If you’re feeling a bit burnt out, craving some ‘me’ time or have simply saved up a couple days of annual leave, perhaps it’s about time to book a long weekend away.
A short but sweet holiday can be just the thing to recharge the soul. Plus, research shows that a little getaway can increase positivity, productivity and mindfulness, so you can return to work and life feeling centred and truly refreshed.
The new wellness destination on our radar? Southern Gold Coast. From luxurious retreats to premium restaurants, this is a pocket of the Queensland city that goes beyond the theme-parks, beaches and water sports you might be expecting.
Here we share our detailed itinerary on where to stay, eat and relax across the Southern Gold Coast. This is your official invitation to unwind.
Friday
Stay: Check into Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, a half hour drive from the Gold Coast airport. Nestled in Tallebudgera Valley, this health retreat combines organic living with spa treatments, movement (such as hiking and yoga) and relaxation. With calming ocean and valley views, this wellness retreat is designed to soothe the mind, body and soul.
Eat: For lunch, indulge in nutritious cuisine at Gwinganna’s dining room overlooking the infinity pool. The menu revolves around seasonal, local and organic wholefoods, with each dish created to aid digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome. It’s the health kick you didn’t know you needed.
Relax: Walk off your long lunch in the Gold Coast’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest. Under an hour’s drive from the retreat, the Twin Falls circuit at Springbrook National Park is a gentle four kilometre walk through a serene eucalypt forest. Once you’ve returned to Gwinganna and refreshed, head to the dining room to enjoy the inclusive dinner option.
Saturday
Stay: Wake up surrounded by nature in the privacy of your villa, premium suite, or heritage house. At Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, you can choose to start the day with a beautiful hike, walk, or guided moving meditation—all before a nourishing breakfast at the retreat.
Eat: Once again, return to Gwinganna’s dining room for an all-inclusive lunch. Each meal is designed with a nutritionist and made with produce harvested from the retreat’s on-site gardens, so expect an abundance of salads, vegetables and lean protein.
Relax: The largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere, Gwinganna’s Spa Sanctuary, awaits you once you finish lunch. Choose to unwind with a variety of wellness treatments, from naturopathy to massage and facials, or slow down and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of an infrared sauna. The choice is yours. The minimum stay at Gwinganna is two nights, so enjoy another evening and dinner at the retreat before moving on to your next stay.
Sunday
Stay: After a final breakfast at Gwinganna, take a quick 25-minute drive along the picturesque coast and check into the boutique hotel, Tessa’s on the Beach at Bilinga. This revamped beachside bungalow retains all the charm and nostalgia of its original 1970s roots while boasting modern new age flair, from the pink driveway to the terraced apartments. Watch the waves roll in from your room or duck over for a dip, as the hotel sits right on the beach.
Relax: Wash off the sea salt and dive straight into the healing waters at The Bathhouse at Ground. Set amongst a tropical backdrop in Currumbin, this hydrotherapy centre allows you to enjoy the sauna, hot tub or mineral-enriched plunge pool—or better yet, all three. It’ll take you less than 15 minutes to get there and the Ground is equipped with a holistic cafe, Pasture & Co, so you can unwind then replenish.
Eat: For your last night’s fare, don’t pass up Coolangatta’s Baskk Italian. This brand new bar and restaurant serves signature cocktails to toast your trip. Try the refreshing watermelon long island while you devour a share plate or two. Grazing has never looked or tasted better with a slew of garlic prawns, heirloom bruschetta and antipasto charcuterie laid out on the table as the ocean waves dance just beyond the outdoor deck.
Brought to you by Destination Gold Coast.
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