The view of Surfers Paradise Beach from the balcony of a high-rise apartment at Mantra Circle on Cavill. Photo / Supplied
The Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise is one of those places that’s always bustling. Danica MacLean checks into one of its many seaside skyscrapers, Mantra Circle on Cavill.
Location: Mantra Circle on Cavill is located in the heart of the Surfers Paradise shopping and entertainment district, just one block back from the beach. It’s about a half-hour drive from Gold Coast Airport.
Perfect For: Families wanting to be self-sufficient with food and laundry while enjoying an action-packed holiday at the nearby theme parks. Or anyone staying long-term, such as those travelling for work.
First Impressions: I step out of the car and crane my neck to take in the two high-rises in front of me. I immediately hope my room is up high, because I’m sure the view will be incredible. The reception is tucked off a busy road, but once inside, you forget about the hustle and bustle. Check-in is smooth, with a friendly staff member clearly explaining how the numbering system works before I’m on my way.
The room: My two-bedroom apartment is on the 27th floor (out of 68) in the North Tower. It’s on the corner of the building, and the views are even more spectacular than I hoped. I’m met with expansive views to the west over the Nerang River and beyond. It’s the kind of view you can stand in front of for ten minutes and keep spotting new things. Then I turn around and realise I’ve got an equally amazing view to the east across the hub of Surfers Paradise and the water.
The floor-to-ceiling window in the master bedroom means you can lie in bed and soak in the view, and the window between the room and the en-suite means you can lie in the spa bath and enjoy it too.
The roomy, open-plan apartment has a large kitchen, a laundry hidden in the cupboard, and a balcony that’s bathed in morning sun. The decor is a stylish mix of light and dark, with large abstract artworks on the walls.
Bathroom: My apartment comes with two bathrooms, both tiled floor-to-ceiling and stocked with body wash and shampoo. The en-suite has a spacious walk-in shower beside the spa bath. The second bathroom has no bath, but the extra space makes it easy to towel off or get changed comfortably.
Facilities: This is where the family-friendly vibe really shines. Mantra Circle on Cavill has it’s own playground, and come Easter time, they host an egg hunt there. There are three pools, two lagoon-style and one heated lap pool. Whether you’re staying in the north or south tower, you can move freely between them and make the most of the facilities. There’s a gym, sauna and steam rooms, a games room packed with arcade-style machines, and a cinema room with three daily time slots you can book. Bring your own DVDs or online login and watch your favourite movie on the big screen in plush, theatre-style seats.
There are several communal areas, some in the bridge between the two towers, and a lounge accessible to all guests. The team is known to host games and other activities here, adding a social touch to the stay.
Food and drink: For dinner, we go to Hyde Paradiso at the nearby Peppers Soul hotel, also Accor-owned. It overlooks Surfers Paradise Beach and offers creative cocktails, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and a delicious dessert board. For breakfast, room service delivers fresh fruit and pastries.
In the Neighbourhood: At the base of the two towers is a retail precinct with a supermarket and a host of independent eateries. The hotel is also a stone’s throw from the Cavill Avenue tram stop, which can take you further afield. On the other hand, a few minutes’ walk has you on the golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach. I am here on a Friday night and stumble upon a beachfront market in the early evening with a wide variety of wares on offer. And of course, I’m on the Gold Coast, so several theme parks are within a half-hour drive.
Sustainability: The hotel is eco-certified through Eco Tourism Australia. Room service comes in entirely recyclable containers, while the complimentary shampoo and body wash are provided in large refillable dispensers.
Accessibility: While no rooms are specifically advertised as accessible, the apartments are considered accessibility-friendly because of wide door frames, hand-held showers, and the ability to place bed lifts in rooms and bathrooms.
Price: Rooms start from $272 per night.
Contact: For more information, visit all.accor.com/hotel/B3I5/index.en.shtml
New Zealand Herald travelled and visited courtesy of Accor.