Should you stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa?

I don’t like the beach. The waves send water up my nose, sand gets stuck to everything, and there’s an unacceptable lack of cocktails. Alas, one must endure such conditions to see tropical fish… Or do they?

At JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, one needs only to walk a handful of steps from the lobby – armed with a swimsuit and snorkel – to commune with tropical fish. The saltwater lagoon is home to around 200 finned residents that coalesce around an artificial reef set into the four-metre-deep pool, replete with a special heavy sand that’s less likely to come home with you. This is my kind of ‘beach’.

Traveller: Laura Barry

Room: Deluxe King with Ocean and Pool View

Address: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Date: August 2025

Best for: Couples and families who was a touch of luxury within easy reach of Surfer’s Paradise.

Overview

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is a five-star resort with 238 rooms and suites. Guests can indulge in a range of culinary experiences, from the theatrical Japanese teppanyaki at Misono, to the fresh local seafood buffet or a la carte dining at Citrique. Try relaxed cocktails or afternoon tea at Chapter & Verse, the inviting lobby bar and lounge, or snuggle down with in-room dining. With a gym, sports courts, spa, expansive pool area, business and event facilities, this resort has everything you need for any type of holiday.

The Signature factor

One may expect the saltwater lagoon and its tropical fish to be the highlight of a stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa – and it is – but there’s another key drawcard to this posh property: Citrique. This hybrid restaurant has held an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for three consecutive years, in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Helmed by executive chef Paul Smart, this kitchen produces an incredible a la carte dining experience Monday to Thursday that features the crowd-favourite bay bug dumplings, Citrique’s signature snow fish dish, and a waygu ribeye. However, Citrique is also where you’ll find one of the most popular seafood and grill buffets on the Gold Coast, boasting an impressive selection of oysters, prawns, lobster and other delectable eats.

First impressions

The lobby is airy, spacious and provides guests with an array of seating. A refined palette of neutral hues set against a white backdrop establishes a serene atmosphere, while the curving grand staircase is the undeniable centrepiece of the space. The staff are warm, welcoming and greet everyone with a smile, and check-in is a fast, smooth and easy experience finished with JW Marriott’s signature welcome drink, lavender iced tea that changes colour as it’s poured.

The room

Located on the fifth floor and accessed via an elevator, the deluxe king room is well-appointed and has plenty of space for us to unpack, relax and enjoy in-room dining without ever tripping over our feet or suitcases. The floor-to-ceiling window and sliding door provide uninterrupted views over the pool and ocean beyond. And, although the curtains block out any unwanted light, we enjoyed the golden glow that filtered in through the sheers every morning. There’s a sofa, chair and table in addition to the bed and bedside tables, plus a console by the television. We found robes, slippers, coat hangers, an iron and a safe within the wardrobe, and a mini bar in the console.

The bathroom boasts a spacious shower and deep tub, a huge mirror accompanied by a smaller magnifying cosmetic mirror, and all the amenities you need for a quick stay. Expect the usual suspects, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a lotion by Aromatherapy Associates, but you’ll also find a dental kit, vanity kit, nail file, mouthwash, comb, shower cap, bath salts and a variety of other bits and bobs that are useful. The towels are fluffy, and the shower pressure is great.

On my plate

Given my stay takes place over the weekend, Citrique is serving its seafood and grill buffet, and I’m blown away by the variety of cuisine on offer. In addition to seafood favourites and seasonal vegetables, there’s grilled meats, cold cuts, cheese, pasta, noodles, soups, stews, and almost every side imaginable – and the desserts have not been forgotten. Trays upon trays of bite-sized cakes appear alongside ice cream, panna cotta, chocolate mousse and jars of sweets, too. Shout out to Executive Chef Paul Smart, who delivered an exceptional wagyu dish to our table paired with a delicious 2023 Yangarra GSM – superb.

The next day, when Citrique has transformed the seafood feast into a breakfast cornucopia, I’m delighted to discover everything from waffles, pancakes and eggs benedict to fruit, yoghurt, cereal, breads, cheese, beans, bacon, sausages, hash browns, eggs and a variety of pastries that change daily. Paired with a fresh-pressed juice, tea or coffee, this is all you (and your family) need to fuel your day.

Highlights from the mini bar

Presenting a modest selection of drinks, snacks and sweets (such as Lindt chocolate), the in-room mini bar has all you need for a DIY coffee-pod caffeine hit, a pre-bed cup of tea or refreshing beverage. Cups, mugs and glasses are provided, along with a water carafe that can be refilled at the filtered water and ice station down the hall (this utility was especially useful for refilling drink bottles before heading out on the day’s itinerary).

I wish I could take home

Soft, thick, warm and a bedazzling white, I wish I could take home the robes from the JW Marriott Spa… And the plush, oversized bathmat from our room. It felt divine under foot.

Staying in

Should you be planning a romantic weekend away on the Gold Coast, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa offers a variety of relaxing indulgences. We start our Saturday with a session at the spa, where our feet are soaked, our spirits are lifted, and our bodies are massaged to boneless perfection. Spa by JW is a lovely space with tactile finishes in soothing hues of beige, brown and warm accent tones. Everything from reception to the change rooms is artfully designed, and we especially enjoyed our post-treatment hangout in the lounge area, which included tea, biscuits, citrus-infused water and a selection of dried fruit and salty snacks. Afterwards, we hit the sauna and the steam shower before making our way to the pool.

Offering a chlorinated pool, waterfalls, jacuzzis, a water slide and the infamous saltwater lagoon pool, the splash zone at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa has something for everyone. There’s an aquatic centre where guests can hire snorkels and flippers for fish encounters, or a Sea-doo for zipping about the water. Cabanas are available for reservation, while an abundance of sun lounges ensures a seat for every sun worshipper. Hungry bellies can be filled with a stop at the poolside diner.

However, those who prefer a more active holiday will find a well-equipped gym and sports courts within the resort complex and innovative offerings such as Aqua Sculpt floating Pilates or the Restorative Sound Bath Experience. For those craving outdoor excitement, the private marina located just behind the pool opens up a world of water-based activities, including kayaking, jet boating, parasailing and jet skiing.

Stepping out

While parking is available, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is positioned right by G:Link, the light rail, supplying guests with an easy and direct line from Helensvale to Broadbeach South via Surfers Paradise. The HOTA (Home of the Arts) Gallery is nearby, while the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of Cavill Avenue and surrounds are a walkable distance from the resort, as is the beach proper.

For families

Families will find no shortage of engaging experiences at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Kids can start the day with daily fish feeding at the saltwater lagoon, then dive into Family by JW hands-on activities such as culinary cooking classes, pizza making, cupcake decorating, or even a junior mixology session. The resort’s mini Misono sushi-making class adds a playful twist to food education, while family yoga sessions offer a chance to unwind together. Little explorers can enjoy hair braiding, scavenger hunts, or embark on an Explorer photography adventure around the property. Over in the lush JW Garden, guests are invited to join herb planting sessions and guided garden tours, and check out the resident native Australian bees and worm farm.

Insider’s tip

Light sleepers should ask for a room that isn’t above Citrique or Chapter & Verse if staying over the weekend, as the music does run late and loud on a Saturday evening.

The Signature verdict

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or somewhere luxe to take the family on holiday, you’ll find all you need and more at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. We wholeheartedly recommend this property for an effortless and worry-free stay that puts you in the heart of the Gold Coast action.