe next when you're there with someouespecial.

generoustwo-courselunch specialthat's a stealfor $56. Shuck offers a dazziingarray of fresh and cooked oystersand a lively indoor/outdoorbar areathat'goesoff most afternoons. Moo Moo, a dedicatedsteakrestaurantwhich alsooffers plenty to tempt non-carnivores,is especlally ror.nantic when the lights are low. ElegantVanitas is a local favourite for specialoccasiorrs and features high-end modern Australian cuisinepaired with one of the best wine listson the coast.

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Whether you've got children or not, sometimesit's nice to escape the pitter patter oflittle 1'eet a fervclays. fcrr Even the kicl-friendly From sunrise slurset to anclbeyoncl, Gold Coastoffers the something evervonc, fbr especially when it comesto dining.Head to Ristorqnte Fellinitbr upmarketIt:rliancuisine r,vith million clollarvielvs,or rnakelil<ea local and clinesomewhere Tedcler on Ar.enueu,here er.ervone comesto seeandbe seen. Chill on I'eclder is coirsistentlv busy,sen.ingup seasonal Mocl-Ozcuisineand a Gold Coastotlels someaclult-onlyenclar.es. Watermark The Hotel & Spaat SurfersParacllse one ofthe only club lounges has in the lvor'lcl lhich cloesn't allow entry for uncler 18s.Enjoy a persorralisecl canapi platter anclir glassof r,vine rvell as as a leisurelvbreakfastin the Club Loutge the next nlorrling; everythingis coveredln the room rate, inclr-rding valet parking

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and a complimentary bottle of Chandon on arrival. CIub rooms are located on the highest floors and look very smart indeed thanks to a multi-million dollar makeover. It goeswithout saying there's strictly no kids allowed up here. Don't forget to use the L'Aqua Day Spa gift certificate included in your package- the treatments are well priced and exceptionally good. It pays to book an appointment in advanceas popular times fill up fast. Kick up your heels Those in searchof a little late-night action will enjoy Jupiters Hotel & Casino,a glittering adult playground that's home to some of the best entertainmenton the Coast.Freelive music, world-classshows, concerts,comedians,cool Dfs - it's all here - and, with more than you'll never go hungry. Dining half a dozen on-site restaurants, ranges from the legendary Food Fantasybuffet and casualcafesto ChartersTowers which has recentlybrought back sophisticated the flamboyant art of gueridon service.Watching Prawns or crePe 'dinner suzettebeing flamed at your table must be the ultimate and show'. Wherever you chooseto dine, be sure to drop into the secluded Lobby Bar overlooking the atrium where the people watching is secondto none. Localsinsist this is one of the best shows in town and it's yours for the price of a drink With so much to see to and do it makessense book a room at JupitersHotel. Avoid the weekendwhen rooms are at a premium and staymid-week instead. You'll savea packet and there's absolutely no difference - excePt the price. High floor rooms offer breathtakingviews over the Pacific Oceanor the rolling greenhills of the Gold CoastHinterland, another favourite hideawayfor those in searchofromance. Head for the hills Lessthan 30-minutes drive from the bustling coastalstrip, towering high-rises give way to sleepyvillages,hobby farms, boutique vineyards and National Parks. The Gold Coast Hinterland is spread out over a large area,so the best approach is to let your favourite activities influence your choice of accommodation. the Loversofthe great outdoors will appreciate natural beauty surrounding O'Reilly's RainforestRetreat,an historic lodge nestled in the heart of Lamington National Park. Skip the traditional guesthousein favour of a modern self-contained mountain villa with a hot tub on the balcony and jaw-dropping valleyviews.There's an infinity pool with wilderness views or you can slip offyour hiking boots and loseyourself at the Lost World Spafor an hour or two. Daily specialsmake this a surprisingly affordable indulgence. The Discovery Program available at the lodge is packed with fun activitiesfor thosewho prefer not to go it alone. nature-based Those who prefer dining out to dining in may prefer Witches Falls Cottages. Witches FallsNational Park is locatedjust acrossthe road and a myriad of antique stores,cute coffeeshopsand quaint restaurantsbeckon. Pick up a bottle oflocal bubbly to enjoy in the in spa then relax with a Ripple ChocolateMassage front of the fire. smell divine, the warm chocolateacts Not only doesthis massage as a porarerfirlantioxidant which leavesyour skin looking great. Enjoying a cosy night in is simple thanks to the attractive private BBQ areaattachedto eachcottage,but with so many dining options just down the road, it's tempting to go out instead. !l

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FACTS:

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RistoranteFellini, www.fellini.com.au Chill on Tedder, www.chil Iontedder.com.au Shuck Restaurant, www.sh ck.com.a u u Vanitas,Palazzo Versace, www.palazzove rsace.co m L'Aqua Day Spa,Levelz, W a t e r m a r k o t e l& S p a . H www.aq uadays pa.co u m.a Moo Moo, www.moomoorestau nt.com ra Watermark Hotel & Spa, www.waterma rkhotelgoldcoast.com.au. Jupiters Hotel & Casino,wwwjupitersgoldcoast.com.au O'Reilly'sRainforestRetreat,www.oreillys.com.au Witches FallsCottages, www.witchesfal lscottages.com.au R i p p l eM a s s a g e T h e D a yS p aT h a t C o m e st o Y o u , www.ripplemassage.com.a www.VisitGoldCoast.com

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