The Ultimate Healthy Guide to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has shaken off its lingering reputation of hedonism in recent years to rise like a clean-eating surf goddess doing a handstand on a paddleboard. The new Gold Coast is full of all the things we love: clean and natural nourishment, ethical entrepreneurs, stunning sights and phenomenal waterways and walks. Here are our picks of where to eat, stay, shop and play while on the infamous Coast.

Eat

Greenhouse Canteen + Bar

Miami
This chic institution is for socially conscious foodies and health café dwellers, Greenhouse Canteen‘s mantra is It’s Cool to be Kind, echoing its vision for making veganism, metaphorically and literally, more palatable. While in in neighbourhood, check out Lovechild Laneway, a fashion store featuring high-quality vegan clothing, accessories and make-up. Show your non-vegan pals how the GC brings class to this health-conscious movement, and dine in style in the Greenhouse’s fully plant-based, fully licenced restaurant.

The Cardamom Pod

Broadbeach and Southport
These completely vegetarian cafés have been raved about again and again for a reason. Designed by some seasoned Sydney chefs, the innovative menu is brought to you by the crew who invented Byron Bay Bliss Balls! (And if you’re heading that way, there is also a Cardamom Pod café in Byron). The rainbow of flavours and textures in each dish are matched by a palpable passion for presentation - after all, we eat with our eyes first! Prepare to be dazzled and “nourished by nature”.

BSKT Café

Mermaid Beach
From the original creators of CocoWhip comes BSKT café. If you’re new or visiting the GC, a visit to BSKT is a must. Local foodies and dog lovers alike endorse this beachside hangout for its food, fun side - and fancy a spot of yoga? Retreat upstairs to get bendy. The forecast? A 98% chance of dog spotting and a 100% chance of ordering something guilt-free and delicious. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, and also for dinner Friday and Saturday nights.

Stay

QT

Gold Coast
In the need of some serious quality time? QT is arguably the coast’s trendiest luxury boutique hotel. With fully equipped rooms and sea views to die for, you’ll want for nothing at here. The restaurants offer world-class meals made from local, seasonal and ethically sourced products, and the day spa has a beautiful hammam. The concierge boasts the ability to dispense advice on all things local including “booze, babes, books, baba ganoush and ballooning”. They also hire out retro bikes, so take a cycle along the esplanade for a surf patrol like the locals!

Halcyon House

Cabarita
For a little further afield, check into Halcyon House in Cabarita. This romantic boutique hotel is the ultimate exclusive haven. Think intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as celebrations and work retreats. The attentive Halcyon staff will ensure your every need is catered for in this gorgeous getaway.

AirBnB, any way you like it

Want more local feels? Check out AirBnB for unique and memorable stays - you’ll be amazed at the variety, originality and hospitality the Gold Coast offers online. Peace Mojo (see ‘Play’ section of this article) even offers rooms, transforming your yoga visit to a retreat! Explore your options here www.Airbnb.com.au/Australia.

Shop

The Village Markets

Burleigh
The Village Markets are kid- and dog-friendly, and open for trade on the first and third Sunday of each month, keeping the village vibes in Burleigh alive. As you’d expect from this trendy locale, you’ll find more ethical and sustainable fashion, homewares and foods than you can poke a reusable straw at. Add to the entourage of entertainment the veritable live music acts, original art and great coffee, and you’ll find more than just an ordinary market, but a community of creatives. Check out @thevillagemarkets on Instagram to get the picture.

Trader Trove

Trader Trove is just what is sounds like - discover old and new treasures from near and far to compliment your unique style of living. Think beach abode, shabby chic, retro tapestry and natural materials - all that is enhanced by green! This gorgeous store also has a gallery space and offers events and workshops on occasion, so check out their website for more.

Play

Peace Mojo House

Burleigh Heads
Peace Mojo House welcomes all visiting yogis with open arms. Whether you’re in town for a weekend, a month or longer, once visited, Peace Mojo House’s serenity and gravitational pull will entice you to return and experience the magic of meditation and shared consciousness. Nestled in hilly bushland just off the main road, this is the ultimate place to unwind and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.

Paddle Boarding

Currumbin Creek
No Gold Coast experience is complete without getting upright in the water. If you’re a little barrel-shy, fear not! Tucked away from the broad Pacific Ocean are the serene enclaves perfect for a dip or a paddle at Currumbin Creek. You’ll be amazed as the city sounds drift away as you enter the parks that line this sanctuary. Rent a stand-up paddle board from the nearby boatshed and float along your little sea of calm.

Greenhouse Bathhouse

Tallebudgera Valley
In the same philosophy as its café sister, the Bathhouse offers clean, green body rejuvenation but this time in Tallebudgera Valley’s lush tranquil setting. This modern communal bathhouse offers heated hydrotherapy spas, a magnesium plunge pool, red cedar sauna and an addictive oil-infused wet steam room. Add to the therapies a massage, sun deck and herbal teas and you have a refreshing slice of bliss on the Gold Coast.

Mandala & Co

Mermaid Beach
Back on the beachside of things, Mandala & Co are provedores of art, beats and eats. This vegan café serves all organic and/or raw dishes, served freshly and thoughtfully for maximum scrumptiousness. Sit in the permaculture garden, while taking in kombucha on tap from the probiotic bar. This bar/restaurant also regularly serves up live music, imparting relaxed, holiday vibes. Check out their website for upcoming events.
https://www.mandalacollective.com.au

Image: @thevillagemarkets