Health + Wellness

Surfers Paradise just became a little more serene with the arrival of Lan Bathhouse, a dreamy new wellness retreat offering a personalised spa experience designed for deep rejuvenation

Fice Recovery in Burleigh is designed to treat your body to serious R&R. Owned by a former professional boxer, it is a tropical recovery haven, complete with beautiful and invigorating hot and cold contrast therapy equipment. 

Vikasati Bathhouse has already made an indelible mark on Brisbane’s holistic wellness scene and has just launched its first Gold Coast location. 

Carving a little time out of your day for self-care just got easier for those in that 'awkward middle ground between the Gold Coast and Brisbane' with the opening of Merse Wellness Spa, a luxe new destination for relaxation and recuperation.

Update 29 July 2024: In celebration of National Friendship Day on 30 July, selected City Cave’s across Australia will open their doors to plus ones for a limited time, free of charge, with every couples float or sauna booking.

The Northern Gold Coast just got a whole lot swankier with the opening of the revamped Lagoon Beach Club. The $2.5 million beach club in the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is the first of its kind on the Northern Gold Coast and it's got lazy poolside days in the sunshine written all over it. 

The Gold Coast is home to a plethora of incredible fitness boutiques, but when one is founded on the mission to ‘make people feel f*cking awesome’, we listen. Meet Peaches Pilates Burleigh, a much-loved pilates franchise which is all about reframing how we thinking of fitness, offering a blend of mat pilates, barre and yoga classes.

The Facial Bar is the Gold Coast’s first dedicated premium facial experience, bringing high-end facial treatments and a luxury beauty destination to Mermaid Beach. The Facial Bar is driven by a strong ethos of prioritising self-care, skincare and overall wellbeing and is based on the belief that facials should be part of your luxury, everyday experience. Don’t mind if we do.

Spa by JW is the Gold Coast’s newest luxury wellness destination, situated within the JW Marriott Resort. The tranquil spa complements JW Marriott’s $35 million hotel transformation and is designed to be a beacon of tranquility among the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise.

Stunning architectural designs, elegant surrounds, sumptuous dining and luxurious pampering is what awaits you at The Banya Mullumbimby. Built on the bricks of a 1920’s bank, The Banya is a modern, experiential twist on a traditional European bathhouse and prides itself on curating an immersive social, bathing and dining experience. It’s unlike any day spa we’ve visited.

The Gold Coast’s most popular beachside shopping centre, The Oasis, has launched their brand-new Wellness Hub so you can kickstart 2023 with a new and improved focus on your health and wellbeing.

Co-founded by leading fitness instructor, Emma Masters, Therapy Fitness is one of the Gold Coast’s newest fitness concepts with three unique offerings. You can choose between a low-light, club-style cycle class, a hot pilates offering and a resistance-based treadmill and weights class. Or just choose all three. 

Some like it hot and NBHD Hot is definitely the hot spot for those intrepid folks. The Gold Coast’s first dedicated infrared hot pilates studio, NBHD Hot really turns things up with a fusion of strength training and pilates designed to sculpt, strengthen and tone, all while in an infrared heated room.

Set 30 Studio (aka S30 for those in the know) has recently swung open its doors in Mermaid Beach and we could not be more excited for this unique group weight and hybrid training studio to call the Gold Coast home. 

Set amongst lush rainforest, against the backdrop of a lovingly restored 100-year-old farmhouse, The Bathhouse At Ground is truly something special. Inspired by the natural surrounds and seamlessly blending nature into every aspect of the building’s design, the health sanctuary breathes relaxation. Expect lavish touches, natural textures and earthy, wooden tones which compliment the surrounding wilderness. 

Slip off your shoes, exhale and let any stress melt away when you step foot into the stunning new health sanctuary sprinkling its calming magic around the Gold Coast. Nestled in lush seaside escape Casuarina, Kalm Springs is an indulgent seaside health spa that is all about healing, rejuvenation and wellness from within.

Cardamom Pod is the OG of vegetarian eating in the heart of Broadbeach, where you can enjoy a weekend breakfast array of Insta-worthy waffles, pancakes, mermaid and acai bowls. They've also always had options for lunch and dinner, like vegetarian salads and hot savoury meals like shepherd’s pie, lasagne, curries, dahl and moussaka, but recently they've upped their dining game and we're loving it.

Kick off your shoes, take a deep breath and prepare to be transported to a luxurious, stress-free environment reminiscent of a tropical paradise. No, you’re not on an island getaway, you’ve just stepped into the heavenly Soak Bathhouse.

Tugun keeps impressing us with its mouthwatering eats and amazing coffee and Made Barber And Barista falls into the latter category.

One appointment at The Lash Spa and you’ll be absolutely hooked.

Set in dew-draped Currumbin Valley is the splendid Eden Health Retreat, occupying a sheer 120 hectares of tranquil promised land and fresh country air. Built with sustainability in mind, this holistic earthy-inspired retreat covers all aspects of wellness: fitness, nutrition, naturopathy and life coaching to name albeit a few indulgences.

Located high in the lush Gold Coast Hinterland is the famous Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. Offering the perfect balance of fitness, nutrition and heavenly rest, Gwinganna will soothe your soul—just what the doctor ordered. A picture-perfect infinity pool overlooking the hinterland hills and ocean is a great place to spend your afternoon after a day of spa pampering.

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous golden tan? What we don’t love is the harmful effect the sun can cause on our skin. Thankfully we’re blessed with a bunch of seriously good spray tan salons here on the Gold Coast, and they don’t come much greater than the crew at Bella Bronze.

The Studio Upstairs, which sits high above the hustle and bustle of Burleigh’s Connor Street, is a bright, calming oasis, home to a collective of talented hairdressers, make-up artists and yogis alike.

Sometimes you just need to treat yo’self. But not all spas are created equal. Which is why we’re here to steer you in the right, relaxing direction. And they don’t get much more relaxing than One Spa.

Forget everything you thought knew and had come to expect from a nail salon. Because ERVA is the total opposite. The Gold Coast’s first vegan and organic salon is the ultimate zen destination. From the stunning interior (think warm colours, soft lighting and thoughtful greenery) to the talented and sweet staff, you'll never want to leave this little slice of heaven.

When it comes to the brow game, no one does it better than the Amy Jean Brow Agency. With locations all over Australia and a celeb clientele to boot (Delta Goodrem, Sam Frost and Chloe Morello to name a few) you know you’re in excellent hands. 

When it comes to your tresses the team at Oscar Oscar in Broadbeach have got you covered, offering up a most luxe hairdressing experience. The bespoke salon, located at Pacific Fair, is sleek and modern with dark accents and moody lighting, making it the perfect spot for the ultimate pamper session. 

Nestled in the stunning beachside hood of Rainbow Bay—and conveniently around the corner from one of our favourite brekky nooks Little Mali—this intimate salon is the epitome of hair goals. Specialising in natural, stunning hair, if you’re after creamy, dreamy locks, this is your go to. Think soft balayage, baby lights and beach waves. 

Widely respected for his handiwork at family-owned Luigi & Sons barbershop, with over 30 years experience, Joey D’Adderio has expanded into a totally unique and versatile 376m2 warehouse in Bundall. Now the home base for Luigi & Sons’ mobile barbershop caravan, this concept barbershop boasts retro lounges, a pool table and pinball machines, industrial styling, vintage vibes, plus a silver Airstream that doubles as a bar—and regularly morphs into a rad backdrop for weddings and character-charged events. Ensuring this Gold Coast barber is more than just a place to get a haircut—Mobile Barber Shop Depot is a social community hub and the pride and joy of a talented man who infectiously lives and breathes his craft.

Operating on the Gold Coast since 1961—when father Luigi D’Adderio first immigrated to Australia from Italy—second-generation barbershop Luigi & Sons is the Coast’s long-running store. This family-orientated barber is now in the capable hands of son Lino who has more than 25 years experience under his belt, is a world-renowned ambassador for American Crew and has also developed his own man-grooming tool, the King Louis IX styling rake. What’s really cool is hearing stories of gents who were first taken to Luigi, Lino and brother Joey as boys, and are now returning with their own sons to keep the man-love and grooming tradition alive. No list of best barbers on the Gold Coast would be complete without this local institution.

Based in the Mermaid Beach nook neighbouring Lupo and Glenelg Public House, Zeppelin.B is seriously cool and has earned itself a dedicated following of loyal clients—who return again and again for friendly banter and fashion style cuts with attention to precision scissor work, texture and slicing. Recently recognised as a top five finalist for Best Barber of the Year at the esteemed 2019 Australian Hair Industry Awards, if you’re on the hunt for an absolute standout among the best Gold Coast barbers, Jase Alpen and his crew are legends around these parts. Bookings required.   

If there’s one thing we love, it’s when local businesses take off, and success stories don’t get much bigger than Alpha H. The beauty brand was founded on the Gold Coast by Michelle Doherty, who created Alpha H after experiencing her own skin struggles and desire for more effective treatments. In the two decades since it’s inception, the range has become the holy grail of beauty products, producing skincare that achieves clinical results with minimal effort. 

Sometimes you can find gems in the most unsuspecting of locations, which rings true for a newcomer to the top Gold Coast barbers list, Backbone Barbershop. Tucked away in a retail complex in the humming Currumbin Industrial Estate, Backbone Barbershop is the first solo venture for UK transplant and barber extraordinaire, Sam Squires. If you remember Sam from Alfred’s barber or Edwards & Co in Coolangatta, and were wondering where he’d disappeared off to, now you can book your seat for cutthroat shaves, fades, cuts and all the modern barbering services.

Fellas looking for fresh cuts and cool vibes on the northern end of the Coast need to book themselves in with The Lost Boys. The talented crew will hook you up with slick fades and perfectly tailored beards all in the comfort of their super sweet digs. The place has all the charm and class of an old school barbershop but with modern quirks. And by that we mean a bar serving up Stone & Wood to quench your thirst. The combination of a relaxed, chilled out atmosphere and top-notch service means you’ll no doubt make this spot your go-to. 

We’re not sure what we love more? The magic the team at HACQ work on our locks or their new beachside digs. After transforming the tresses of gals and guys on the Gold Coast for over 13 years, Marissa and her team have waved goodbye to their Burleigh Heads home and have relaunched in gorgeous Currumbin. And trust us, it’s the perfect little sanctuary for you to get pampered. 

If you love natural, totally gorge hair then we’ve found the salon for you. At Gilston Four, the team are all about embracing your own beauty and know just how to take your locks to the next level. The intimate salon has only, yep you guessed it, four chairs, so you’re always made to feel super spesh, whether that be having your champagne glass constantly topped up or sampling one of owner Jason’s daily sweet treats—his creations are just as incredible as his hairdressing skills, delish! The space oozes luxury with sheer black curtains, lush hanging greenery and pendant lights. But despite its swanky appearance you won’t find an ounce of pretence here. You might arrive a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like one of the family—and looking like a goddess. 

Is it just us or does a good brow make you feel like you can take on the world? If you’re nodding your head along with us then you’ll want to pay the talented gang at the iBrow Boutique a visit asap. The Mermaid Beach salon is a tranquil little oasis were, after a consultation on your wants and needs, the technicians will work their magic giving you the perfect set of brows. But that’s not all they do. They also specialise in lash lifts (this is a game changer) as well as spray tans, cosmetic tattooing, make up and a bunch of heavenly skin treatments—there’s even a mini teen facial, sah cute. So if you’re looking to treat yo’self (and you should, every damn day we reckon) then you know where to go.

If you’ve been cruising along the GC HWY and spotted what looked like an adorable weatherboard house with a group of genetically blessed people hanging out the front, then you’ve found The Front Yard. The cute-as-a-button former home has been transformed into a creative hub with a gallery, coffee nook, nail bar and uber cool salon. So you can basically walk in looking like a hot mess and strut out looking like a 10! We dig that. 

If you’re after swoon-worthy hair – who isn’t? – then the talented crew at Edwards and Co have got you covered. The brand, which has a celeb following including the likes of Lara Worthington and Samara Weaving, has an impressive six salons across the country and we’re lucky enough to have one right here on the Goldie. Nestled in the heart of Budds Beach away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise, this little gem is absolutely one to pay a visit.

You know from the name this place is going to be straight-up adorable, and it totally is. The former convenience store-turned-café is honestly so gorgeous you’ll find yourself dropping ‘so cute’ comments the second you step inside. There’s wall to wall bookshelves crammed with colour-coordinated reads, fairy lights strung up next to a chandelier and Persian rugs cover the floor. But despite its obvious beauty, Bumbles – nestled in the heart of Budds Beach - is homely and warm, serving up a menu that makes the simplest thing unbelievably tasty. Or, if you’re feeling daring, you can have what we at The Urban List call a backwards day, where you eat dessert for breakfast and work your way back until you’re having breakfast for dessert. In this case, red velvet cake for brekkie is a safe bet. One of the best breakfasts in Surfers Paradise? You bet! They also make a cracking cuppa and offer high tea on the weekend. What are you waiting for? 

Size definitely does not matter when it comes to creating a tranquil space, so sashay upstairs at Cornerstone Stores to Earth Essence’s private treatment room. With its leafy outlook, here you can indulge in an organic spa menu from facials to manis and pedis, waxing, microdermabrasion, eye lash extensions and tanning. Or, benefit from a technology originally developed by NASA to grow plants in space—infrared light treatment for cell generation and anti aging. Ah, it sounds like we all need a little Earth Essence in our lives.

Fitness mavens, if you’re lurking around the southern end and NEED a new something-something for your activewear collection, this one is for you! Walk through the doors at Prae Store in the beautiful Cornerstone Stores precinct, and you’ll be whisked into a calming boutique lined with hand-selected active wear pieces from P.E. Nation, First Base and Nimble. Together with a range of teas, incense and natural skin care ranges; Prae Store stocks make up by Inika, serums and creams by Cedar + Stone and Edible Beauty, plus more. Not forgetting a wellness-focussed collection of fine jewellery and stones from By Charlotte and Violet Grey, respected for their therapeutic characteristics, and you’re practically gliding into an I-want-to-buy-everything dream. 

Offering a few different class options from beginner, intermediate and reformer to HIIT and Met Con (metabolic conditioning) this compact Miami studio will help you on your way to a toned bod and refreshed mind in no time. Precision is a huge focus at Pilates and Co. and because of this your workout ensures you stay incredibly mindful as you concentrate on aligning your posture, lifting your pelvic floor, keeping your spine in neutral, lengthening your limbs and the timing of your breath. Complicated much? The smiling staff are superb at talking you through each step with the goal being inner control, and complete coordination of body and mind. Located upstairs of Kira & Kira on the Gold Coast Highway, Pilates & Co.’s introductory offer of four sessions for $80 is one not to be missed. 

With only six reformers, The Pilates Pad boasts an intimate setting where each session is tailored to your request with the instructors focussed on helping each individual achieve their goals from injury rehabilitation, to increasing strength and stability, staying active during a pregnancy or just for overall body tone, The Pilates Pad really benefits everyone. This is the kind of space where you will form friendships and feel part of a tight-knit family. With locations in both Nobby Beach and Varsity Lakes, there will almost always be a reformer free at this, one of the best Pilates studios on the Gold Coast. 

Upon walking into this Pilates studio you will be instantly transported to what feels like a Bali retreat; with whitewashed timber floors, a vertical garden wall, leather chairs and pouffes, the most beautiful lampshades, and the ocean lapping not too far away. The Body Method’s light wooden reformer carriages which you’ll melt into (and make you forget you are actually there to workout) also contribute to the comfortable, relaxing and luxurious vibe of this place. 

If you’ve ever treated yourself to a long wine-fuelled lunch or perhaps splashed out on a fanciful weekend getaway, you can attest that Cabarita’s dreamy Halcyon House is the kinda place you wish you could shut off from reality and hide away forever. A recent addition to this whimsical beachside resort, while Halcyon Spa is not technically on the Gold Coast, it is absolutely worth the short jaunt south across the border if you’re looking for the ultimate day spa experience. Designed by the same creative hands behind the adjoining boutique hotel and Paper Daisy restaurant, Halcyon Spa is wrapped in crisp white stucco walls, with those signature breezeblocks and archways hiding relaxation areas and calming courtyards. Inside, you’ll find accents of Moroccan mosaics, honey timber floors, upholstered wallpaper and bespoke mismatched textiles and furnishings that somehow marrying together effortlessly. There’s also a Hammam-inspired domed steam room, where you can bliss out pre or post-treatment to maximise the rejuvenation experience

The arrival of Azure Spa & Fitness is another final piece of the puzzle in The Star Gold Coast’s staggering transformation. Quickly taking its place among the best day spas on the Gold Coast, step past the doors and be transported to a tranquil oasis. Choose from an indulgent treatment menu including luxe facials and massage to signature body treatments, manis and pedis, plus offerings just for the gents. With seven treatment rooms at the ready, guests are welcome to take advantage of the high-tech fitness room and sprawling resort pool to extend their experience.

If you’re a Pilates fan, you’ll already be familiar with The Body Method brand, who boast one of the most attractive studios on the Coast. An organic expansion of their flagship studio in Tugun, this larger, even more magical new space hosts yoga, Barre, meditation, as well as Pilates and workshops (from pregnancy yoga to women’s wellness), and we’re so ready to sign up. Seriously, this dreamy, light-soaked space needs to be experienced to be believed, and it’ll be impossible to walk away from a class without slipping into a total Zen-like state of mind.

Pops of pink, loads of white, nude wood and cute pendant lights above the sunny window nook make this place totally Pinnable. But there’s so much more to this gem than the interior. Easily one of the best hairdressers on the Gold Coast, Kerri and her team at Zanzi Hairdressing are pros at delivering perfectly primed cuts and colours. With a holistic approach to hairdressing, eco-friendly Zanzi is part of the Sustainable Salons program, where 95% of salon waste is carefully recycled. Zanzi has also eliminated the need for unnecessary paper (there are iPads instead of magazines!) and exclusively uses organic OWAY products that are free from toxic chemicals, while still providing a quality treatment without comprising the health of the hair, client and environment. You'll find Zanzi Hairdressing in the stunning Cornerstone Stores precinct in Currumbin-Tugun.

Cornerstone Stores is a labour of love for a family of long-time locals, who’ve held onto this Gold Coast Highway-side block for the last four years while they planned their build. Among the gorge stores there's Stable Coffee & Kitchen; a new yoga, Pilates and meditation centre by The Body Method; Quince Fromagerie (with a freakin’ walk-in cheese room); organic hairdresser Zanzi Hair; indoor plants by The Borrowed Nursery, Essence of Beauty; Little Loves babyswear; plus curated lifestyle boutiques Kind Curations and Prae Store. 

Boasting one of the most beautiful and spacious salons on the Coast, contemporary art gallery at the rear and a dedicated dude’s corner with a fulltime barber, you could say Maverick Hair & Art Space has got it all going on. 

Beauty gurus, raise your contouring brushes, this cruelty-free, non-toxic beauty bar in Nobby Beach is seriously worth a look-see. Y’know how some planet-friendly makeup can look kinda like the innards of an old avocado stuffed into a sad brown bag and slapped with a hand-written label? Well, this is totally not that place. 

It’s no longer a woman’s world where only us gals are carving out hours for self indulgence—guys, now you understand the pleasure of being primped and groomed. Another top shop among the best barbers on the Gold Coast, you’ll love Shipwreck Barber’s man den atmosphere where you can sip on a smooth spiced rum while the cool gents get you looking your best with clean shaves and classic cuts.

They say good things come in small packages, which stands true for Coolangatta hole-in-the-wall grooming den, The Barberoy. We love the vintage-inspired interior dressed with wallpaper, pressed metal, and a gorgeous old wood floor; combined with classic full-service extras such as hot and cold towels, massage, and Turkish ear fluff singeing. And with just enough space for two clients at a time, you’re assured of some bro love and attention from the expert owner-operator scissorhands. 

Isle of Capri's Barber Bros & Co. is a hands down favourite among Gold Coast locals. This stylish team of passionate barbers live and breathe their trade, so it’s little wonder gents flock to this traditional full-service barber shop for beard scaping, perfectly manicured moustaches, hot towel cut throat shaves, and expert rockabilly and hipster hair styling. We know you won’t knock back a complimentary JD or Corona while you’re there, either; these are the kinda guys all other barbers aspire to. Walk ins only. 

Organic beauty spa, Earth & Skin is soothing all our stresses away. Located in a stunning Queenslander-style cottage at the entrance to Mudgeeraba, this sanctuary is just what you need: calming, quiet and heavenly. Offering a range of holistic treatments including signature massage experiences, organic facials, sugaring, eyebrow shaping, eco spray tans or incredibly blissful manis and pedis, Earth & Skin is the spa getaway of your dreams.

Without question, Freedom Float Centre is one of the best and most innovative wellness centres on the Gold Coast. Here you’ll find three state-of-the-art floatation pods that are filled with Epsom salt-infused water—that’s a similar density to the Red Sea and warmed to body temperature. Strip to your birthday suit, flick out the lights, lay back and surrender to a relaxed meditative state that promotes healing and reduces stress.

Hidden away in a non-descript Robina shopping plaza, Whiskey Lane has made a name as the go-to for those seeking traditional old school Americana ink work. Recreating a vintage American style tattoo parlour, eclectic frames lining the studio walls are filled with hand sketched flash by the in house artists, so slide on in and take your pick! Whiskey Lane is also well known for their bi annual 'flash days' when any pickings off the day’s flash sheet can be inked for just $50.

Exclusively vegetarian, using nothing but fresh and unadulterated ingredients, Nude Sisters Whole Food Cafe is an inviting space with a vibrant all-day menu that’s fast luring those Gold Coasters who are meticulously counting their calorie intake, while refusing to give up on their social brunching dates. Bright, white and minimalistic décor with blonde wood, polished cement floors and dusty pink accents is totally trending right now, providing a clean backdrop where the garden-fresh, fragrant ingredients and decadent desserts can take centre stage.