Built on the sparkling waters of Broadwater Beach on September 15, 2000, Palazzo Versace became the world’s first fashion-inspired hotel. Acclaimed as Australia’s premier luxury destination, this exclusive gold-plated hotel enables guests to become immersed in the Versace lifestyle.
An ambitious project commenced by Soheil Abhedian’s local company Sunland Group, which had secured the opulent location for $15.1 million, the hotel itself reportedly cost more than $200 million to build. It took Mr Abedian 14 months to finally reach a signed agreement with Versace in 1998.
“The Gold Coast has been chosen to launch the venture which is the beginning of a new era in tourism because of its proximity to Asia, the weather, the amenities and the cosmopolitan lifestyle”, Santo Versace proclaimed.
Designed as a deliberate emulation of the architectural excess of the French Riviera, the building was created by Gold Coast architect Desmond Brook of DBI Design. The interiors of Palazzo Versace’s 200 hotel rooms and suites, 72 private condominiums with marina berths and private “Juliet” balconies, a 600-seat ballroom, bars and award-winning restaurants were all designed and furnished by Versace, proclaiming the transcendence of Italian design.
The hotel also encompasses a 65-metre swimming lagoon with its very own white sandy beach, a famed day spa, a private marina, fitness and wellbeing centre, indoor swimming pool, spa and plunge pool, Versace Boutique, and the first water salon cabana experience in Australia. An exquisite crystal chandelier that formerly belonged to Gianni Versace adorns the towering marble Roman columns that reach up to the vaulted ceilings, hand-detailed in gold.
As one of the most exclusive and sought-after hotels, Palazzo Versace serves as a home to many celebrities and wealthy business people.
Former water ski champion Vaughan Bullivant, who recently sold his health foods business for $100 million, was amongst the first people to purchase a condo off the plan. The King of Dubai and the King of Abu Dhabi, along with their family and entourage, have all enjoyed extended stays at the hotel. Celebrities including rock bands U2 and the Rolling Stones, pop icons Rod Stewart, Pink and Mariah Carey as well as rapper Snoop Dogg have all stayed at the hotel.
The restaurants encapsulate a meticulously crafted culinary adventure, from refined fine dining to a Gold Coast high tea, with each restaurant and bar perpetuating Versace’s palatial aesthetic. The award-winning restaurant by the Australian and Brisbane Times Good Food Guide, Vanitas, immerses guests in an exquisite Italian experience.
The menu incorporates only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Negronis, Aperol Spritzes and Prosecco are offered upon arrival, followed by a carefully selected range of Italian wines extracted from the most important regions of Italy’s wine landscape.
Il Barocco enables guests to savour an expose of bountiful Australian produce, augmented by an infusion of international flavours, innovative and more traditional recipes. The menu features a plethora of the freshest quality seafood, fish, meat, poultry and regional produce. The Couture High Tea introduces a fashionable culinary experience to the timeless classic, featuring bright colours and bold textures accompanied by an infusion of eclectic flavour combinations.
Palazzo Versace’s exclusive luxury hotel packages allow guests to transcend into an experience of complete glamour and opulence.
Reflecting the grandeur of the hotel’s exquisite architecture, the twin bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms are available for guests to indulge in the ultimate chauffeur-driven transportation to and from the Palazzo. Guests can enjoy personalised service from a dedicated Rolls-Royce Ambassador who will assist in designing a customised journey to suit your individual needs.
For any special event or celebration you may have coming up, Palazzo Versace has it covered with a myriad of magical experiences including romance, birthday celebrations, proposals and even baby moons designed to create memories that will last a lifetime. If that is not enough, guests can also indulge in a glamorous shopping and styling experience with stylist and personal shopper Simone Bennett-Smith, who will meet and greet the guests on arrival in Le Jardin for a styling assessment prior to embarking on the ultimate retail therapy adventure, transported in Palazzo Versace’s bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom.
If you are searching for a place that encapsulates the epitome of luxury and glamour, the Palazzo Versace is the ultimate destination for you.
By Sian McCaffery