'I've perfected the art of the Gold Coast girls' trip. Here's my tried and tested itinerary.'

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I've been to the Gold Coast more times than I can count — it's the destination that just keeps giving. The flight time from Sydney is 1 hr 9 mins (which is about how long my office commute is) — just enough time to squeeze in a glass of bubbles and press go on the FUN button!The Goldy just has that vibe — sunshine, surf, sequins… it's pure excitement! Plus, it has one of the most jaw-dropping coastlines in the world.

On this trip there were four of us. We're all working mums and have eight kids between us, all of whom were left at home after we packed our bags for a weekend of unapologetic mum time.

Here's what we learned, your GGTTs (Goldy Girls' Trip Tips):

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GGTT 1: Hotel and room choice matter.

We stayed at The Langham Hotel, and honestly, she delivered.

If you don't know The Langham, it's a sensory overload in the best possible way: signature scent piped through every space (and yes, you can buy a candle for home), a giant pink flower wall that screams, "Take a photo here!", and a phone booth covered in blooms. Basically, Instagram heaven.

Our two bedroom, two bathroom ocean view suite on the 37th floor? Speechless. It was a literal slice of heaven with a postcard-perfect view that made it very hard to leave the room.

Image: Supplied.

GGTT 2: Get a massage (but remember to book ahead).

One of us was smart enough to book ahead, and thank God she did. The only slot for four was an hour after we arrived — just enough time for a club sandwich and bubbles in the bar before heading to the day spa.

The massage was one of the best of my life; it was so good I fell asleep. It felt rude, but also… it's kind of the ultimate compliment, no?

Post-massage, we reclined in egg chairs, sipping fragrant tea and ate oatmeal slices. Bliss.

GGTT 3: Plan your pool time.

There was one downside to our weekend: the gale-force winds that ruined my plans to read while enjoying poolside cocktails post-massage.

As an added note for Langham guests: the pool loses sun around 2pm thanks to those towering hotel buildings. Moral of the story? At The Langham, the prime pool hours are before lunch. Schedule your shopping and beach walks for the arvo.

GGTT 4: Pick a hotel with a heated pool and/or hot spa.

Thankfully, The Langham has both. I live for an outdoor jacuzzi, and this one was glorious. Even as the wind howled around us, it was warm and relaxing, and it's big enough for 20 people, so the whole group can fit!

The pool is heated to a very pleasant 28–30 degrees, which I only discovered when I took a dare to jump in!

Image: Supplied.

GGTT 5: Sip French Champagne in hotel robes.

It's non-negotiable! Pop the bubbles, wear the robe, admire the view. Enough said.

GGTT 6: Dine out in style.

We kicked off our evening with cocktails in the lobby bar (live music included — very chic!), before heading out. Here's where we ate:

Friday: Moo Moo Bar & Grill, Broadbeach — fine dining heaven. Perfect steak coupled with a gorgeous Malbec. Decadent, and so worth it.

Saturday lunch: Northcliffe Surf Club, because nothing beats a Queensland surf club with a cracking beach view. I had pulled pork nachos that I'm still dreaming about. Breakfast buffet highlight? A laksa station… and a donut wall. Yes, really.

Saturday dinner: Haveli Authentic Indian Cuisine, Broadbeach — four curries, piles of naan, lots of wine, all for $50 each. The perfect budget balance.

Image: Supplied.

GGTT 7: Party like you're 20-something.

We may all be in our 40s, but age and bedtime rules don't apply on a girls' trip. Here's where we went:

Friday night: The Star — Rooftop bar andd nightclub… hours of dancing. No gambling, just grooves.

Saturday night: Live music bar (and more dancing), and Broadbeach Tavern for a nightcap.

GGTT 8: Wear matching outfits (kind of).

I usually force everyone into matching T-shirts, but this time I slacked off. Instead, we picked up matching headbands on Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise, and wore them proudly down the main drag, turning heads for all the wrong reasons. Our kids would've disowned us on the spot. Which, frankly, made it even better!

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GGTT 9: Enjoy the swim-up bar.

Sunday was set to dawn with sunshine and a perfect blue sky, so alarms were set for 8am.

Thankfully, the gale force winds had died down to a mere zephyr, so we enjoyed four hours of sun, books, pool dips and repeat trips to the swim-up bar. Divine!

The wrap up.

We laughed, we cried, we cried from laughing. Honestly, it was everything a girls' trip should be: best friends, hot spa, a swim-up bar, and memories you'll talk about for years.

So… when are you booking your GGT?!

Feature image: Supplied.