What is it? Opened in December, Sea Temple Surfers Paradise is the newest resort in Australia's Gold Coast. The hotel occupies floors four to 39 of the 77-storey Soul building (right, top), in the middle of the bustling Esplanade strip of Surfers Paradise.
Why would I stay here? If you're looking for a room with a view to worship, you can't go wrong at the Sea Temple. Watching the waves wash ashore is mesmerising, especially from the higher floors. Every apartment has views of the beach and ocean, which can be enjoyed from the balcony or through floor-to-ceiling windows. The resort is across the road from the beach and is next to the shops, restaurants and cafes of Cavill Mall.
It doesn't sound particularly opulent. Oh, but it is. The tower is the embodiment of high-rise luxury, with chic one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments that will please those who love contem-porary design. The apartments are open-plan, well-lit and spacious. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors create indoor and outdoor living areas. The large balconies have well-sized dining tables. Every apartment has two bathrooms, a spa bath and Mii Spa amenities. Techno warriors will appreciate the home-theatre system, which comes with large LED televisions, a Blu-ray player and iPod docking stations.
Don't tell me, you like the food, too? Well, there are plenty of choices. You can prepare your own meals in the apartment's well-equipped kitchen, with ingredients from the nearby supermarket. Minibars are stocked with drinks and snacks. If you're not keen on cooking, chef Steve Szabo will seduce your taste buds at Seaduction. The restaurant's menu of contemporary Australian cuisine uses fresh seafood and seasonal Queensland produce. For casual dining, Cavill Mall has a plethora of options.
What about the facilities? There's a gymnasium, sauna and steam room, and indoor and outdoor pools.
What else is there to do? With 70 kilometres of beachfront, sun and sand are what makes the area a magnet for holidaymakers. In the past 50 years, the Gold Coast has grown from a small holiday destination into a vibrant city, Australia's sixth largest. The area also has 260 kilometres of navigable waterways (nine times more than Venice), a lush tropical rainforest hinterland and plenty of city distractions.