EVT has introduced its new boutique accommodation concept, qtQT, on the rooftop of QT Gold Coast.
Six cabins, each with their own private balcony, are set within tropical surroundings, to offer guests their very own urban oasis.
EVT CEO, Jane Hastings, said the concept stems from the group’s broader property strategy to commercialise under-utilised spaces.
“We refer to this as ‘maximising our assets,’” Hastings said.
“When designing the overall QT Gold Coast upgrade, we identified a previously un-used lower-level rooftop. We had been exploring the world of tiny accommodation and standing there as the sun set, we knew this would be the perfect location to trial our interpretation of this experience, the QT way.”
Developed alongside EVT’s longstanding collaborator, award-winning designer, Nic Graham, qtQT is designed to appeal to the modern traveller seeking a low-key coastal retreat.
The cabins offer a cosy environment with natural textures, earth tones and luxe local amenities such as robes and bedding from I Love Linen, based in Burleigh, skincare from Noosa, ceramics from Gold Coast and drift candles from Currumbin.
Rooms are also kitted out with board games and coffee table books, to help guests who may wish to switch off from technology.
QT Hotels and Resorts Group General Manager, Callum Kennedy, said the qtQT experience is suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups, as well as innovative events.
“qtQT can be or solo escapes for those who are looking to unplug and unwind to a romantic couples’ escape. We know this will be a hit for group stays whether that be your close friends to corporate retreats,” he told HM exclusively.
“We have created lush landscapes for weddings full of wonder, to off-beat corporate retreats. Meditate, celebrate, and everything in between.”
Guests can enjoy all the experiences, facilities and amenities QT Gold Coast has to offer.
“The qtQT oasis encompasses The Landing, ideal for cocktail functions to morning yoga, and The Terrace, an outdoor kitchen fully equipped with smoker, wood fire oven and Argentinian grill for elevated al fresco dining,” Kennedy explained.
There is also the option of Curated Experiences, where a dedicated concierge, known as the Curator of Sunshine, collaborates with local partners to offer a more personalised guest experience.
“The Curator of Sunshine is a bespoke concierge who builds unique itineraries for qtQT guests, they can arrange a whisky tasting or dining at award-winning Yamagen, SpaQ treatments to the activities which awaits on the Coast,” he added.
Complex project
While every development has its challenges, qtQT was particularly complex, Kennedy explained. Not only did the cabins need to be built in a particular sequence, but the team also had to contend with significant wet weather events, COVID’s impact on resources, all the while ensuring little disruption to the QT hotel.
“Tiny doesn’t mean simple,” he said.
The fixed-size cabins were built by Alphaline Tiny Homes in Rocklea, Queensland before being transported to Gold Coast.
Kennedy said getting the right proportions was critical, with the design team needing to balance function with spatial design.
“The design team reviewed the guest experience and their needs from every perspective as the space is to be used for solo travellers looking to unplug, couples and group retreats,” he said.
“Most tiny homes are located in areas where acoustics, high winds, privacy and security are not a significant concern, whereas qtQT Cabins are an urban escape. These considerations have been remedied with keyless locks, block-out blinds double glazing for acoustics and designed for the Queensland climate.”