Rhonda Bannister discovers the suite life at The Darling Gold Coast: an opulent five-star hotel where bespoke design and holiday indulgences come together in style.
At a glance:
This lavish boutique hotel (opened 2018) is located within the vibrant lifestyle and entertainment precinct of The Star Gold Coast on Broadbeach Island. Beloved for its plum location, sophisticated all-suite accommodation, and rooftop infinity pool, The Darling also enjoys access to the excellent dining, bars, and facilities of The Star.
The lobby features fluid lines, exquisite furniture, and a mesmerising draped installation of sparkling glass beads, taking inspiration from the seaside locale and setting the scene for the grandeur to come. And best of all, check-in is friendly and seamless, mirroring The Darling’s commitment to a superb guest experience across all facets of the hotel.
There’s no such thing as ‘standard’ here, with 56 spacious suites ranging from 75 square metres to a stunning 350 square metres. Each level features just seven luxurious suites, including a northern Penthouse Suite, a Penthouse Spa Suite, and southern Penthouse Deluxe Suites. The latter category offers a choice of bonus spaces — a dedicated billiards room, an exercise room, or a media room with its own karaoke system.
Best room for two:
Originally booked into a Stellar Suite, we lucked out on check-in and were upgraded to a northern Penthouse Suite. At over 250 square metres, this sky-high haven was twice as big as our home apartment — and umpteen times more glamorous! I’ve never stayed in a more sumptuous suite. Two generous bedrooms (plus the option of an adjoining suite for larger groups) are served by two luxurious bathrooms with Balmain Parise amenities and a sexy circular bath positioned to enjoy the sparkling skyline.
The attention to detail in the opulent furnishings and fittings, including grand circular chandeliers, gilded finishes, state-of-the-art automation for lighting and window coverings, and bespoke artwork, was only rivalled by the spectacular 180-degree skyline vista, framed in floor-to-ceiling glass. The icing on the cake? A sensational wraparound balcony where we could catch a coastal breeze.
If you’re anything like me, the only thing to coax you from these decadent digs will be the star-studded dining line-up beyond.
Dine your way around the Gold Coast here
Dining:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening cocktails, or a Saturday Bellini Brunch at the hotel’s stylish rooftop restaurant and bar, Nineteen at The Star, is an absolute must for every guest. Read the reviews, and I know you’ll agree! The 19th floor is also where you’ll find the hotel’s rooftop jewel: a shimmering infinity pool with stellar views.
The many and varied dining options on our doorstep at The Star meant we were spoiled for choice when the sun dipped beyond the horizon. We tossed up between modern seasonal cuisine at Garden Kitchen & Bar, the best Japanese food on the coast at Kiyomi, Mei Wei Dumplings, Cucina Vivo, and Uncle Su — where we’d enjoyed the most delicious Cantonese and Szechuan dishes on our last Gold Coast holiday. Being tragics for excellent Chinese food, we returned to Uncle Su and were not disappointed.
Side note on dining at The Darling: room service comes highly recommended, especially for lovers of breakfast in bed.
Couples will love:
Everything! Including the standard of service — it’s first-class from arrival to departure. Why not spoil your love with a long weekend of wining, dining, and poolside fun at this impressive Gold Coast hotel? Take it up a notch with a side-by-side massage at The Star’s Azure Spa sanctuary. Or, if you have an upcoming special occasion, throw an intimate friends-and-family dinner party with all the bells and whistles in your Penthouse Suite. Karaoke anyone?
Watch this space:
The Darling Gold Coast is the centrepiece of The Star’s incredible transformation — but wait, there’s more! Set to become Australia’s largest integrated resort when completed in 2024, The Star has a raft of chic new accommodation, restaurants, bars, and upgrades still waiting to be revealed. Meaning we’ll be back on the Gold Coast soon!
Find out more at The Darling
