Are you searching for family-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast? Keep reading for a a RACV Royal Pines Resort review that details what you can expect if you stay at this resort.
I liken RACV Royal Pines Resort to a first-class fortified wine as it just gets better with age.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more information.
Table of Contents
Lobby Area
Walking through the lobby, it dawns on me that first-timers to this resort would marvel at the sheer scale of the property. Floor to ceiling windows spans nearly all the way around the resort allowing light to filter in and us to observe the picturesque natural surroundings outside. These natural elements have inspired the inside of the resort, with the warm tones, plush décor, open space adding to its contemporary design.
The modern elements sprinkled throughout, such as the large glass balls that hang delicately from the ceiling in the foyer add a sense of sophistication and luxury.
The Room
After the comfort test is completed on both double beds, the remainder of the room is explored, including the balcony area. We had been generously upgraded to an Executive Floor and for those who don’t mind heights our contemporary styled room on the 17th floor offered spectacular views from our private balcony over the immaculate golf course, grounds and towards the city skyline.
Search the different room types and make an accommodation booking here.
Exploring the Resort
You don’t gain a full appreciation of the size of the resort until you start to explore on foot what RACV Royal Pines Resort can offer to its guests.
Leave the day-to-day behind as you enjoy the array of facilities from outdoor sports and recreation to the feeling of total relaxation & revitalisation within the day spa all while being surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. One wing of the resort boasts spectacular grand function rooms as RACV Royal Pines Resort also specialise in meetings, conferences, and weddings.
Lunch
As we arrived early to gain the most from our stay and use the facilities, our room was not ready, so we opted to have lunch while we waited. As the resort is located between Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast hinterland, you are not able to walk out the front doors to grab a bite to eat. However, you don’t need to as RACV Royal Pines Resort caters to all taste buds with seven different venues, from fine dining to a casual lunch. As the weather was perfect for alfresco dining, we opted for a casual lunch at Kalinda Restaurant, sitting outside overlooking the pool area.
Our family has also had the pleasure of dining in the Panorama lounge for high tea, and I share more of this fabulous dining experience below.
For the Adults
If you know very little of Royal Pines, it won’t take you long to discover after checking-in that the facilities within and around the resort are top notch. Irrespective of the reason for your stay you can be sure you will be completely satisfied the services and facilities that are available to you will in return make it extremely gratifying.
For those guests who love to be active, there is a championship golf course, international-standard tennis courts, and a health and fitness centre with state of the art equipment. Guests who like to add an element of luxury and indulgence into their trips away will adore the day spa and lagoon pool. Our kids were chomping at the bit to use the playground, water park, and pools, and as most parents could contest too if the children are happy and entertained it makes for a much more pleasant stay.
For the Kids
The large undercover playground at the back of the resort near the sports oval has rubber matting and is fully fenced for the safety of the little ones. It consists of a gigantic metal rope climbing tower, inflatable bouncing pillow, swings, a small slide, plus other features that spin, bounce, and wobble.
If the kids are having too much fun to leave, there are picnic tables dotted along one side of the playground for you to sit back with your coffee or light snack.
A Splashing Fun Time
The pool area was by far the biggest highlight for our girls and where we spent most of our time, soaking up the glorious Gold Coast sunshine. The addition of the water park in 2016 has seen this area become the hub of the resort and was designed with fun and enjoyment in mind.
There are now two large swimming pools, one purpose-built featuring three water slides. A shaded toddlers area is perfect for those little ones who enjoy a splash and speaking of splashing the water zone has that covered with dump buckets, water cannons, water spouts and rings.
Dinner
We had pre-booked a table at Trattoria Amici, which offers inspired Italian food, and with the option of a children’s menu, this restaurant was the perfect venue to satisfy everyone’s appetites. The combination of red and black décor with soft table lighting created a beautiful ambiance, and yet it was extremely kid-friendly with many other families surrounding us. The staff was friendly and attentive and obviously knew what children liked, by offering the girls a special activity booklet with crayons as soon as we sat down.
It felt like no time at all from ordering that we were digging into our meals. The pizza and pasta were showstoppers, and the meal was finished off with a children’s dessert; two scoops of vanilla ice-cream with topping and a little bucket of sweets.
It could have been the carbohydrates coursing through our system or the result of a day finished perfectly, but we left the restaurant satisfied and sleepy. The twinkling city lights that you could see from our balcony and the firework display (very lucky) was the perfect way to end the night.
Breakfast
Start your day off the right way with a decadent buffet breakfast in Kalinda restaurant. Once again, we chose to dine on the undercover tables outside enjoying the cool morning air while overlooking the sparkling pool. The breakfast has an appetizing selection of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a full seasonal fruit display. For those who like a sweet start to the morning, pastries and pancakes will curve that sugar craving. Wash it all down with your choice of juice or a freshly brewed coffee.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a traveller, on a business trip, a couple’s weekend vacay, or a family visiting the Gold Coast, RACV Royal Pines Resort covers the needs of all of its guests. With lots of fun activities to enjoy for each family member, different cuisines to taste, fabulous customer service we wouldn’t hesitate in staying again.
Make a Booking
Find the best rates for RACV Royal Pines Resort here.
See More Information on RACV Royal Pine Below
Sporting Enthusiasts
Tennis
Enjoy a hit of tennis on any one of the five tennis courts you can hire. The two undercover or three outdoors are of international standard and a great place for a hit with family and friends.
Golf
Royal Pines is a championship golf course will the flexibility to adapt its 27 holes to three unique 18-hole layouts for its guests. The biggest thrill for those golfing enthusiasts is you can test your skills against the best by playing on the recently redesigned course that hosts the Australian PGA Championships. Hotel & RACV guests received a reduced rate on the green fees and any additional hire that is required.
If you need to have a practice swing, the golf course driving range is on the west side of the resort over Ross Street and consists of a 22-bay hitting area, with practice bunker and chipping greens.
One Lifestyle
The new One Lifestyle is the fitness hub at Royal Pines – with access to the latest cardiovascular equipment, resistance training machines, and free weights, it that will help you feel energized for the day.
Relaxation and Beauty
One Spa & One Spa Hair
As you walk down the wooden path to the front desk, you are transported to another place. A haven of pure relaxation and serenity. 5-star treatment with the same service, you are given a locker and shown to a bathroom to change into your robe and slippers awaiting your treatment. The rooms are set up depending on your treatment, but all have a luxurious feel and are overly spacious. At the end of your treatment, you are ushered back to a private lounge where you are given a herbal tea and small treat from the chefs. You can sit inside on any of the comfortable lounge chairs or go outside and relax on the chaise seats overlooking the lake.
High Tea
As I mentioned earlier, we have been fortunate to try a few high teas on the Gold Coast and the high tea RACV Royal Pines Resort offers in the Panorama Lounge is one of the best. We love the atmosphere of the panorama lounge in the sunken lounge setting that sits in the middle of the foyer. Natural light streams from every direction above a glass dome overhead looking up at the hotel tower over you.
We sat on our comfortable lounge chairs and were offered our glass of sparkling wine and juice while the three-tier tower sat on the table between us. Gourmet finger sandwiches, sweet and savory scones and sweet temptations covered the layers. To complete the experience enjoy a pot of tea or espresso coffee.
As this is a family-friendly resort, the kids can also experience their high tea. For $18 per child, they will receive a high tower of lollies, cupcakes, fairy bread, and sandwiches to keep them going all day and deter them from stealing of yours.
Upgrade to the Executive Lounge
As RACV Royal Pines Resort is located in between the hinterland and beach, it has some of the best views of the city skyline. You will be able to take full advantage and admire these from the Executive Lounge on the 21st floor. The Executive Lounge is open from 6 am to 11 am and is exclusive to RACV Club members and Executive Package guests, who pay to upgrade. If you choose to stay on an Executive package, you will receive a refurbished executive room, valet car parking, and access to the executive lounge that offers full buffet breakfast, light refreshments during the day, nightly canapes and drinks.
Shuttle Bus
If you decide to venture outside the resort to visit the local areas Royal Pines offers a shuttle service starting at 9.00 am with the last bus leaving at 6.00 pm. The loop stops are Surfers Paradise Q1, Star Casino & Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. The shuttle bus is purely an option for guests to see the local sights and is free for RACV members, $5 per person for other auto club members and $10 per person for non-members.
- The shuttle bus information is subject to change. Please confirm the information with the resort if you require this service.
Car Parking
There is ample parking at the resort which is complementary to its guests. A lift from the undercover car park will take you to the lobby area.
Location
Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast, Australia
Follow my blog with Bloglovin