JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa – Discover paradise in the heart of Surfers Paradise

PURE LUXURY

JW MARRIOTT DÉCOR

In its original guise, the foyer at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa was designed to resemble a colonial club. Wooden balustrades on the sweeping staircase, rattan fans slowly waving back and forth and high white walls reminiscent of a different era. A refurbishment changed the look and feel and after listening to the feedback from guests and customers a decision was made to go back to the future.

Management went back to the original architects and designers, DBI, to ‘Zhuzh’ up the 223-room resort. In the cavernous lobby, they unearthed and reinstalled the old rattan punkah fans a lovely touch in helping to reconnect the old with the new. The handsome sandstone floors were rubbed back to retrieve their lustre and then rezoned the space to include the signature JW “concierge library”.

In the original design the sweeping staircase represented a waterfall and that flow fits in beautifully with greenery, potted palms and the reality of an all-natural finish of timber, stone and cane. The Gold Coast’s beaches and lush hinterland are the inspiration and the aesthetic on display fits beautifully with that template.

Marriott Reborn

Wake up refreshed and take advantage of our hotel’s many superb amenities, including peaceful lagoons and an outdoor resort pool, a modern fitness centre and sport court.

When Marriott International announced that it was going to refurbish and rebrand the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa into its flagship JW Marriott brand it caused a huge stir. This was to be the first appearance in Australia of the brand following an ambitious $35 million rebrand to create JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Its completion in December 2020 set a new standard of luxury for discerning travellers seeking a tropical retreat in South-East Queensland on Australia’s famed Gold Coast. The opening signaled the continued expansion of Marriott International’s luxury footprint in Australia as the industry continues to see strong demand within the luxury travel segment. The JW Marriott brand, with its distinctive luxury philosophy, resonates with travellers, who seek exceptional, thoughtfully crafted services and experiences. As part of the makeover, the lagoon was drained, and 300 tropical fish sent to holiday at SeaWorld while the grottoes and white sand beaches were given a spring clean.

Rooms

The rooms haven’t been forgotten in this make-over. Sun-drenched and offering coastal or hinterland views, it has a sub-tropical feel that is a natural relaxant. The shadings are again a reminder of the nearby Pacific Ocean – whites for the sand, with blues reflecting the sky and the sea and pale timber floors completing the look. Other neat and thoughtful touches are in the junior suites which house a separate living room, with a king bed and giant TV in each room. In lieu of bottled water, guests are supplied with a glass flask with a water refilling station (with ice) on every floor. The rooms are designed to be your home away from home while you can relax, unwind and think about nothing.

Every detail has been seen to thus ensuring guests have a luxurious stay. There are views up and down the coast, from the bed, the stylish living room and the corner bathtub which is the size of a small plunge pool. The balcony affords a drone’s-eye view of the resort’s famous lagoon complex, with its palm trees, waterfalls and fishy coves.

DEREK FENN

Chief Concierge Les Clefs d'Or

Derek Fenn and Jan Svalty

How can I help? It is a phrase that Derek Fenn, Chief Concierge at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, has said more times than he cares to think about.

Asking and helping are an integral part of his job and as a member of the prestigious international organisation Les Clefs d'Or it is a vocation he takes very seriously. Born and raised in Fiji, Derek moved to New Zealand in his teenage years to finish his high school education. Starting his first job in purchasing while finishing high school, Derek soon found his love in hospitality. Moving to Australia in 2003 with his wife, they have raised six children many of whom are also starting their working careers in hospitality. With over 35 years’ experience in Hotel Management services, Derek’s career began at the Stamford Plaza in Auckland, New Zealand before moving to the Gold Coast in 2003. Prior to his 11 year stint with the Marriott family, he has worked in numerous Gold Coast 5-star hotels. Ask any concierge for a story about unusual requests and their faces will light up. Derek is no different. “I was approached by a guest to arrange their fiveyear olds birthday party. With two days’ notice and a $15,000 budget, the team and I started arranging the party. Activities included a jumping castle, toys, face painters, balloon artist, indoor rock climbing wall and

much more. Furthermore the child’s father invited all children under 10 years old staying at the hotel to join the party. It was a wonderful event and after the party had concluded, the family very kindly donated all the toys and equipment to local Gold Coast charities.

Originating in France, Les Clefs d’Or consists of over 4,000 invited members, across 47 countries, consisting of the largest concierge network worldwide. Derek is so well respected within the industry that in 2019 when Les Clefs d'Or celebrated their 25th anniversary and a special award was announced in his honour. The Derek Fenn Award for Service Excellence was born and Derek had the privilege of presenting this inaugural award to Jan Svalty from the Bolton Wellington Hotel New Zealand. The Derek Fenn Award was created to honour the commitment and dedication shown within the industry. To receive such recognition is an indication of respect within the industry. As a founder of the annual event 28 years ago, Derek attended the awards representing not only JW Marriott, but the Gold Coast as a whole.

“While working as a Chief Concierge in New Zealand, I was nominated by my General Manager to send my application to the Australian Les Clefs d'Or society for a thorough interview and examination. I passed and was accepted as a new member of New Zealand. I was very humbled to have received such an invitation. You can imagine how proud I was that they have named the event after myself for my dedication to the industry,” said Derek. “I enjoy immensely the challenging experiences associated with the role. I have been known to arrange such momentous occasions as surprise helicopter proposals, last minute shopping for lavish birthday presents for guests, once I even arranged baby farm animals to visit the hotel for the enjoyment of our guests’ children.” With so much knowledge and experience Derek is passionate about involving himself with training junior team members. Workshops are held often in Australia and New Zealand for junior Concierge team members who wish to extend their career in Concierge and career development. Whatever the job, Derek can always be relied upon to enthusiastically embrace the occasion and give his very best. It is why he loves what he does. “Front and foremost I love the guest interaction, we have many returning guests who become friends over the years. The JW team give the resort its soul and have become my extended family. The overall property is wonderful, and with the recent $35 million refurbishment and rebrand, has given the resort an extra lease on life.” A true professional.

DINING & COCKTAILS

MY NAME IS NO TOMMY

Husk Pure Cane Agricole, egg white, kumquat liquor, agave syrup, bitters, lime juice. A locals take on a Tommy’s Margarita - with the traditional tequila substituted for local French Caribbean style Husk Pure Cane Agricole.

MIST AND FIZZ

Husk Ink gin, lavender honey syrup, finger lime caviar, soda. A Gin fizz style cocktail with herbaceous notes due to herbs picked from the JW Garden. This cocktail reflects local and Hinterland flavours with notes of lavender, honey and native finger lime – the bushman’s caviar.

CHAMPAGNE COCKATIEL

Martell VSOP, orange bitters, kumquat syrup, Moet & Chandon Champagne. A twist on the classic Champagne Cocktail with the addition of citrus flavours. The garnish, made of citrus peel, represents the crest of a cockatiel - a native and recognisable bird of Australia.

The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is also the home to three of the Gold Coast’s finest restaurants and bars serving everything from authentic Japanese cuisine to the freshest of seafood. Optimise your stay by taste testing one or all of them when you visit.

Chapter & Verse

Chapter & Verse raises the bar by bringing together interest and energy with experience. It is located on the ground floor designed to accommodate a variety of modes and customers through the day and night, the all-day bar serving share plates, high teas and has an exquisite drinks menu.

Citrique Restaurant

Misono

Citrique is built on the reputation of delivering a consistently chic dining experience. Famous for its breakfast buffet, weekend - long lunch and seafood market experience, the venue attracts both locals and hotel guests with its fresh contemporary cuisine. More information www.citriquerestaurant.com

Inspired by the playful, youthful language of the streets of Harajuku, Misono presents a laneway of experiences. It transitions from an intimate Izakaya and live sushi table, to a sophisticated whisky bar with outdoor terrace and spirited teppan dining. More information www.misonorestaurant.com

Executive Chef , Paul Smart is renowned for his passion

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa Executive Chef, Paul Smart is renowned for his passion, creativity and expertise across our six food and beverage venues. Sourcing and working with local producers from across the Sunshine State, his stated aim is to create natural and nourishing yet sophisticated menu options for our guests. Paul’s international reputation in luxury venues, together with his commitment to source the freshest local produce ensures the delivery of something truly exceptional and unlike anything else available on the Gold Coast. He joined JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa in October 2020 following two decades working for well-established and respected restaurants across the globe. Most recently he was Executive Chef at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, where he led the kitchen teams across 10 prestigious venues. He had also worked in the kitchens of SO Sofitel Bangkok and The Ritz in London. He truly earned his chef stripes at the Ritz London. During his time in the UK, he also cooked for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and furthermore won UK Commis Chef of the Year at the Academy of Culinary Arts in 2007. He served with the acclaimed chefs of El Bulli (Best Restaurant in the World, from 2006 until 2009). Back in Australia, he played a pivotal role in the multi-award-winning restaurant Room 81, and took the gold medal no less than three times, for the Gold Box Restaurant Challenge in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Most recently, he also featured twice, as a winning challenger on Iron Chef Thailand, in 2012 and 2013. He is a fervid supporter of the resort’s signature JW Garden which enables a farmto-table concept for the food and beverage venues, allowing chefs to sustainably elevate their menus with seasonal herbs, edible flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Featuring fruit trees, herbs, a native bee house, and worm farm, the JW Garden will offer daily experiences and activities for guests at the resort, who are able to walk through the gardens and see the fresh produce used in the resort's menus firsthand. He loves hosting regular garden tours and onsite cooking classes to demonstrate creative ways in which the seasonal produce can be used.

Zenith revisits its own past from the vantage point of today through the Elite collection of unisex automatic watches. Sleek and minimalistic yet strong in its graphic identity and confident in its timeless lines and proportions. RRP $24,500 www.zenith-watches.com/en_au

Venroy make leisure wear to elevate everyday life. Tailored for the season, designed for timeless appeal and inspired by the places we love. Men’s knitted shorts $140 and long sleeve knitted T-shirt $130 www.venroy.com.au

Venroy was founded in Bondi Beach and creates a complete lifestyle offering for men and women. Linen is their core fabric. Versatile, super fine and enduring, it’s perfect for our refined yet relaxed silhouettes. RRP $150. www.venroy.com.au

MAN

MADE

Here are the latest fashion items for the man in your life!

Take comfort to the max with Bonds coloured Guy Front Trunks. Smooth waistbands, cotton stretch fabrics and seam free sides provide the ultimate comfort. RRP $26.99 www.bonds.com.au

Brixton’s approach begins with classic silhouettes reinterpreted to meet the needs of modern living. This faux leather patch duffle in black is perfect for that old style weekend getaway. Simply put, Brixton’s apparel and headwear is inspired by the past, built to live in the present. RRP $129.95 www.au.brixton.com

Built for convenience and comfort, the Alton Hood is a standard fit, cotton blend fleece that's great for all year wear. Features draw cord hood adjusters and inset sleeves. RRP $99.95 www.au.brixton.com

The iconic Australian brand JAG creates clothes for the everyday with an ease of fit and style that makes it a standout. Black cotton Shirt RRP $130 www.jag.com.au

Zenith’s watchmaking heritage in the world of aviation is unrivalled, having created the very first “Pilot Watch” and even trademarking the term in 1904. The modern Zenith Pilot collection pays tribute to the extraordinary pioneering spirit of the time, built for the adventurers of today. RRP $11,400 www.zenith-watches.com/en_au

Bonds pride themselves on providing a fit for every man. With loads of colour combinations and stripes or a longer leg or the classic short leg there is something for everyone. RRP $26.99 www.bonds.com.au

M A R C U S E D W A R D

THE ULTIMATE IN HAIR INDULGENCE I DESERVE IT

The GOLD COAST's No: 1 Leading Salon

Marcus Edward Concept salons marcus_edward_concept_salons ww w . m a r cu sed w a rd . c o m

Q Su pe r C e n t r e , PH: ( 07) 55 78 621 1