Q: What kind of impact do you hope the Andaz Gold Coast will have when it’s open?
A: I think the biggest impact we’d love to have is to really become part of the Gold Coast, rather than just being another hotel that happens to be here.
We want locals to genuinely enjoy coming here, whether that’s for a meal, a drink or a day at the pool, while also giving guests a chance to discover a side of the Gold Coast they might not have experienced through unique storytelling and experiences.
Ultimately, if people leave feeling like they’ve connected with the Gold Coast, rather than simply staying in a hotel on the Gold Coast, then I think we’ve done our job.
Q: This will be the first Andaz property in Australia. Does that make it even harder when launching a new property in a competitive marketplace?
A: While the Gold Coast is a competitive market, we don’t see that as making the launch harder. In many ways, it’s an opportunity to bring something different to the table.
Andaz offers a fresh take on luxury, with a focus on individuality, local culture and creating experiences that feel authentic to the destination.
We’re not trying to replicate what’s already out there, we want to offer something that stands apart.
Q: How important is the Australian market to Andaz?
A: The Australian market is incredibly important particularly because Australian travellers are looking for a more personal, experience-led approach to luxury.
It’s no longer about formality; it’s about great design, exceptional food, a strong sense of place and experiences that feel genuinely personal.
That’s very much where Andaz sits. Every hotel is designed to reflect its destination rather than follow a global template, so bringing the brand to Australia for the first time is incredibly exciting.
Q: What are some of the stand out features and amenities that guests will enjoy at Andaz Gold Coast?
A: One of the things I’m most excited about is how Andaz Gold Coast brings the destination to life through its design, dining and experiences.
Our Signature Floor on Level 8 is another standout, with private terraces in every room.
This includes the 132-square-metre Andaz Residence Suite, featuring a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and a 49-square-metre entertainer’s terrace with a wellness tub.
Beyond the rooms, guests can discover local culture through our Andaz Art Expedition, unwind with complimentary drinks and chef-prepared snacks during Golden Hour (our complimentary drinks hour), or enjoy yoga, breathwork and poolside Pilates, which are all part of our complimentary programming through Andaz Alive where we focus on wellbeing.
Andaz Pool Club brings the relaxed Gold Coast lifestyle to life with private cabanas, great food and drinks, and weekend DJs.
Our dining offering is equally important, with Executive Chef Matthew Bentley championing local produce and partnerships with brands including Bread Social, St Ali Coffee and White Oat Distillery.
From our elevated breakfast experience at Nove to the social atmosphere of Vista Lounge and Verde Bar, we want to create spaces where guests and locals genuinely want to spend time.
Q: How do you see the future of luxury hospitality?
A: I think the future of luxury hospitality is becoming much more personal and experience-led.
Australian travellers are incredibly sophisticated and we’re seeing a shift away from formality towards great design, exceptional food, a strong sense of place and experiences that feel personal.
Today’s luxury is about offering the highest standards of service in a more relaxed, intuitive way, where guests feel comfortable being themselves.
People want more than just a beautiful hotel; they want to connect with a destination through its people, flavours and culture, and leave with experiences that are genuinely memorable and meaningful.
Q: You’re passionate about developing the next generation of hospitality leaders. What initiatives are you employing to do this?
A: For me, it’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and can see a future for themselves in hospitality.
At Andaz Gold Coast, we want to give our team opportunities to learn, develop and grow, whether that’s through training or taking on new responsibilities.
We also know that looking after our people is just as important as helping them progress.
From health and wellbeing initiatives and team meals to complimentary and discounted stays at Hyatt properties and other benefits, we want our team to feel appreciated and rewarded for what they bring to the business.
Because when people feel supported and enjoy what they do, they’re more likely to stay, grow and become the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Q: Finally, what will set your hotel apart from others on the Gold Coast?
A: I think it’s the way we bring together the best of the Gold Coast with the individuality and personality of the Andaz brand.
We’re not just creating a place to stay; we want to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in, whether that’s enjoying Golden Hour, discovering local artists, relaxing by the pool or experiencing our food and beverage offering, which celebrates local producers and talent.
There’s also a real sense of connection to the destination woven throughout the hotel, from our Chase the Sun design narrative to the experiences we’ve created around wellness, culture and community.
Andaz is all about personal style and expressing the character of a place, so while guests can expect the service and quality of a luxury hotel, we want the experience to feel relaxed, individual and distinctly Gold Coast.
It’s that combination of considered luxury, local character and a genuine sense of discovery that I believe will set us apart.
