WFH. Forget working from home – Work from Hotel is a whole new level of luxury.
Normally I'm not interested in stays because living on the Golden Coast it feels like we're on permanent vacation. Additionally, I love my home, my husband and my puppies very much.
Therefore, it takes a lot to get me off the couch.
But after a particularly stressful week, it was delightful to know that with a package at the Imperial Hotel, someone else could take care of everything for me.
LEARN MORE: Everything you need to know about using the London Underground, also known as the Tube
Luxury Escape's Plus campaign with every booking is not just a hotel stay, it's an entire experience.
Upon entering the Imperial Hotel, I am greeted by an incredible Rolls Royce and a glamorous lobby filled with magnificent chandeliers. Formerly known as the Versace Hotel, the Imperial Hotel has retained the glamor of yesteryear. If these chandeliers could talk, I imagine I would be regaled with stories and scandals over the past 24 years.
Checking in was a wonderful experience with a little iced tea and two white chocolate truffles to pamper myself.
I had arrived a little early so my room wasn't ready yet. Luckily, they invited me to go to one of the poolside cabanas, where I opened my laptop, grabbed a glass of Moet, and started working.
LEARN MORE: The world's best cities for foodies named by Time Out
The swimming pool
It was such a beautiful day even though it is now winter on the Gold Coast. The calendar just flipped to June, but it was still 25 degrees with a slight breeze. Perfection.
I thought about jumping in the pool but then I stuck my toe in and… damn, it's cool. So, going to the pool in winter is only for the brave, but lying by the pool is a great option.
Part of the pool is actually sandy like a beach. Cold water wouldn't stop some young children from playing on the beach and jumping in as if their internal thermostat was only set for fun.
I settled into my cabin and started working. The other guests were really lovely. I even saw an older guy walk by and stop and say, “You look like a boss over there working with these amazing prospects, want me to take a photo?”
Of course I did.
He took a photo and when he gave me the phone back, he had also taken a selfie which made me laugh.
LEARN MORE: Places to go in London after seeing all the major sights
Hours passed and the sun began to set. I was so happy to be by the pool that three hours passed in the blink of an eye. My computer's battery was low, but my human's battery seemed fully charged.
I walked past Le Jardin, where couples and families were enjoying the exclusive high tea which, combined with the chandeliers and plush furnishings, looked like stunning memories in the making.
The top 10 best cities in the world for retirees
Bedroom
I finally made it to my Superior King room which is incredibly spacious. No feeling of tightness here. There is a huge bathroom with a couples' spa bath, and the room is large enough to even have a small table and chairs near the Juliette balcony. My room overlooked the pool/lagoon, which is absolutely beautiful. It's also nice to have a hotel room with windows that open to fresh air.
My dinner plan with my husband went awry when Darren's job with A current affair meant he was held up in Brisbane and unable to come.
I decided to embrace this stay now solo. I'm often a little embarrassed to eat out alone… but I was also looking forward to choosing what I wanted and not having to share any of my meals with my husband.
The food
I listened to pianist Cassidy Wilson at Le Jardin and drank a few cocktails to give me courage. The bar was full of couples happy to sip and listen to him play.
At Il Barocco most people chose the seafood buffet which looked spectacular but I chose a la carte. My dish of Linguini, prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, chilli and sourdough breadcrumbs hit the mark and went perfectly with a glass of Torbreck Shiraz.
I saw the Banoffee Pie on the dessert menu and couldn't resist. But I had a discreet word with the waiter and rather than have it alone in the restaurant, he sent it to my room.
There is something very decadent about enjoying a treat in bed while watching TV streaming on a big screen TV – my guilty pleasure show is Grey's Anatomy.
After a good night's sleep, fishing for stars alone in the king-size bed, I was ready to enjoy the day. My husband arrived at 8am, ready to grab the buffet.
It was one of the best breakfast buffets I've ever been to, with all the favorites like eggs benedict, bacon and omelettes, but also rows of delicious fruits, meats and cheeses and jaw-dropping granola. soufflé with lots of toasted nuts.
My schedule meant I could only stay one night, but the Luxury Getaways Package is for three nights and includes a Superior King room, daily full buffet breakfast at Il Barocco restaurant, $150 dining credit, evening house beer, wine or soft drink per adult at Le Jardin, a Free self-parking daily for one vehicle, guaranteed late noon payment, and unlimited in-room movie access.
As I passed the Rolls Royce, I felt jealous that I was able to enjoy a rinse and repeat of my day by the pool.
The writer was a guest on Luxury Escapes.
