As the Gold Coast comes increasingly under the spotlight in the run up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday November 3 with the retrieval of a hidden treasure chest filled with prizes from the hotel’s stunning lagoon. When the hotel opened its doors 25 years ago, a commemorative treasure chest was thrown into the lagoon; this legacy will be marked by filling a new chest with prizes, and giving 25 key holders the opportunity to open the chest and win the ultimate holiday experience in the resort’s Presidential Suite. The chest will then be filled with hotel memorabilia before placed back into the lagoon for another 25 years. The resort’s General Manager, Neeraj Chadha, says the lagoon is unique to the Marriott, and it is the only hotel on the Gold Coast to offer the opportunity to enjoy a swim with tropical fish. “Our guests love snorkelling with the fish, so it was important to incorporate it into our anniversary celebrations,” he says. Over the years the iconic property has played host to celebrities and royalty as well as thousands of holiday makers, and it’s also home to Trip Advisor’s top Gold Coast Teppanyaki Restaurant and Seafood Buffet.

In 25 years, Surfers Paradise Marriott has made 2,137,703 beds, hosted 1,250 weddings and welcomed a staggering 4,061,635 guests. In 2011, the hotel was given a $20 million dollar facelift which included upgrades to 329 rooms and a remodelling of the hotel lobby and exterior entry, further enhancing its reputation for offering five star service coupled with a laid back Queensland charm. The resort is also ideally located, with the popular light rail running past the hotel offering a convenient and inexpensive transport option for guests who wish to visit local shopping destinations, restaurants and entertainment precincts. Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw says the local holiday-makers choose to stay at Marriott because they can enjoy tropical, world-class amenities without leaving the hotel. “Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa adds a level of sophistication, luxury and style to Surfers Paradise. The superior dining venues and poolside space has meant visitors from near and far have been able to experience a wide offering in one convenient location for the past twenty-five years,” he says. The resort’s milestone 25th anniversary will be celebrated all weekend starting on Friday November 3, with accommodation specials, dining packages and VIP events. Everyone is invited to take part so why not head over and join in the fun?