Wedding season is almost here! If you're planning your big day and need to lock down the perfect venue, we've got some good news. A new contender for your dream wedding venue is opening this August and it promises a picturesque setting for your nuptials. Introducing Kwila Lodge, the coast's newest (and at the same time, one of the oldest) wedding and events space. more
If you daydream about hitting pause on the daily grind and heading into the wilderness for the weekend only to come crashing back to reality when you remember that you lack the necessary equipment, skills and time it takes to plan such endeavours, say hello to Heart & Lava – the Gold Coast's newest nature-based adventure company. Created and imagined by three intrepid wanderers, Heart & Lava is intended to help guide you out of your comfort zone and into the great outdoors with a range of consciously curated and all-inclusive retreats. Here's everything you need to know ... more
As plant parents, we take our responsibility very seriously. We nurture and tend to our plant babies – watering them, pruning them and making sure they get the perfect amount of sunlight. Palm Beach plant design studio Vessel and Green understands the importance of plant parenthood, and its mission is to help every plant lover become the plant parent they wish to be. Looking to improve on your plant-caring skills or add to your growing brood? This leaf-laden locale is well worth the visit. more
We may think of a day at the museum as a relaxing couple of hours spent strolling through galleries, but what if we told you that there's a unique Queensland museum that requires you to dig a little deeper? Underneath the ocean, to be specific. This Ariel-approved gallery is called the Museum of Underwater Art, and it recently gained a new exhibition, which melds real-life figures with big-blue artefacts. more
Calling all parents with tiny tradies! Get the little ones out of the sandpit and into the car as they're graduating to the big leagues – Australia's first mini excavator park for kids has opened in the Scenic Rim and its just an hour's drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. more
If your ears prick up at the mention of tequila and can't ever say no to a margarita, we have some very exciting news – the Gold Coast has welcomed Australia's first margarita-inspired hotel room. It's called The Herradura Hacienda and you'll find it within the delightfully retro The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta. Here's everything you need to know ... more
If you've ever daydreamed about cruising through the waterways on your own private boat while grazing on cheese boards and sipping champagne, only to be abruptly catapulted back to reality when you realise that you don't actually own a boat, let alone have a licence to drive one, then we have news for you. A fleet of eco-friendly electric-powered picnic boats has launched its sixth Australian location at Isle of Capri – no licence is required, and you can BYO snacks, sips and dogs. What an ideal scenario! more
Serious about getting strikes while bowling? Eager to push your pals around in dodgem cars? Perhaps you've got a self-proclaimed MVP status at shooting hoops? If you have a competitive nature that won't quit, then rally your mates and head to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Surfers Paradise, a one-stop entertainment destination that offers up hours of endless fun. more
There’s a new type of gym format that is taking off on the coast – one that's championing body positivity, community and movement as self-care. Currumbin’s brand-new gym and recovery space Move Headquarters is making change in the fitness industry with its mission to create a safe and supportive place where its members can be empowered through movement. Not just a gym, Move Headquarters boasts strength and conditioning classes, as well as recovery services like a sauna and ice bath. Before you pop on your activewear, read on for a few more deets … more
There's something undeniably romantic about hitting the road in search of adventure. Bags packed, destination flexible. If you enviously scroll #vanlife posts on Instagram but aren't quite ready to quit your 9-5 for life on the road just yet, Gold Coast-based Rolling Playground gives you a little taste of the fun without the commitment or maintenance. more
Sometimes when we're feeling the pressure at work or we're inundated with life's stresses, we like to imagine ourselves in a peaceful sanctuary where relaxation is the only thing that matters. Well, this peaceful sanctuary is actually a lot closer than you think – it's located in the heart of Fortitude Valley at Hotel X. The luxe 146-room hotel, lifestyle and dining destination has just announced its newest – and perhaps most ambitious – package to date, a fully-catered yoga retreat. more
While settling in to our couch with a big bowl of popcorn is pretty swell, there's nothing quite like the real cinema experience – and when we go out, we want to level up the luxury factor. That's why we're so excited to share the news that Brisbane's long-standing boutique cinema, Cinebar Licensed Cinemas, is expanding and heading south to deliver a brand-new dining and entertainment experience at The Strand at Coolangatta. Opening in April, this premium cinema offers the ultimate date night ... more
Getting yourself into a fitness routine that's regular, makes you feel good and is worth getting out of bed for isn't the easiest of feats. Mermaid Waters fitness studio Therapy Fitness is making working out simple – and fun – with three signature classes that are sure to have you sweating with a smile. more
Those who have ventured to The Village Markets in Burleigh may have caught their eye on the lovingly made ceramics on display at Thrown Pottery's jam-packed stall. The Gold Coast business is brimming with treasures that will liven up any abode and now you have the chance to get creative with clay at Thrown Pottery’s brand-new range of workshops. more
If you've spent a fair amount of time this summer scouting Instagram for cute beach accessories and inflatable pool toys, then you've probably come across Pool Buoy. Not your average kiddie pool slinger, the brand boasts a range of designer inflatable pools that are sure to transport you back to the 60s and 70s. It's the perfect summer accessory – all you have to do is add water! more
In the words of Shirley Bassey, diamonds are forever. If you like the idea of permanent jewellery, get along to Sarah & Sebastian's pop-up at HOTA this month and have a ten-karat gold chain seamlessly soldered onto your wrist. The pop-up is part of the brand's SOLDERED ON THE ROAD tour, which is making its way around Australia. more
There's a reason people flock to Burleigh Heads – it's breathtakingly beautiful and provides the perfect backdrop to roll out a rug and while the day away with a portable grazing platter and excellent company. The only real downside is that everyone on the coast has the same idea, so it can be hard to find some space to spread out. We thought we'd take a look at a few alternatives that are a little more off-the-beaten track for your weekend explorations. Here are some sensational picnic spots (that aren't Burleigh Hill) that are worth a look. more
Right about now, the post-holiday blues are setting in, hard. Those blissful, seemingly neverending days where you can float in between Christmas and New Year's are well and truly behind us and it's back to the grindstone for most of us. If your New Year's resolution involved slowing down, reconnecting and valuing wellness, we have some exciting news that can help you on your merry way – the northern New South Wales town of Mullumbimby has welcomed a gorgeous new immersive social, bathing and dining experience called The Banya. Here's everything you need to know ... more
A cheeky getaway is always a great time, but it can be slightly spoiled by the fact that when you leave the house with your weekend bag in tow, there's a certain someone giving you the puppy-dog eyes as you leave. If your canine companion hates being left out of your weekend plans, then we have the solution for you – take them on a deluxe escape to Hotel X, which has just launched its new Fetch & Stay package. more
Attention fun-seekers – a brand-spanking-new 'grammable experience is about to land in Surfers Paradise. A hotel-bar-playhouse brimming with immersive rooms filled with giant Rubik's Cubes, mini basketball courts, ball pits and more, Hijinx Hotel is the place to check in this summer if you're seeking playful wonder. more
