Romantic Hot Air Ballooning

Our first time hot air ballooning with Balloon Aloft Gold Coast

One early morning in the middle of August 2018 we waited in the lobby of the Mercure Gold Coast Resort for our first romantic hot air balloon experience to begin.

Soon we boarded a bus and took off to where our hot air balloon was waiting for us.

The huge balloons that were being inflated were visible from the road – I was just blown away by the sheer size of these structures and even more so as we started walking towards them after disembarking.

Just as our balloon looked ready to go, we received the sad news that we wouldn’t be flying that day as the wind conditions had become too unsafe to fly. It was a little disappointing getting back onto the bus after dreaming about it so long but we were happy that we could reschedule, which we did. Rather safe than sorry!

A week after, we were back at it and this time, when the bus arrived where the balloons were being prepared, we were told to make our way to the balloons quickly and get in!

Following the safety instructions I had read on the bus on the way there, we stepped into the big basket. More people got in and we had to huddle.

I started taking photos as the burners above us lit up – the warmth along with the wonderful sights and sounds was just marvelous.

When I looked down from looking up at the hauntingly beautiful flames and the insane depth of the big balloon, was the first time I realised that our balloon had already left the ground and we were floating! It really took me by surprise and so did the spectacular views that kept following – getting better and better. We were blown away by it all (quite literally and figuratively!).

Here’s a video of the experience:

Our balloon was equipped with a camera that was taking photos – what a great addition I thought, as it’s quite hard to get couple photos sometimes and I didn’t want to risk holding a selfie stick overboard lol The photos could be purchased from Aloft Balloon Gold Coast website within the next week of our balloon flight.

When I realised how fast this moment was going past, I made sure to pull my partner close for a kiss and a cuddle. It was amazing to be present in this wonderful moment together.

Just before we landed, we had to get into a brace position which involved bending our knees and holding onto the looped ropes inside the balloon.
The landing was very soft. The pilot asked us to stay into our braced positions as the balloon deflated and fell to the side which pulled the basket to fall over backwards. Glad I listened to the pilot and held on – it made it a fun little tumble and not scary at all 😀

We were fortunate that we landed in a stunning field and the light was still gorgeous from the sunrise. We took a few beautiful snaps.

We were really happy that we could help deflate and pack away the balloon (it’s optional) – it meant I got to feel the fabric of the balloon and learn so many interesting things about it. We had a great laugh packing it up – so much so that I fell over from laughing lol. What great memories.

You could hear all the excitement from the great experience everyone just had on the bus as we drove back to the hotel. We then got to enjoy a wonderful champagne and buffet breakfast at one of my favourite Gold Coast resorts – The Mecure Gold Coast Resort.

If you can stay over, I recommend doing so. Click here to read my recommendation and reasons for loving the resort so much.

Sharing a romantic hot air balloon ride was one of the absolute best experiences of our lives and I can’t recommend it enough! Before you go, click here to read 7 Things to Know Before You Go on Your First Romantic Hot Air Balloon Ride.