'This luxury hotel stay is less hassle than a week in Bali, and a million times better.'

When I caught my first glimpse of the new Mondrian Gold Coast, I'll be honest: I had that 'pinch-me' feeling you get when you're upgraded on a flight.

Burleigh Heads has always been the cool sister of the Gold Coast, but the Mondrian has officially turned it into a global destination. And while a weekend here is definitely an investment, I'm here to tell you that the 'Return on Joy' is higher than any week-long trip I've taken in years.

To put it bluntly: This luxury hotel stay is less hassle than a week in Bali, and a million times better.

Lifestyle editor Amy Clark shares her must-pack travel essentials. Post continues below.

We've all been there — spending $2,000 on a week overseas, that leaves you needing a 'holiday from your holiday' because of the seven-hour flights, the pet-boarding admin, and the inevitable jet lag.

But at the Mondrian, the 'holiday' starts the second you land. It is a concentrated, high-performance domestic reset that makes you feel fancy, special, and — most importantly —completely looked after.

Here is why this coastal sanctuary is the soul-reset you actually deserve.

Why is Burleigh Heads so popular?

I experienced luxury and nature all in one. Image: Cassandra Green

There is a specific kind of magic in Burleigh that the rest of the Coast is constantly trying to bottle. It's that rare duality where world-class surf breaks meet a sophisticated, leafy dining scene.

It's the Bondi of the North, but with better weather and a much more relaxed pulse.

Between the iconic Norfolk pines of the headland and the bustling boutiques of James Street, it's the kind of place where you can spend your morning on a rainforest trail and your afternoon at a chic wine bar.

The opening of the Mondrian has simply put a giant, glittering crown on what was already Australia's coolest coastal escape.

Where to stay?

Lounging poolside at The Mondrian. Image: Cassandra Green

If you're looking for the heart of the action, this is it.

The Mondrian sits right on the beachfront, positioned perfectly between the chaos of Surfers Paradise and the quietude of Coolangatta.

It's the ultimate 'home base', because once you arrive, you don't need a car. You can wander to the Burleigh Pavilion for a sundowner, hike the national park, or just retreat into the hotel's luxurious bubble.

Is the Mondrian Gold Coast a luxury hotel?

I pinched myself and nearly cried at how chic the interiors are! Image: Cassandra Green

In a word: Absolutely. But it's not the kind of 'stuffy' luxury that makes you feel like you can't sit on the furniture.

It's a pinch-me moment from the second you walk in — every finish is beautiful, every request is met with a nothing-is-too-hard attitude, and you are treated like the absolute pinnacle of the stay.

I stayed in a Balcony Suite, and it was washed in those expensive-looking soft greys and marble finishes that make you want to go home and immediately hire an interior designer. The bed was a literal cloud — supportive but plush — and waking up to see the sun rising over the water through floor-to-ceiling glass is a spiritual experience.

Le Labo in the bathroom had me literally on Cloud 9. Image: Cassandra Green

Plus, the bathroom is stocked with Le Labo Santal 33 products. Lathering up in the world's most cult-followed fragrance while wrapped in a heavy designer robe? That is the definition of 'I've made it'.

What restaurants are at the Mondrian Hotel Burleigh?

Bugs at Haven. Image: Cassandra Green

The food here is worth the trip alone. I had dinner at Haven, which sits on the third 'pool floor' overlooking the ocean. You have to order the Australian bugs — they come fresh with a spicy mayo that I would honestly consider drinking.

The steak was also outstanding, and the menu allows you to go as 'high-low' as you want, with everything from wood-fired pizzas to caviar. I sat there with a glass of Taittinger champagne, people-watching as the sun dipped, and felt completely at peace.

For breakfast, I headed to LiTO on the ground floor. It has this beautiful, inviting energy that pulls you in after a morning beach walk.

Brekky at LiTO. Image: Cassandra Green

Their avocado toast is a work of art — fresh, vibrant, and paired with a perfectly made Allpress coffee. It's the kind of place where you can settle in for a long, slow start to the day without ever looking at your watch.

The 'girl math' of a luxury kitchen.

A full kitchen of my dreams. Wish I could pick this up and drop it inside my rental apartment! Image: Cassandra Green

One of the most practical (and savvy) elements of the suites is the full designer kitchen. If you're looking at the price and wondering how to make it work, this may be your secret weapon.

I didn't use the stove, but having a full-size fridge meant I could stock up on local supplies for a charcuterie board.

I spent one evening on my balcony with a glass of wine and a massive cheese plate I'd assembled myself, watching the sunset over the water. It's a 'high-low' hack that feels incredibly indulgent but keeps your daily spend in check.

What to do in Burleigh Heads?

The headland walk was so beautiful! Image: Cassandra Green

While the hotel is a destination in itself, Burleigh is meant to be explored on foot.

My favourite way to start the morning was the Burleigh Headland walk. It's a stunning track that winds through a rainforest-style canopy with views that make you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city.

If you take the Oceanview track, you'll skirt the basalt columns and end up at Tallebudgera Creek—a crystal-clear swimming spot that's perfect if the surf is too big at the main beach.

If you're more into therapy of the retail kind, than trail, James Street is just a few blocks away.

Tallebudgera Creek from the rock wall. I walked all around that green headland. Image: Cassandra Gren

It's home to cult boutiques like Kivari and The Freedom State, plus endless spots to grab an acai bowl. Of course, there's also the Burleigh Pavilion if you feel like a cold one after all that exploring.

The beauty of Burleigh is that everything is walkable; you can be in the rainforest at 8am and browsing designer linen by 10am, all without needing to call an Uber.

Wellness at the Mondrian.

Wellness is at the heart of the Mondrian, but it's what I like to call 'luxury wellness', not 'kale/granola wellness'.

The kind of wellness I'm into. A run and some yoga followed by an Amaretto Sour by the pool. Image: Cassandra Green

You won't find anyone judging you for ordering a cocktail after your yoga session. Speaking of which, the hotel hosts yoga by the pool, which is the ultimate way to wake up your body while looking out at the Pacific.

The pool club itself is a dream. It features temperature-controlled magnesium plunge pools which are famous for muscle recovery and stress relief.

Inside CIEL Spa - you can see the touchless therapy bed behind me. Image: Cassandra Green

Floating in that mineral-rich water on a designer daybed with chilled music playing in the background is a total system reboot. It's Zen, it's relaxing, and yes — you can actually read a book there.

If you do one thing for yourself at the in-house CIEL Spa, make it the Zero Gravity Touchless Therapy.

It's a dry float bed where you lie fully clothed on a warm, water-filled membrane. You feel completely weightless, as if you're drifting in space, while a guided meditation plays.

The spa is absolutely gorgeous. Image: Cassandra Green

As someone who usually struggles to switch off, this was a total game-changer. It's 30 minutes of pure 'brain break', that leaves you feeling more refreshed than a week of sleep.

The seamless holiday.

I was so relaxed! Image: Getty.

The true beauty of a stay here is the lack of travel admin. I flew into Gold Coast Airport from Sydney — a quick, affordable flight — and was at the hotel within 20 minutes of landing. No jet lag, no passport control, and no 'recovery day' needed when I got home.

Whether you're there for a honeymoon, a girls' wellness weekend, or a solo I-need-to-hide-from-the-world escape, the Mondrian makes it easy.

It's a one-size-fits-all sanctuary where the only thing you have to worry about is whether to have your next drink by the magnesium pool or on your private balcony.

Featured image: Cassandra Green