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A couple of months I was finally able to visit my family at the Gold Coast in Queensland. It was my first trip on a plane since the beginning of the year so it was very welcome. I hadn’t visited the Gold Coast for over a year and on my last visit stayed with a friend so this time I opted for a little more luxury and booked a three night stay at the Sheraton Mirage which is located on Main Beach. It really is a beautiful beachfront 5-Star resort. I was greeted with a huge bright foyer with floor to ceiling glass windows which afforded me views of the grounds including the luxurious pool area and the magnificent ocean.

As my brother wasn’t due to arrive at the hotel until after 4pm, I decided to sit outside in the shade under an umbrella and order lunch. The chef made me a lovely vegan salad and the only vegan wine available was French champagne so I thought ‘why not…I am on holidays?’ (I didn’t drink the whole bottle, I took it back to my room for later!!) and of course my obligatory bowl of chips which in the end were taken by a couple of birds who clearly knew where the food was.

The Gold Coast is a renowned holiday destination here in Australia, south of Brisbane, about an hour plane ride away from Canberra with lovely beaches; waves which are great for surfing, theme parks, inland canals and lovely weather. Every morning I would wake up very early and go for a ninety-minute walk along the beach front…which was a wonderful way to start the day.

I wanted to show my brother and nephew the Versace Hotel which was over the road from our hotel, so we walked over one afternoon for a drink and something to eat. It’s quite a lovely hotel with a spectacular entrance including an incredible chandelier then you have stunning floor tiles and when your eyes move outside you have beautiful pools and lovely gardens. I ordered a gin and tonic (my new drink if there isn’t any vegan wine) and my brother and nephew ordered scones, jam and cream. A really nice hour or so just enjoying opulence!

On our last evening my brother, nephew and I had dinner at the hotel which was a seafood banquet and I invited my Godson and his mum who live on the Gold Coast…everyone enjoyed the buffet and the chef made me a delicious vegan risotto. Can’t fault the hotel I must say.

So…for me a lovely three days seeing my family and enjoying what the Gold Coast has to offer…great that I will be returning over Christmas.