Hit reset and plan a perfect wellness weekend on the Gold Coast

Dreaming of a getaway that’s less about cramming in bulk activities and more about recharging and filling your cup? A wellness weekend could be just what you’re after – and the Gold Coast is the perfect place to rest, rejuvenate and indulge in some soul-soothing fun!

Health and wellbeing is a huge part of the fabric of the Gold Coast. Mornings are spent leaving footprints on sun-soaked beaches with a coffee in hand. Energising hikes are rewarded with wondrous waterfalls and picture-perfect vistas. Yoga classes are held on stand-up paddle boards in crystal-clear creeks. Day spas are perched high above rainforest canopies. The stage is already set – the only thing missing is you.

So, escape the chaos of calendars and commitments and craft your perfect wellness weekend on the Gold Coast with this wholesome guide.

Unwind at a day spa

A few hours of peace, a mesmerising massage and a splash of self care can really do wonders for your wellbeing, and you won’t need to go far to bliss out at a Gold Coast day spa. Urban oasis’ like Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach, Chuan Spa at The Langham on the Surfers Paradise beachfront and The Bathhouse in Burleigh are ideal for a conveniently located pamper session. A short journey inland will lead you to the majestic Lost World Spa at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, where you can experience a sky-high bathtub soak while taking in unrivalled views across the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and beyond.

Hit reset at a wellness retreat

The tranquil Gold Coast hinterland is dotted with world-renowned and awarded wellness retreats, each bound by natural beauty and hugged by the comforting canopy of lush rainforests. Expect more serenity and less phone reception – for good reason!

Perched on 500 spectacularly rugged hectares deep in Tallebudgera Valley, the world-class Gwinganna Retreat offers customisable packages to suit your individual wellness goals – and if you can’t squeeze in a few nights, there are day experiences for a quick reset. For some five-star ‘you time’, the luxurious Eden Health Retreat is all about reflecting, recharging and connecting with nature amid the enchanting Currumbin Valley. Wellness awaits!

Stretch your legs

Lace up the joggers and inhale that cleansing mountain air as you traverse the Gold Coast’s most breathtaking hiking trails. Pack a picnic and meander through sub-tropical rainforest (pausing to peek up at the twisting, towering booyongs) along the two-hour return trail to the enthralling Moran Falls. The mighty sight is part of an impressive map of waterfall-chasing trails to explore, gifting you moments of stillness to connect with the ancient beauty that lies within the storied Gondwana Rainforest.

Choose your own adventure through Springbrook National Park, capping off your restful wander or action-packed hike with an easy round-trip to see how the Best Of All Lookout earned its name. If a more leisurely stroll is on the cards, take your time (and your phone) to capture the sunrise or sunset at these picture-perfect vantage points. Prefer bikes over hikes? Explore the Gold Coast’s best cycling circuits and find your zen on two wheels. With an obliglatory post-ride coffee, of course.

Eat healthy and clean

With a bounty of wholesome clean-eating cafes and restaurants dotted across the Gold Coast, it’s incredibly easy to stay healthy on holidays and nourish from within. Bonus – dining with dietaries is effortless, with plenty of gluten-friendly, vegan, raw, organic and dairy-free options at the ready.

Acai bowls become works of art at buzzing Bundall eatery The Cardamom Pod, and popular beachside health hubs like BSKT, Niche & Co and The Milkman’s Daughter make clean eating a breeze across the day. Come dinnertime, Miami’s Greenhouse Canteen & Bar is a must-try, with its carnivore-fooling fare making it a standout amongst the Gold Coast’s growing crop of vegan eateries. The best part? Local produce takes the spotlight!

Hit the beach

A getaway dedicated to your wellbeing isn’t complete without revitalising beach time and an invigorating ocean swim. Whether you dip the toes, take the full plunge or want to ride the waves to wellness, the combination of salt water and sunshine is a tonic for your soul. For mellow moments, laze at Greenmount or float wave-free along Tallebudgera or Currumbin Creeks. There’s more than 57 kilometres of coastline, so let this local’s guide to the best Gold Coast beaches help you navigate where to roll out a towel. Allow your sandy-footed self to fall under the spell of a good book to the gentle rhythm of the waves – your mind and body will thank you for it!

Escape to the hinterland

Pry yourself from the charm of the beaches and let the Gold Coast hinterland show you its magic. Head for the hills and curate a relaxing day exploring the best that Tamborine Mountain has to offer, weaving in an easy rainforest stroll to feel the gentle mist from the tumbling Curtis Falls. There’s no need to resist the urge to stay a little longer – accommodation in the hinterland is as peaceful as its resident possums. Escape to a kid-free treehouse atop Tamborine Mountain or enjoy a slow stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (one look at the treetop infinity pool and you’ll never want to leave). Relaxation mode hits its peak at Nightfall, on the edge of Lamington National Park. The private 257-acre ‘glamping’ estate welcomes just four couples at a time, treating guests to off-the-grid luxury experiences like wholesome organic meals, rainforest baths, soothing meditation under the stars and immersive massages by the trickling Christmas Creek.

Stretch and salute

Find the calmness you’ve been craving on a yoga mat or pilates reformer – the Gold Coast is a haven for all soul-balancing disciplines. Long-established studios Essence of Living and Gold Coast Yoga Centre have classes for both the dedicated yogis and the totally green. Stretch, release and meditate at modern movement hub The Body Method in Tugun (with a post-class shop and snack at Cornerstone Stores), and feel the pilates burn on the northern end at Southport’s Soul Centre. For an experience that’s uniquely Gold Coast, say namaste with Pure Aloha – the yoga sessions are held on stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) in the sparkling Tallebudgera Creek. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins!