Beach hangs, spa dates and many, many bottles of wine—these are the essential ingredients for any good girls getaway (there’s also marshmallows and red wine, but we’ll talk about that when winter rolls around again). But before any of those things can happen, you need a plan—which is where most girls' weekend proposals fall down. Who will take on said planning? Who will find the accommodation and book tickets? And most importantly, when are you all going to have a simultaneous free weekend to go?
Well, it’s time to fire up that Messenger chat you started about two-and-a-half years ago (you know the one—it’s probably named ‘Gal’s Trip’ or something similar), because we’ve taken care of almost all of the planning for you with our guide to the ultimate girls weekend on the sunny Gold Coast, and there’s not a party bus or nightclub in sight. All that’s left to do—and we admit this is probably the hardest part—is find a date that you’re all free. But you’ve got all summer, right?
Friday
2pm Check In To The Langham
The Langham is the Gold Coast’s newest luxury resort, and there are so many reasons it’s perfect for a girl’s weekend away. There’s the direct beachfront access for sunset strolls, the outdoor pool complete with a swim-up bar, plus an indoor heated pool for rainy days, and six dining venues in case you don’t want to venture too far from your luxe rooms. The crowning jewel though, is Chuan Spa, a holistic wellness retreat where you can be pampered to your heart’s content—so make sure you leave time for a treatment during your stay.
2.30pm Afternoon Tea At Palm Court
There’s no time to waste—you need to get a glass of champagne and a sweet treat in your hands, stat. The Langham are experts in both, and Palm Court is where you can indulge in their take on a traditional high tea, with an Afternoon Tea of sweet and savoury delicacies served on a tiered standing tower. Tea and coffee is included, but ordering a glass of Veuve to pair with it is basically a given.
7pm Dinner At Social Eating House
Delicious as they are, jam and cream scones will only get you so far—you’ll want a leisurely dinner (with plenty of cocktails) to ensure no one goes to bed hungry. Luckily, one of the absolute best restaurants on the Gold Coast, the unassuming and unpretentious Social Eating House, is just a quick Uber trip away. Come for their legendary twelve-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder, stay for their orgasmic espresso martinis and decadent desserts.
Saturday
9am GoBoat Picnic Boat
The only thing missing from your buffet breakfast at The Langham’s Akoya? Mimosas, of course. You could sip them in your hotel room overlooking the incredible views, or you could pack an esky with bubbles and orange juice and enjoy them out on the water in one of GoBoat’s picnic boats. We know what we’d choose.
12.30pm Lunch At MĀRE By La Luna Beach Club
La Luna is the Gold Coast’s—and possibly Australia’s—first luxury floating beach club. Imagine yourself enjoying a delicious seafood lunch overlooking a sparkling pool, sipping on a cocktail that tastes exactly like a Frosty Fruit and enjoying the marina views—because that’s exactly what you’ll experience here. The vibes are immaculate, the seafood is as fresh as it can be and the pool beckons if you remembered to bring your swimmers.
6pm Cocktails At Marilyn's
This high-end cocktail bar has brought a touch of glitzy glam with a dash of 1970s nostalgia to Broadbeach. Marilyn’s Bar pays homage to 1970s Las Vegas—everything from bold pink and green interior to the artisan cocktails to the eclectic music selection has been carefully curated to transport you back to the heydays of the 70s. You’ll want to order a Stone Sour, which comes topped with an imprint of Marilyn Monroe herself.
7pm Zirque La La At Pink Flamingo
What’s a girl’s night without someone hanging from the ceiling by their hair? Not any of you of course—it’s just one of the incredible cirque acts you’ll see at Pink Flamingo’s Zirque La La, a circus-themed cabaret show filled with jaw-dropping acrobatics and raunchy antics. Book yourself a ringside table and sip margaritas over bar bites as you watch in awe—and yes, there will be audience participation, so prepare to offer up one of your group as tribute.
Sunday
11am The Bathhouse At Ground
After such a busy weekend (and too many cocktails last night, no doubt), you’ll need to relax and recharge—and sweat out a few toxins, let’s be honest. The Bathhouse At Ground is a zen, outdoor bathhouse with multiple spas, plunge pools and a sauna set amongst lush rainforest, with hot tubs big enough for your whole crew. Rotate your way through all of the facilities (ice bath included) or just find the spa bath that’s your perfect temperature and stay there.
1pm Lunch At Pasture & Co
Right next door to The Bathhouse (so you don’t have to travel far in your uber chilled state) is Pasture & Co, a relaxed cafe dishing up deliciously nurturing eats. Whether you’re in the mood for a late brunch or kale-filled lunch you’ll find it here, with feeds like French croissant toast, shakshuka, croque madame and poached egg-topped green bowls coming out of the kitchen. There’s no way you’re walking away from their front counter without a little sweet treat for the drive home either.
Alternative Activities
If any of the above activities don’t take your fancy, not to worry, we’ve even got some alternatives to sub in.
Tamborine Winery Tour
Got an extra thirsty group of gals with you? Let Kiff & Culture sate that thirst with a full day private winery tour to Tamborine Mountain. They’ll pick you up from your accommodation in a funky minibus and drive you up the mountain, stopping at three wineries, one of which will dish up a two-course lunch, and a gin distillery for tastings. You’ll be returned to your hotel in the afternoon, probably carting enough bottles of wine and gin with you to get you through a few days of group hangs, so definitely book this one in at the start of the trip.
Pacific Fair
Just keen for a little retail therapy? Divide and conquer at Pacific Fair, where you can shop to your heart's content at everywhere from H&M to Gucci. There’s plenty of boujee food offerings to choose from when you find yourself getting hungry, not to mention nail boutiques and Mecca’s make up counters if you want to get a little glam for your evening plans.
Want more ideas for your trip? Check out the best Gold Coast accomodation and things to do.
Image credit: Urban List archives, The Langham, Social Eating House, GoBoat, Mare, Marilyn's, Pink Flamingo, The Bathhouse, Pasture & Co, Kiff & Culture