JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa lagoon pool. Image: Supplied
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa lagoon pool. Image: Supplied

First Look at JW Marriott Gold Coast Revamp

Surfers Paradise Marriott is one of icons of the Gold Coast, a five-star hotel which has welcomed everyone from sun seekers to visiting rock stars (and no doubt a few wannabe rock stars too). Now, it’s about to usher in a new era of luxury with a $35 million rebrand as the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa – the brand’s debut Australian property.

The hotel is scheduled to open December 2020. Needless to say, we’re a little excited.

The Surfers Paradise Marriott has long been an essential port of call for any visitor to the Goldie, with its famous saltwater lagoon (which is home to over 300 tropical fish that dart amongst the swimmers) and stylish dining options two of the many good reasons to visit.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa lagoon pool. Image: Supplied
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa lagoon pool. Image: Marriott International / Supplied.

Award winning Australian design studio DBE, the original architects and interior designers of the property, have been engaged to reimagine and elevate the famous resort.

More than just a fresh lick of paint, the hotel will receive an extensive refurbishment from its guest rooms to public spaces, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s tropical setting.

The property’s six food and beverage venues, including two signature restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar, pool bar, a new Japanese whisky bar and a signature JW Marketplace, will all be given a modern makeover.

A render of the new look King Room. Credit: Marriott International / Supplied.
A render of the new look King Room. Credit: Marriott International / Supplied.

Citrique will undergo an extensive reconfiguration, with a new interactive show kitchen placing local produce and seafood at the heart of its menu. Also part of Citrique, JW Marketplace will be the hotel’s café and in-house provedore, serving freshly ground coffees and tasty grab-and-go bites.

Teppanyaki restaurant Misono will expand to incorporate an ‘avenue’ of new Japanese dining experiences including an intimate Izakaya, tearoom and sushi bar. A Japanese whisky bar with an outdoor terrace and an extensive selection of fine whiskies will be a new welcome addition to the resort.

A render of the new Concierge Library. Credit: Marriott International. Supplied.
A render of the new Concierge Library. Credit: Marriott International. Supplied.

The resort’s famous swimming pools, including that Insta-worthy saltwater lagoon, will remain the heart of the property. The Pool Bar will offer poolside dining options and a lounge area for cheeky cocktails and snacks.

Chapter & Verse will transform into an indoor-outdoor lounge and bar, connecting the resort with the lagoons and swimming area – a tranquil lounge by day and craft cocktail bar by night.

The Library. Credit: Marriott International. Supplied.

“We are excited to announce the debut of our flagship JW Marriott brand here in Australia with the opening of JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International.

“The opening will signal the continued expansion of our luxury footprint in Australia as we continue to see strong demand within the luxury travel segment here. The JW Marriott brand, with its distinctive luxury philosophy, will resonate with these travellers, who seek exceptional, thoughtfully-crafted services and experiences.”

Written by
Chris Ashton

We're Chris Ashton and Simon Ceglinski, two Aussie travellers with a love of exploration and adventure, and the odd bit of luxury thrown in. We seek out street art, street food, and scuba diving wherever we go, and prefer the road less travelled over well-worn tourist paths.

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Written by Chris Ashton