There’s a quiet confidence that defines Mondrian Gold Coast. Perched at the intersection of coastal charm and contemporary design, this new addition to Burleigh Heads doesn’t simply occupy space, it sets a new standard. Sophisticated without being showy, wellness-focused without being prescriptive, it’s a place that offers more than just a stay – it offers a state of being.
Where Design Meets Intention
Mondrian’s interiors are the work of award-winning design firm Studio Carter, and their signature is unmistakable. Every space feels curated rather than decorated – considered rather than contrived. There’s a refined materiality that speaks to both comfort and aesthetic intelligence: textured timber panelling, brushed brass accents, sculptural lighting and natural stone finishes that catch the light in all the right ways.
The palette takes its cues from the the coastline – soft, sandy neutrals layered with oceanic blues and sage greens, all designed to mirror the landscape outside without competing with it. Artworks are not filler, but focal – a mix of contemporary pieces that lend a sense of place and identity.
The Suite Life
I stayed in one of the oversized one-bedroom suites, which felt more like an elegant apartment than hotel accommodation. There was a generosity of space, not just in square metres, but in how the suite was laid out and appointed. A full dining area, a spacious lounge with floor-to-ceiling views, and a separate bedroom that invited deep rest.
Details matter here. The mini bar isn’t just stocked – it’s curated. The lighting is dimmable and layered for mood. A Dyson hairdryer sits neatly alongside Grown Alchemist amenities in the bathroom – a thoughtful nod to modern wellness and Australian excellence. The bath was deep enough for a proper soak, and the rainfall shower had a pressure that actually delivered.
Dining That Reflects Its Surroundings
Mondrian’s dining offerings are equally layered and expressive. LITO, the signature restaurant, serves modern Latin cuisine with poise and purpose. The dishes are bright and intricate without ever feeling fussy – charred vegetables with housemade mole, beautifully grilled seafood, and desserts that are worth saving room for.
HAVEN, the poolside seafood restaurant, is more vibrant – a Gold Coast take on a European beach club. Think linen shirts, sun-kissed skin, and a glass of something cold in hand. On a sunny Sunday, it hums with energy. It’s less spa robe, more statement swimwear and designer sunglasses – the kind of place that captures the Gold Coast’s more playful side without losing its elegance.
Fresh oysters, sashimi, king prawns and crisp seasonal salads dominate the menu, designed to be shared under a cabana or in the sun-drenched open-air dining space.
CIEL Spa: Where Technology Meets Tranquillity
Of course, no wellness-focused stay would be complete without time spent at Ciel Spa – Mondrian’s serene, subterranean escape where innovation and restoration exist in perfect harmony.
My experience here was layered, immersive and entirely bespoke. I began with a Zero Gravity Float – a meditative weightless state that melts stress in a way nothing else quite can. This was followed by red light therapy, where I lay cocooned under infrared light, supporting cellular rejuvenation and energy regulation.
Next came two treatments that were a first for me – and unforgettable. My Augustinus Bader facial was as transformative as its reputation suggests. Using the brand’s science-led TFC8® technology, this facial felt less like pampering and more like intelligent skin therapy. My skin emerged luminous and visibly refreshed.
The Hydrabody treatment, a full-body extension of the famed Hydrafacial, delivered both detoxification and glow, leaving my limbs feeling smooth, deeply hydrated, and ready to meet the Gold Coast sun.
What impressed me most was the CEIL approach: intuitive, unhurried and deeply knowledgeable. This is where spa meets science, but without ever feeling clinical or cold.
A Location That Invites Presence
Mondrian Gold Coast sits in a prime position, nestled between the stillness of the national park and the vibrancy of Burleigh’s social scene. A few steps one way and you’re on the soft sands of one of Australia’s most beloved beaches. A few steps the other, and you’re sipping coffee in a backstreet café or browsing local design stores.
What I loved was the ability to do both – to lean into the energy of the Gold Coast when I wanted, then retreat into the cocoon of Mondrian’s calm when I needed. Whether I was floating in the rooftop pool, curled up in the library lounge, or just watching the sun stretch across the horizon from my suite, there was a feeling of being exactly where I needed to be.
Mondrian Gold Coast is more than a luxurious new stay, it’s a modern wellness retreat disguised as a design-forward hotel. With its blend of elevated interiors, conscious dining, and future-thinking spa experiences, it’s redefining what it means to travel well.
If your version of wellness includes artful living, exceptional skin care, considered indulgence and a deep exhale by the sea – this may just be your new favourite escape.
Discover The Mondrian HERE and the Ciel Spa HERE.
Review By Kris Abbey
Discover more wellness travel experiences HERE.
Heading to the Gold Coast? Don’t forget to peruse our Destination Guide HERE.
