If you haven’t been to Broadbeach for a while, it’s time to book a weekend away and discover how this beachside town has grown into one of the most cosmopolitan destinations on the Gold Coast.
Already a picture-perfect spot for a coastal escape, now world-class food and wine, shopping and pampering just sweeten the deal! Here’s how to make the most of your romantic weekend getaway in Broadbeach.
Friday afternoon
Check into your room at the stylish AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, situated on the beachside of Broadbeach. Within walking distance of everywhere you’ll be visiting over the weekend, AVANI Broadbeach offers an upscale home-away-from-home experience in their spacious apartments. With the choice of hinterland, ocean-facing or premier sky-high ocean-view rooms, your holiday base boasts an open-plan layout complete with fully equipped kitchen (we doubt you’ll use it — Broadbeach is the Gold Coast’s dining mecca!), lounge/dining with Smart TV and complimentary WiFi, and laundry facilities. Soak up those glorious GC ocean vistas from your private balcony and feel the daily grind start to wash away on the sea breeze.
Once you’ve dropped your bags and checked out the view, pop on your active gear and get out and explore for an hour. Walk up through the mall, over to the esplanade where you’ll be greeted by one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland: Broadbeach. It doesn’t matter if you turn left or right for a stroll — just be sure to visit the Kurrawa Surf Club on your way back for an afternoon cocktail.
Friday night
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in Broadbeach.
A few of our favourites include Mecca Bah for casual Middle Eastern food and Mediterranean cuisine (the salads are a highlight for us) and Social Eating House + Bar, located on stylish Oracle Avenue. This is one of the best restaurants in the area, if not all the Gold Coast, and offers European cuisine cooked to absolute perfection. Bookings are essential for this buzzing restaurant and bar — and be sure to indulge in one of their famous cocktails.
Saturday morning
After breakfast, hit the beach for an early morning dip before indulging in a full dose of retail therapy. Prep your credit card for Queensland’s biggest shopping centre, Pacific Fair, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. More than 400 shops and restaurants encompass a stellar mix of high-end window shopping (time for that Hermès scarf?) and affordable chic. You’ll easily kill an entire morning here.
Need more? Head over to The Oasis shopping centre: three floors of shops, restaurants and hair & beauty salons plus a supermarket, fitness centre, and yoga studio. You’ll want to grab a bite to eat right about now — try Mario’s Italian, a Broadbeach institution. Or, for the best dim sum in town, take a seat at Sky Broadbeach on Surf Parade, at the entrance to Oracle Broadbeach.
Saturday afternoon
Right next door to The Oasis is The Oracle Broadbeach, home to Endota Spa. A treatment here is a fitting reward after an exhausting shopping trip.
We hear the ‘Spa Mix’ package: footbath, facial, pedicure and massage is particularly divine (and yes, it’s for him as well as her!).
Saturday evening
For a final slap-up dinner to celebrate a perfect romantic getaway, book a table at The Star Gold Coast’s famous Japanese restaurant, Kiyomi. This is Chase Kojima’s first restaurant in Queensland and the internationally recognised chef has enjoyed rave reviews since day one for his cutting-edge modern Japanese menu that uses unique combinations to create innovative, surprising dishes. Cases in point: scampi with foie gras, white soy, apple and mizuna salad; binchotan duck breast with beetroot, sansho pepper and wasabi; and salmon robata with ssamjang miso and watercress. Delicious.
The menu is tantalising, the cocktails and sake wickedly good, and the decor slick — the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable dinner on a romantic weekend getaway.
Sunday morning
A sleep-in is optional, but a lazy Sunday breakfast is most definitely not.
Just next to AVANI Broadbeach is one of the most Instagrammable menus on the Gold Coast. Don’t let the fact that Cardamon Pod is vegan put you off. The meals are exciting, eclectic and flavourful: an experience for the senses, with recipes based on Hare Krishna-style cooking. Visually they’re almost too beautiful to eat, but when you do dig in, prepare to have any preconceptions about vegetarian food being bland or boring blown away! All produce is sourced locally and organic where possible.
Inspired? Start planning your Broadbeach escape with AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences Image credits: www.facebook.com/avanihotelsau, www.facebook.com/SocialEatingHouseBar, www.destinationgoldcoast.com, www.endotaspa.com.au, The Star Gold Coast and Destination Gold Coast
