In happy news for everyone with skin, a beauty emporium has opened in Nobbys Beach (land of the good vibes and beautiful people).

Not any old skincare store though, the glowy-skinned team at Clean Beauty Market are experts in non-toxic, natural and organic products that are free from animal testing. How fun.

The store, found next to Sparrow Eating House, is as pretty as you’d expect, decked out in white with blush accents and a glowing pink sign declaring “you are magic”. And magic is exactly what you’ll find once you’ve stepped inside the delightfully scented space that’s packed with countless natural makeup and skincare brands.

It’s pure heaven to be honest and it’s entirely possible you’ll spend your life savings in one visit. YOLO.

While buying all of the good-for-you skincare is always a smart idea, you can also book yourself in for some pampering. There’s makeup lessons, skin regime consultations and makeup applications for special occasions (or, you know, work on Monday).

PLUS, you and your gals can indulge in a makeover party should you so desire.

Owner Erin Norden is a Coast local and former freelance makeup artist who (sensibly, let’s be real) saw an opportunity, found the perfect space in Nobbys and made the magic happen.
Clean Beauty Market is the first (and hopefully not the last) store of its kind on the Gold Coast and it’s a solid step in the right direction for the many ladies who are choosing natural products to slather all over their skin (and the rest who should jump on that bandwagon ASAP).

Great news for the Gold Coast, the Earth and your face.

LOCATION: 1/32 Lavarack Rd, Nobbys Beach
HOURS: 9am to 5pm daily.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.

Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.

The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach 

Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 

Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach 

That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.

Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 

Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Words by Kellie Leader

Fancy a trip to Greece? Of course you do, and put your passport away coz we’re not about to go full Oprah #soz. We are, however, here to pass on some very valuable intel – particularly for those partial to a gutsy Greek nosh up.

The Coast houses its fair share of south-eastern Euro eats spots, but if you’re a genuine Greek food enthusiast, it’s all about Xenia….and we don’t mean the Warrior Princess coz there’s a sneaky ‘i’ in there for a start. We’re talking about the new showstopping Xenia Grill restaurant in Main Beach, loaded with more Greeky goodness than you can poke a souvlaki skewer at.

Casuarina and Cooly residents have been privy to the Xenia Grill experience for several years and finally, it’s the northerners’ turn. Like its siblings, the Main Beach noshery dishes out plate-smashingly good Xenia hospitality, which is kinda like saying “ATM machine” seeing as Xenia is Greek for hospitality. And if you’re wondering where we’re going with this, to be fair, so are we.

The mouthwatering menu is inspired by Kastellorizo Island, a small Greek island near the Turkish coast. Serving truly authentic, traditional cuisine and Grecian inspired killer cocktails, founders Kate and Dino Georgakopoulos are proud partners in life and the workplace, proving that you can mix business and pleasure.

Delivering the ultimate Greek experience outside of actual Greece, their lip-smacking recipes hail from Dino’s family kitchen. In fact, they have created an environment where customers feel like they’re part of “the family” with a plethora of delicious food, laughs and good times to share. Plus, they believe “a life without feasts is like a long road without taverns” and this speaks to us on so many levels.

Appointing Space Cubed Design Studio for the Greek Islands inspired interior and Matt Holt Building and Construction for the build, the result is a modern classic. With a tasteful blue and white colour scheme, on-fleek pendant and festoon lighting, vertical VJ panels, contemporary arch features, and a splash of foliage, it gives a nod to its traditional homage but with a very ‘now’ aesthetic.  Accommodating 70 people, you can dine at the indoors banquet style seating or in the outdoor undercover area. A special shout out must go to the loud and proud “Eat, Drink, Love, Greek” wall feature and quite frankly, we’ve never heard better advice.

With Executive Chef & owner Dino Georgakopoulos and Group Head Chef Dileep Palouse in full command of the kitchen, you are in spectacularly competent hands. If you have ever sat down at a Greek family’s table you will know they enjoy a feast to share. Xenia is no different. Their Mazi banquet is a crowd favourite and features, the signature dish Arni Sto Fourno, sovereign lamb shoulder with lemon potatoes, kale and potato crisps, and tzatziki. If something a little smaller to start tickles your fancy, or you’d like to order some small mezze to share, look no further than the Oktapodi. This local chargrilled octopus with fava and toursi is as Greek as it gets and so (tenta)cool.

Stopping by for lunch? The trusty souvlaki is spectacular! Lamb, chicken, pork or vegan option with revithopites is everything we want from our Souv and more, as is the Baklava for dessert with filo, almonds and walnuts, citrus syrup, and kataifi, served with ice cream. All made onsite with the utmost of Greek Love!

For refreshments, we strongly recommend their most popular signature cocktail, the Mastiha Sours with Greek Mastiha, grapefruit, lemon, and aquafaba. If you’re feeling more like a classic, a Coconut Margarita will guarantee you a great time.

There is also a selection of quality Greek wines, beers and spirits, plus mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks for those who had a big one the night before.

Looking to be transported to the bustling streets of Greece? Don’t miss Xenia’s famous Taverna nights. With Greek dancing, plate smashing and live music, it’s an experience unmatched elsewhere on the Gold Coast. Head to the events section of Xenia’s website for details on their next Taverna night.

So north side peeps, don’t say we’re not good to you. Head to Xenia Grill at Main Beach to experience your new fava-rite authentic Greek restaurant.

Where: 30 Peak Avenue, Main Beach & 52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Main Beach: From 5pm Monday, Wednesday & Thursday. From 12pm Friday – Sunday
Coolangatta: From 12pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY XENIA GRILL