Girls just wanna have fun…on the Gold Coast!

It’s confession time!

I’ve lived in Brisbane for the past 20 years, and in planning a birthday weekend with my bestie Angela it dawned on me that I’ve never done a girls’ weekend on the Gold Coast (whhhaaaat??). So with one of the world’s best beaches at my doorstep, it was decided.

Friday morning comes around quickly, and to make life easy I decide to take an early mark from work for my drive down to the GC. Angela lives in Sydney, so for her it’s just a quick flight directly into Coolangatta #tooeasy.

We arrive at our hotel for the weekend; Peppers Broadbeach. Right in the heart of Broadbeach between the shops and the beach, we just couldn’t be happier. Until we walk into our room. #OMG our lush two-bedroom ocean-view room is pristine. The bathrooms are to die for, the kitchenette a great addition (although it will go untouched for the rest of the weekend… apart from empty champagne glasses!). Our apartment is well-appointed with all the luxuries (fluffy white bathrobes!) you could want, and with further exploration we find that the resort facilities are equally impressive #pooltime.

After a quick freshen-up, we decide to explore the local restaurants. Now, Angela is a big pork belly fan, so the moment she spies the Bavarian Beir Café our fate is sealed. We kick off with cocktails (girls weekend – check) and decide to order more pork than two girls should really be able to eat #nailedit. After dinner the lure of a third cocktail is strong, but we decide to turn in early; we have a full day tomorrow with some serious pampering on the cards.

There is nothing that whispers “Holidays” more than waking up to the sound of the ocean. The Gold Coast over-delivers. I step out onto our balcony and am greeted with a stunning GC day… the city tension in my neck begins to loosen, I’m slipping into holiday mode. In order to work up an appetite (like we need an excuse), Ange and I decide to take a walk along the famous coastline before we hit breakfast. If there is one thing that is a #mustdo on the Gold Coast, it’s to get your toes in the sand and some sun on your face. After a 30-minute walk on the beach, we decide that we’ve put in enough to justify breakfast.

The Gold Coast café society is alive and well with plenty of options. We pick Alto Cucina & Bar and it becomes our breakfast haunt for the rest of the trip. We’re greeted by Lynda and shown to a comfy booth. Never one to go past a homemade banana bread (served with honey ricotta, almonds and yoghurt, thank you very much), my mind is quickly made up. Ange opts for a Healthy Choice breakfast – pretty much bacon and eggs with a few healthy substitutions for good measure. Coffees and fresh juices all round. Breakfast is done.

With a beach walk and breakfast done, the natural choice would be a spot of shopping (girls weekend – please!). Now, the GC is not short of great shopping spots, but with the knowledge of the new North-East Mall of Pacific Fair just opening we waste no time in beelining there. Pac Fair, as locals know it, has been a stalwart of the GC shopping scene for as long as I can remember. The first stage of the makeover is impressive: replacing the pink and green exterior with a more sophisticated palette and design. The full refurb will consist of a total makeover and eventually include over 400 brand-new shops, dining, and leisure precincts, some of which have already opened. The new Target store is literally the biggest I’ve  ever seen! Ange and I split up and browse like it’s our job. I’ll be honest, a few purchases are made as we bid goodbye to Target and set out to do some damage at the specialty stores. With lunch booked at a nearby café, we drag ourselves away with the promise to go back!

Browsing like #bosses works up yet another appetite, so we’re thankful to arrive at The Cuban at Broadbeach. Welcomed by friendly staff and a great atmosphere, we decide it would be rude not to sample the specialty Mojitos. OK – we had two. After flicking through the droolworthy menu, we settle on the Tapas Sampler For Two. We are not disappointed. Pork belly, chickpea salad, homemade lamb sausages, chilli prawns, and more… I’d have to say that The Cuban is now on my list of GC #mustdos.

Next stop! Endota Spa Broadbeach, where a relaxation massage awaits. Our beautiful therapists Jaymi and Biyar whisk us into a luxe double treatment room, which will be our home for the next hour. Starting off with a warm footbath, by the time we come to the actual massage I’m already feeling good; in no time I’m massaged into total relaxation. With the one-hour session unfortunately over, Ange and I feel like a nap. Luckily it’s only a hop, skip and jump to our hotel room and crisp, clean white sheets.

Given that it’s Angela’s birthday and our girls’ weekend, I’ve organised a night out at the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa. The full deets of our five-star night can be found here.

Waking up on the last day of our weekend is bittersweet; I’ve managed to relax completely, but I don’t want to return to reality. Fear not, our weekend is not completely over as we have high tea at the ah-maz-ing Palazzo Versace to look forward to today.

It’s breakfast and pool time in the morning, followed by a late checkout, so we waltz into Palazzo Versace at midday. There’s something decadent about a high tea, and when it’s done impeccability it’s life-changing. Le Jardin is the Palazzo’s lobby bar and home to the Couture High Tea. It’s a symphony of colour and movement that oozes 100% glamour, so Angela and I are glad that we dressed up for our ladies’ luncheon. A chilled flute of sparkling is poured as we await the arrival of our high tea treats. Everything is perfect… finger sandwiches, scones with guava and lime jam, cheesecake, macaroons, quiche, chocolate, all enjoyed with an elegant silver service of tea #dontcountcalories.

Our time on the GC comes to an end, and this is the perfect way to finish. I drop Angela at the airport, then I’m off on the M1 heading back to Brisbane just 45 minutes away. Gold Coast, you never cease amaze me. I live so close, yet have only just scratched the surface of what you have to offer. This will not by my last girls’ weekend – I’m still shocked it was my first! Until next time.

Heading to the GC with your girls for Magic Millions? Check this out. 

Nat stayed as a guest of Gold Coast Tourism. 

 Have you had a girls’ weekend lately? Tell us your tips in the comments!

• Book a GC hotel
• Stay at Peppers Broadbeach
• Stay at Mariott Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa
• Search for GC flights