2015 started, as busy as 2014 ended. So I grabbed the chance to relax at the Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast with both hands. I was to write about the AGM dinner for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Cote d’Or, in my capacity as the newly appointed Vice-Chargée de Presse. Hubby and I arrived at the Resort just in time to see Su-Hyun Oh claiming the Ladies Golf Master Trophy. Su Oh finished the Ladies Masters 2015 with four birdies to complete an epic “come-from-behind win”. 
The Royal Pine Resort is only a short distance from the white sandy beaches of Surfers Paradise. This 100-hectare resort is set on a championship golf course and is midway between the coastline and the lush beauty of the rainforest hinterland.
After a quick and easy check-in at the Hotel, we were whisked up to the 16th floor to a luxury Spa Suite. The spacious room with its wide veranda opened up to an impressive 180-degree view. A view from the lush greens of Mount Tamborine to the imposing skyline of Surfers Paradise and the famous sunny beaches of the Gold Coast.
After a swim in the sparkling outdoor lagoon pool at Lobby level, we looked in at the state of the art “One Lifestyle” Gym. However, we just looked, as the option to relax won over the health and fitness and calories burning alternative. Back in our spacious room, we had to try out the spa bath. We opened a bottle of wine and sank into the bubbles, enjoying the vast view all the way to the Gold Coast skyline while the bubble mountain grew slowly right over our heads.
As we had overindulged at lunchtime, with a main course of fresh, grilled Barramundi at the Marina Mirage, we decided that a beetroot salad at the Royal Pines Resorts Kalinda Restaurant, would just do fine for dinner. We soon snuggled into the luxurious, white linen of our King size bed and sank into the dozens of soft pillows, reading until we dozed off into Lalaland.
The next day we kept busy reading, swimming and exploring the facilities. We took the “outdoor” lift down to the fantastic international standard tennis facilities with two undercover and three outdoor tennis courts. We rummaged through the “specials” at the Golf / Tennis Shop, stopped for a cuppa at the indoor/outdoor coffee shop, studying the picture wall of the high achievers of Golf and Tennis. We then headed to view the new Marina to get a glimpse at where guests could moor their fancy boats after making their way from the coast up the Nerang River to the Resort. How much everything had changed since we were here last, about three years ago. The facilities at Royal Pines just got so much better. The opening of the new Conference and Events facilities certainly added to the broad potential of the Resort. There’s definitely something exciting to do for everyone.
As I was here to do a bit of work, I really appreciated the easy to access, free Internet everywhere. On my “guided” tour around the Resort, Abbey did tease me with her visit to the fabulous new Day Spa. As it was Monday, the Spa was closed for treatment. This multimillion dollar day spa I have to experience! I’ll be back to be rejuvenated soon, either for a day visit or a weekend, as the Royal Pine Resort is only a short drive from Brisbane. The brand new Spa offers a very diverse range of treatments to revitalise your body. Very, very tempting.
What would I choose? A rejuvenating treatment in the Geisha Tub? A Lusar/Vichy shower or one of the many specialty packages? I was fascinated by the futuristic layout of all treatment facilities combined with a calm and beautiful atmosphere. After relaxing at the One Spa, you would have to have your hair styled by Raymond. “Raymond previously worked in Beverly Hills as stylist to the stars, including Brad Pitt, Paula Abdul and Julia Roberts. During his time on Rodeo Drive, Raymond was the creator of many looks seen in films, on TV, the music industry and magazines world-wide.” Now, that I had seen all there was to offer at the Resort, it was high time to get ready. Thank you Susan and Abbey for making us welcome and taking the time to show us around the beautiful, new Royal Pines Resort.
I was about to meet the Executive Chef Glenn Bacon at Videre, to see what’s cooking for the big Chaine des Rotisseurs event. Tune in to my next blog “Dine in style at the Royal Pine Resort”.
