I’m tucked away in a perfectly-appointed glamping cabin as the last light of the day flickers around the room. There’s a raised bed overlooking a subtropical oasis, and evening cocktails have arrived.
In recent years, glamping has exploded in popularity. It stands for “glamorous camping” and gives couples – or adventurous solos – a place to unwind in nature.
As we relax with a drink, it feels like we could be high in the hinterland. Except this cabin has a significant twist: it’s on the roof of a high-end hotel in the heart of Gold Coast.
Hotel chain QT has recently launched qtQTCabins, and it’s one of the best glamping experiences you’ll find.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
The cabins fit two.
The hotel has transformed one of its rooftops into an intriguing space with six cabins full of luxe touches, such as plush local linens and amenities. A big part of the magic is the lush garden the rooms are snuggled into, which conceals the skyscrapers and turns the cityscape into a greenscape.
There’s also an impressive selection of treats awaiting your arrival, organised by your “Curator of Sunshine”. They’re on hand, a little like a butler, to organise any activities you’d like to do such as booking a heavenly spa treatment, or helping plan dinner.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
There are six rooftop cabins.
Guests can also use the rest of the hotel’s facilities, such as its Palm Springs-style pool deck, complete with a bar.
During sunset, you’re delivered a complimentary aperitivo by your Curator of Sunshine, after which they can organise dinner by the firepit or make a booking at one of the hotel’s restaurants – including a Japanese fine-dining restaurant known as Yamagen.
Outside the hotel, the golden sands of Surfers Paradise is just a short walk away. But the best thing about staying here is that back in your room, you feel a world away from the bustle of the city. These cabins are one Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets – but it won’t stay that way for long.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
A complimentary aperitivo is delivered to your room.
Essentials:
Getting there: QT Gold Coast is a 40-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport, which has direct connections to Auckland (Air NZ, Jetstar) Christchurch (Air NZ, Jetstar) and Queenstown (Jetstar).
The hotel is an hour’s drive from Brisbane Airport, with direct connections from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. See: airnz.co.nz; qantas.co.nz; jetstar.co.nz, virginaustralia.com (Queenstown to Brisbane only) and china-airlines.com (Auckland to Brisbane only).
Staying there: A night at qtQT Cabins starts from A$359 (NZ$380). See: qtqtgoldcoast.com
The author’s trip was supported by Tourism and Events Queensland. See: queensland.com
This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland. Read more about our partnership content here.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
The rooftop cabins have a lush tropical vibe.