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Discover the Gold Coast pool where you can dive with tropical fish

Lee MylneBy Lee Mylne
A lagoon full of tropical fish, a grand sweeping staircase and attentive, friendly staff combine at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.

Colourful tropical fish flash past in the water below. There’s Nemo the clownfish, along with silver bream, Moon wrasse and more. Guests of all ages surface with broad smiles after swimming in the lagoon at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa . It’s an experience few other hotel pools can offer.

Elegant and luxurious, but with an unmistakably Queensland style, the resort brings a new standard of luxury to South East Queensland, all just a short walk from the Gold Coast’s white sandy beaches.

With a Luxury Escapes offer from just $399 per night (two-night minimum) available until May 31, 2025, there’s plenty of time to discover and explore all the resort has to offer. Make the most of its tropical lagoon-style pools, award-winning restaurants, bright, airy guest rooms and indulgent spa.

The pool in JW Marriot Gold Coast
A luxurious Gold Coast escape awaits.

JW Marriott Gold Coast’s pool

It’s hard to go past the saltwater lagoon, with its 300-odd colourful tropical fish representing 20 species. Don a snorkel and flippers or check out an underwater scooter from the recreation centre and you’re all set. Surrounded by lounge areas, cabanas and dining options the pools provide a space the whole family can enjoy at their own pace.

Named Australia’s best hotel pool in 2024, the lagoon is designed with multi-generational travellers in mind. Find varying depths and plenty of corners to explore, from the swim-up grotto to waterfalls and sandy beaches. A freshwater pool has a children’s slide or you can relax in one of the Jacuzzis.

People swimming with the fish at JW Marriott's pool.
Take a dip in the saltwater lagoon and swim alongside tropical fish.

JW Marriott Gold Coast’s rooms and suites

Starting from a generous 42-square-metres in size, guestrooms boast panoramic views of the ocean, cityscape or Gold Coast hinterland mountains from their floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies.

All rooms are air-conditioned, with state-of-the-art electronics, a work desk and Nespresso machine. Generous marble bathrooms have bathtubs and separate shower.

JW Marriott Gold Coast's executive suite.
Wind down in the spacious comfort of your executive suite, fully equipped with all the essentials.

Award-winning dining at JW Marriott Gold Coast

Seasonal menus, using sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, highlight regional products with an ocean- or paddock-to-plate concept in the hotel’s five restaurants .

Citrique is renowned for its sumptuous breakfasts, Sunday long lunch, seafood and grill buffet. An à la carte menu also showcases local seafood and produce, with matching wines. Open kitchens, interactive live stations and at-table preparation of some dishes creates a lively atmosphere.

In Misono, energetic teppanyaki chefs entertain with their clever knife work and theatrical flair while they cook at hot plates built into each table, a great favourite with families. The Japanese artistry extends into the flavours and presentation of dishes, always adding something surprising and different to the table.

Misono’s Japanese whisky bar is a great place for sundowners, or you can book an adults-only dining room for a more private experience, including a sake showcase.

For more casual dining, relax and unwind over a cocktail at Chapter & Verse or head there for high tea. Open for all day dining, it has a cafe vibe during the day and transitions to a craft cocktail bar feel at night. Chapter & Verse is also the spot for live music.

And if you’re just after a quiet night in your room, the resort’s 24-hour in-room dining service (Savour by JW) is the answer. Make a selection from either Citrique or Misono’s menus.

Premium Seafood at JW Marriott Gold Coast
Delight in seasonal, sustainable menus.

Family offerings

Family by JW, an interactive program for both children and adults, offers the opportunity to bond over fun culinary experiences and other creative activities that enhance the holiday spirit.

Join the Mini Misono sushi- or pizza-making classes. The whole family can learn the art of sashimi from trained chefs. Or participate in herb planting in the JW Garden, where a tour can also reveal everything about the herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables grown for the culinary team’s daily use.

The comfort and quiet of the JW Marriott Concierge Library offers a balance of local culture, well-being and culinary insights within a bookstore-like setting. Thoughtfully designed Serene Spaces provide restful corners to pause and relax.

JW Marriott Gold Coast family activity
Book a range of activities for every family member to enjoy.

Spa by JW

Step into a world of relaxation and rejuvenation at Spa by JW . Book one of six treatment rooms, a signature couple’s room including a relaxation lounge, ensuite stone bath and twin showers, traditional saunas, showers, relaxation pods and an outdoor relaxation area. The extensive spa menu and personalised care tailored to individual needs are among the reasons it was voted in top position on TripAdvisor.

Whether you’re tired from a long journey or simply looking for well-deserved pampering, Spa by JW’s carefully curated treatments cater to your overall well-being in a sanctuary dedicated to fostering mental and physical balance. If time is short, express spa treatments are a simple indulgence, and the welcoming spa lounge is the ideal place to relax with friends or simply unwind.

Spa by JW.
Complete your serene getaway with indulgent treatments at the posh premium spa.
Start planning your Gold Coast getaway at jwmarriottgoldcoast.com
Lee Mylne
Lee Mylne is an award-winning Brisbane-based freelance travel writer who has visited more than 60 countries, but still loves writing about the places closest to her. She has a strong interest in people, history, culture and nature and will go anywhere for a good story.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)