First residents have moved into the Gold Coast’s newest absolute beachfront tower Royale as finishing touches are made to its crowning double-storey penthouse.
The 38-level tower at 7-9 Northcliffe Tce, Surfers Paradise, is the signature $400 million-plus development of DD Living founder David Devine, who has retained the sprawling penthouse as his own.
Speaking with pride on the rarity of securing the 2,251 sqm northeast-facing corner site on Markwell Ave, Mr Devine said the position offered protection from prevailing southerly winds and afternoon shade, allowing residents to use sun-drenched balconies year-round.
“The brief was, I want people to walk along the beach when this building is finished, look up and say, ‘that’s where I want to live’,” Mr Devine said.
Designed by DKO Architecture, Royale’s striking facade was created to mirror a pandanus tree, with strategic night up-lighting to “lift the building” and make it a coastal beacon.
Inside, sweeping private facilities set a new benchmark for high-end living. The centrepiece is Club Royale, a 560sqm first-floor retreat operating as an exclusive members’ club.
It features a teppanyaki dining room, a commercial-grade kitchen, executive meeting rooms, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar with dedicated whiskey storage.
“During my time on trips to America, I’d drop off at Hawaii and stay at the Pink Palace, which was made famous by Tony Curtis, the actor,” Mr Devine said. “So, this bar is all pink stone, and a reflection of the Pink Palace.”
Outside, a private beach club features two elevated pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean — a 25-metre lap pool and a resort-style lagoon — surrounded by landscaped gardens.
A dedicated wellness zone includes a 110 sqm glass-framed gymnasium overlooking the sand, alongside a yoga terrace, steam room, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools.
TOTAL Property Group managing director Adrian Parsons said prestige buyers increasingly expected a complete lifestyle experience extending well beyond their front door.
Mr Parsons noted a surge in local and interstate demand, stating inquiry rates across their beachfront developments had almost doubled in 2026 compared to 2025.
“We’re noticing other markets around the country that are certainly slowing and dipping, but people have woken up to what we have on the Gold Coast,” Mr Parsons said.
“We are really the envy of the property markets around Australia.”
Mr Parsons said the fully furnished, four-bedroom sky home had “generous, house-sized” proportions designed for wealthy downsizers.
“We’re seeing that demand for large-format apartments outstrip demand for houses,” Mr Parsons said.
“A lot of that has to do with the lifestyle… practically zero maintenance, lock up and leave, go travelling.”
With interiors by Mim Design and constructed by Hutchinson Builders, Royale Gold Coast is now complete. Fully furnished display apartments are open by private appointment.
Originally Published in Realestate.com.au by Property Journalist, Viva Hyde. View online article HERE.