RACV Royal Pines Resort

I love me a good hotel room.

Even better, I love a good suite.

Is there a better feeling than walking into a room to discover you've actually been given a suite? I don't think so.

(Okay, maybe being given a suite on the executive floor, with executive floor priveleges like free wifi. That's bliss).

But I digress.

Recently I found myself on the Gold Coast doing a little writing to help out an editor mate of mine. I'm easing slowly back into the world of writing, so the opportunity to dip my toes in without the stress of deadlines was almost therapeutic.

The writing involved spending a few nights away from home, while I interviewed interesting people and wrote their stories, so I was booked into the RACV Royal Pines Resort.

I'd had plenty to do with Royal Pines many years ago, when I lived and worked on the Gold Coast. I remember interviewing supermodel Kristy Hinze there, when she was just hitting the big time, and was indulging her love of golf by playing a round.

And there were countless restaurant reviews, not to mention interviews with VIPS who were staying at Royal Pines. On a personal note, one of my best friends was married in the chapel there.

But I'd never actually stayed at Royal Pines.

And my recent trip had me wondering: Why?

Located between the Glitter Strip and the Hinterland, Royal Pines Resort has to be one of the most picturesque I've seen.

It's easy to get to and parking is free (unless you require valet parking, and then there's a small charge). It's close enough to the beaches and clubs but far enough away to feel as if you're really getting away from it all.

And the rooms and suites are beautiful. (I know, because I checked them out). The staff were friendly, extremely accomplished, and best of all interesting. I could have spent days happily talking to and writing about them all.

The food was sublime, so much so, that it will get a separate post when I get around to it.

But in the meantime, let me take you on a tour ...

The King-sized bed in my room. How I love having a huge bed all to myself! (Yes, I know I've changed!)

The mini-office set-up, so I could work

The view from my bed ...

The spa bath, with bubbles. A girl can never have too many of those ...

Part of the view from my balcony...

A little bit closer...

Looking the other way!

A shady undercover play area for kids, which includes a jumping pillow. Unfortunately my two were at school, so I didn't have an excuse to try it out!

Potted herbs near one of the restaurants. The chefs pick them freshly as needed.

The pool - need I say more?

The rock garden, complete with a rather unusual rock. Only on the Gold Coast ....

Readers what do you enjoy most about a few days away from home?