Palazzo Versace | Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA

DolceBunnie 3/02/2014 2 Comments Edit

It’s a little hard to believe, but this year’s Valentine’s Day marked the one year wedding anniversary for the other travel bunnie and I. Both of us feel more than blessed for what’s happened in the past twelve months of our marriage, which seems to have flown by so quickly. We had five getaways: Hamilton Island, Sydney, a month in China, Melbourne and most recently, Byron Bay. We stayed at many wonderful hotels and resorts, including (the then) number one resort in the world: qualia. Most importantly, we decorated the nursery for our minibunnie, who will be joining us, the travel bunnies in June! Weeeeeeeee~

So to celebrate our first year wedding anniversary, the other travel bunnie decided to take me to the Palazzo Versace for the weekend.

With the other Palazzo Versace still being built in Dubai, the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast remains as the world’s one and only. Once considered as “Australia’s only six-star hotel”, the moment when you step into the resort, you’ll no doubt be blinded by the sparkly antique chandelier that was once admired by many in the State Library of Milan. Its lavish Italian opulence is in your face; think of the simplistic décor of Armani hotels and the Palazzo Versace is the complete opposite of it.

Check-in was at 2pm, however we were advised by the staff that there were still minor touches needed to our Suite. As a courtesy, they sent us to Le Jardin for some complimentary drinks. We didn’t get checked in until close to three o’clock and by then I was extremely eager to rush up to our suite and check out its décor.

The Deluxe suite was located on level 4 and its floor to ceiling glasses doors lead to two Juliette balconies which offered beautiful views of the pillared entrance and cobblestoned driveway, which at night would light up in rich purple and blue as well as the high-rises of Surfers Paradise. The suite itself was spacious for two. A double-door separates the bedroom from the lounge/ dining areas. Decorated in true Versace style, vibrant rich colours and Medusa heads were seen everywhere, but my favourite was the Italian marble bathroom, especially the couple-sized jetted bathtub. The suite also had ample closet space and a second toilet which really gave it a homely feel.

As beautiful as the room was, I have to say that the service was hit and miss. Although the staff in general were extremely nice and efficient, house-keeping was a letdown. We requested three times for beach towels to be delivered to our room and they finally did, at 10pm. The turndown service was basic and minimal. In fact, the only thing they did was place two chocolates by the bedside and taking the cushions off our bed.

The facilities provided at the resort mean that you can easily spend the weekend here without having to leave the premises. Palazzo Versace has four restaurants including both a buffet restaurant and a fine dining restaurant, however with the Marina Mirage located just next door, there are plenty dining options available. Other then getting a couple’s treatment at the Aurora Spa, we also spent some time at the resort’s crystal blue swimming pool which is lined by black and white cabanas. Needless to say, we soaked up some much needed sunshine. The pool is also the perfect place for people-watching. In less than an hour, I saw countless designer bags, including a Serpenti and a red Birkin, plenty of Camilla kaftans and lots of strappy stilettos. You get the picture.

I have to say that small touches at the resort mean the experience will linger in my mind, including the sensual yet relaxing scent of patchouli, ylang ylang, bergamot, cedarwood, rosewood that’s diffused through the resort’s air conditioning.

To me, a weekend getaway to the Palazzo Versace is the ultimate experience of la dolce vita that you can get without having to fly to the Mediterranean.

PS. Palazzo Versace is also a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Bunnies' travel notes:

Bunnies’ Suite Number: 436 – Deluxe Suite

Number of Rooms and Suites: 200

Swimming pool: Yes

Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 11am

Price: $350+

Hotel Class: 5 Star