Friday
2:00 pm – It’s check in time, friends! You’ll be enjoying your staycay at none other than The Star – in the ultra-luxe surroundings of The Star Grand to be specific. Thankfully, this Broadbeach gem has your back so you can save a few pennies (these funds will be reserved for cocktails, of course). With The Star’s Signature Starcation deal, you can score 30 percent off rooms at The Star Grand – winning! Plus, you’ll get a $50 daily dining credit, late check out at 12:00 pm and daily breakfast per registered guest. We’re off to a stellar start!
5:30 pm – After you’ve settled in, grab your partner in crime and kick off your culinary journey at Japanese dining gem Kiyomi. If you’re in the mood for a little snack and sip (but don’t want to spoil your appetite before dinner), we suggest tucking in to Kiyomi’s Chef’s Favourite Bar Snack Combo, which includes a tantalising Kiiroi Sour with prawn toast for just $25 per person.
7:00 pm – Chasing a taste of luxury for less? Indulge in a decadent dinner of Chef’s Favourites at Cucina Vivo. This tantalising feast takes the fuss out of ordering by presenting two mouth-watering dining options – a set menu of classic dishes or a seven-course degustation of gastronomic wonders. Devour irresistible morsels like calamari fritti, bruschetta, pasta, insalata, pizzette and a decadent tiramisu. Thirsty for another cocktail? Explore the Italian-inspired cocktail list to quench your thirst.
9:30 pm – After all of this decadence, it makes sense to end your evening on a high note – literally. Make your way skyward to Nineteen at The Star for a nightcap and indulge in a signature cocktail on the terrace. You’ll feel on top of the world as you gaze over the twinkling Gold Coast skyline, sipping on Nineteen’s famous Chilli Coconut Martini.
Saturday
8:30 am – After you’ve awoken from your sweet slumber, make your way to Harvest Buffet for some mouth-watering breakfast bites (conveniently included in your package) and most importantly, a fresh caffeinated brew.
10:00 am – What’s a staycation without a sun-soaked session spent by the pool? Make like a baller and claim one of the poolside cabanas as your own for a few hours and take advantage of the dreamy pool facilities – mimosa in hand.
1:00 pm – As much as we’d like to sip and dip all day long, the time comes when your tummy starts grumbling and calls for lunch. Swap your swimmers for some drier attire and stroll on over to Garden Kitchen & Bar to indulge in its flavoursome set menu. For just $65 per person, you can discover the best of our state on a plate across four courses of fabulous food – think fluffy house-baked focaccia with sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade, house-cured ocean trout, succulent Sunshine Coast lamb loin, and a silky chocolate hazelnut raspberry bar and Baileys ice-cream to finish.
3:00 pm – If there’s ever a time to treat yourself, it’s while you’re on staycation. Book yourself in for some luxe spa treatments (hello, therapeutic massage!) at Azure Spa & Fitness, The Star’s in-house relaxation station. This day spa boasts six treatment rooms, including a couple’s space and an exclusive outdoor cabana. Once you’ve relaxed to the max, head back to your room to prepare for the evening ahead – might we suggest calling room service for a bottle of bubbles?
5:30 pm – Don your dancing shoes and head down to the outdoor garden bar on The Lawn for a late-afternoon sundowner. You can soak in the last moments of sunshine while tickling your tastebuds with an Aperol Spritz, a White Claw or a wine (or two).
8:00 pm – Secure your spot near the stage, as some killer entertainment is about to take over for Live on The Lawn. During 40 Days of Flavour at The Star, Saturday nights welcome DJ sets from cracker acts like Miami Horror, Confidence Man, Set Mo and Bag Raiders. On top of the top-notch tunes, you can also dig into delicious bites like fried cheeseburger dumplings, Jamaican jerk chicken burgers, truffle-salted chips and mini Cuban sandwiches with mojo roasted pork, smoked ham slices, Swiss cheese, sweet-and-spicy pickle and mustard. That’s our kind of dinner and a show.
Sunday
9:00 am – They say a Sunday well spent brings a week of content, so let’s put that theory to the test, shall we? After your well-deserved sleep in, pop downstairs for a stacked breakfast at Harvest Buffet or, if you’re after something different, make way to Garden Kitchen & Bar for a delectable morning meal. Our pick for your Sunday starter? Slow-cooked Milly Hill lamb shoulder with Moroccan spices, served with house-made labneh, poached egg, sun-dried tomato focaccia, green pea gremolata and a dressed herb salad. Yum.
10:30 am – Spend the rest of your morning lazing around in your room (the plush bed beckons to us) or pop on your togs again for a dip in the pool – one last cocktail can’t hurt either.
12:00 pm – It’s time to pack up and check out, folks! We’re sad too. Don’t worry though, once you’ve had a taste of all of the action The Star has to offer, you’ll be back again soon enough. Can we get an invite next time around?
This article was written in partnership with our friends at The Star.
