I recently had the incredible opportunity to capture the essence of Gold Coast icon, The Imperial Hotel (formerly Palazzo Versace). My family joined me for this special assignment, allowing us to experience firsthand the perfect blend of beachside luxury and world-class hospitality.

First Impressions:

Stepping into the dramatic marble reception is an absolutely breathtaking experience. Ornate golden chandeliers throw the most gorgeous warm light, while vaulted ceilings and hand-crafted mosaics take you right to the shores of the Amalfi Coast. Italian vibes and Gold Coast charm that sets the stage for the experience to come.

The Experience

From the moment you walk in, this place just oozes luxury and style. Here are some of my favorite touches we discovered during our stay:

Beautiful rooms with gorgeous bathrooms packed with fancy amenities
Stunning Italian tiles and carpets that'll make your jaw drop
A dreamy lagoon pool that's perfect for both family fun and Instagram shots
The most amazing breakfast spread you can imagine
A gorgeous marina with views that'll take your breath away

The staff here really know how to make you feel special. They were so lovely with my kids, engaging them from the start, which made our stay feel more like a luxury family vacation than a work trip.

The Food

Le Jardin is definitely one of my favorite spots in the hotel - it's perfect for high tea, amazing cocktails, and catching up with friends.

I got to photograph their famous Couture High Tea service and upcoming Mother's Day menu, and I'm pretty excited about how the shots turned out! I decided to use the sparkling pool water as a backdrop, which created this gorgeous backlit effect. The hotel team loved it - apparently no other photographer had tried that angle before!

The high tea spread was absolutely stunning, a real feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Think beautiful pastries, tasty savoury bites, and classic scones served with thick double cream and homemade jams. Easy to photograph, hard not to eat!

Being both behind the camera and a guest was such an amazing experience. I loved playing with the contrast between the elegant indoor setting and the glittering pool outside. These ended up being some of my favourite shots from the day, proving that sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can find new magic in even the most photographed places.