This winter, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is inviting guests to embrace the magic of the season with the launch of Private Dining Under the Stars, an intimate new luxury dining experience set beside the resort’s iconic saltwater lagoon.
Launching 12 May 2026 for a limited winter season, the exclusive experience reimagines romantic dining on the Gold Coast, offering couples or small groups the opportunity to escape the ordinary and retreat into a secluded winter oasis unlike anything else on the Coast. Set lagoonside within the resort’s tropical surrounds, guests will dine inside their own beautifully styled all-weather igloo dome, complete with soft fairy lights, personalised service and tranquil waterfront views beneath the winter sky.
While winter dining experiences are often associated with alpine destinations, Private Dining Under the Stars brings a distinctly Gold Coast take on the trend, pairing the warmth of a luxury tropical resort with the intimacy and exclusivity of private igloo dining. Framed by swaying palms and the shimmering saltwater lagoon unique to the resort, the experience offers guests a rare opportunity to enjoy a winter escape without leaving Queensland.
Designed for celebrations, anniversaries, proposals or simply an unforgettable evening, each private dome offers an immersive and elevated outdoor dining experience curated by Director of Culinary Paul Smart and the award-winning culinary team behind the resort’s celebrated chef-hatted restaurant, Citrique.
The evening begins with a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut alongside a 30g tin of premium caviar before guests are taken on a refined six-course culinary journey showcasing premium Australian produce and seasonal flavours, expertly matched with premium wine pairings from Australia and abroad.
Menu highlights include Beetroot & Goats’ Cheese Involtini, Seared Scallops with Chorizo paired with Craggy Range ‘Martinborough’ Sauvignon Blanc, Chef’s Signature Moreton Bay Bug Dumplings paired with Kellerei Kaltern Pinot Grigio, Oven-Baked Snow Fish paired with Collector ‘Tiger Tiger’ Chardonnay, Wagyu Steak MB 8–9 paired with Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, and the JW Citrus Illusion Dessert served with Alasia Moscato d’Asti.
Director of Culinary Paul Smart said the experience was designed to offer guests something truly unique for the winter season on the Gold Coast. “Private Dining Under the Stars combines the intimacy of a secluded dining experience with the exceptional cuisine and service that 2-hatted restaurant Citrique is renowned for. We wanted to create a winter offering that feels luxurious, romantic and completely transportive, allowing guests to slow down and enjoy an unforgettable evening beside our iconic lagoon under the stars,” said Smart.
Private Dining Under the Stars commences from 6:00pm Monday – Wednesday, with bookings requiring a minimum of 24 hours’ notice and full prepayment.
Private Dining Under the Stars at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
- Available: 25 May – 26 August 2026
- Days: Monday – Wednesday (additional nights available upon request)
- Time: From 6:00pm
- Price: $500 per person | Minimum two guests
- Bookings: Here
Guests can also elevate the experience with an overnight stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, retreating to luxurious accommodation after an intimate evening dining beside the resort’s iconic saltwater lagoon.
