This is five star plus - the hosts and staff go that extra mile for all guests to ensure perfection, not only in the magnificent location, also in unique style and architecture, comfort, food and wine.
Regina Lee

We spent the last two nights of our one month trip to Australia/New Zealand at Ruffles Lodge. We stayed at a lot of fantastic hotels, lodges and B&Bs. Ruffles was simply the best. Understated Luxury. Gorgeous Grounds. Wonderful Hosts. Delicious Food.

Admittedly, it was the priciest of all our hotels, but not so much that it wasn't worth every penny.

If there was a downside, it was the remote location and the fairly difficult winding drive through the 50 acre property to the lodge. But, while it was sometimes inconvenient, you could easily argue that it was the perfect getaway. I would go back for sure and would also recommend it to anyone seeking a unique place to stay in the Gold Coast.

Our very positive view of Ruffles was in spite of the fact that we had near continuous rain for our two day stay. The rain and fog did detract from what could have been a spectacular view of the sea and skyline of Surfer's Paradise. It cleared just long enough for us to see the skyline. While remote, the location was ideal as long as you had a car. I couldn't imagine staying there without a car unless you wanted total seclusion. It was about a twenty minute drive to the Gold Coast beaches. In the other direction was Mt. Tamborine and the neat shops and wineries--also about a twenty minute drive.

Back at the lodge, your day begins with a generous breakfast and ends with dinner prepared by the Ruffles chef. The owners, Jan and John, are former charter boat operators from Sydney. They cater to your every whim and host a pre-dinner wine and canape gathering of the guests. The three course dinner is first rate and a bargain at $AUD 50 per person. The "dinner party" setting gives you a chance to meet fellow travelers. It's more like visiting good friends for dinner rather than staying at a hotel.

The "rooms" are actually private bungalows with balconies and large, marble baths. It was the nicest accomodation on our trip and that includes some of the best lodging in Australia. We were in the standard villa, but we did get a peek at the Executive Suite. If you can afford $AUD 600 per night, go for the Executive Suite. It was phenomenal.

I'm sorry we only had two days and that it rained for most of our time at Ruffles. It only makes us want to return. Which we surely will.

Jan and John were most gracious hosts. The grounds and villas were beautiful.The food and company were so good that we had dinner at the lodge each night of our stay.
Looking forward to the chance to return.

Ruffles Lodge fulfills a traveler's hopes and dreams with spectacular accomodations, breathtaking views, customized cuisine, a charming hostess and erudite host. If you're in the neighborhood, stay here.