Another cold and freezing day in Melbourne, not to mention rain – which whilst needed is very grey and gloomy! This has got me thinking to warmer pastures, and confessing that I’m a hotel addict – I love them – so I thought I’d share some of the places I’ve stayed in the past that are just gorgeous – and I would love to be at any one of them right now!
Palazzo Versace – Gold Coast, Australia
The Versace Hotel is as gorgeous in real life as the images look! We stayed here a couple of years ago and it is just divine. The architecture, the art, the Versace detailing is amazing and even just walking through the corridors to get to your room is a feast of fashion prints that line the walls. We stayed in a suite and I’d highly recommend this over the standard rooms, which I did inspect and find to be a little on the small size. The suites on the other hand are large and luxurious, so if you are like me and like a bit of space in a room, then this is the way to go.
One of my favourite things at Palazzo Versace was the lobby, you could sit and people watch (or handbag watch!) for hours and it had such a wonderful feel to it with the high windows and light flooding through.
If you love fashion, art and detailing, then you would love Palazzo Versace.
Above: The stunning Palazzo Versace Hotel on the Gold Coast – views over the pool and onto the marina.
Thavorn Beach Village – Phuket, Thailand
We stayed here a few years ago (before children!) and it was just divine. Such a perfect spot for a honeymoon. We had one of the Pool Terrace Villas which was literally on the pool – you can just step off your villa deck and into the water – bliss. Another highlight were the aquabeds – like a spa but a bed, that sat in a section of the huge lagoon pool.
Above: The pool terrace room entrance from the pool- swim in and out of the pool directly from your room
For those looking for something a little more self contained, or maybe a family holiday, we’ve also stayed at some great apartments in Broadbeach, Queensland.
Aria Broadbeach – Queensland, Australia
These apartments are spacious and modern, they contain everything you need in terms of beds, kitchen, dishwasher etc. They are located a block from the beach and above all the fantastic restaurants that Broadbeach has to offer. Directly below is a gelati shop that has the best ever Ferreo Rocher gelati – just zip down the elevator into ice cream heaven! Other highlights include it’s own cinema that you can book out, and a gorgeous pool/bbq area.
Above – looking down on the pool area at Aria.
Air on Broadbeach – Queensland, Australia
We stayed here last year. Very similar in style to Aria, this is also a modern style building and located directly opposite the beach. It’s on top of the Broadbeach shopping centre so is very handy to walk down to get groceries and supplies. For those with children, Air has a separate childrens pool and a lovely bbq area downstairs. A bit more of a walk to the gelati shop… but closer to the beach and supermarket. If you do have children, only the Solataire apartments have baths, so be sure to request this if it’s required.
Above – views from the Solataire Villa
