LA LUNA Beach Club is set to open at Marina Mirage in Main Beach early 2022.
LA LUNA Beach Club is set to open at Marina Mirage in Main Beach early 2022.
When you live in Southeast Queensland, namely our little segment of nirvana, the Gold Coast, you have to be accustomed to living an alfresco style of life. The weather and sublime coastal geography simply demand it. And if you’re a sun worshipper or slave to the beach, we know you wouldn’t have it any other way.
In recent times we’ve had hospitality venues seriously cotton on to this, with a flurry of rooftop bars opening. However, it seems even in this pandemic stricken age we live in, a new hero of the hour has emerged: the humble (and eagerly demanded) beach club!
The premise is simple: a venue incorporating our ridiculously great weather, alongside first-class decor and styling, and a beautiful food and drinks offering. Tying these places of interest together is the chance for you to enjoy all of this whilst wearing your swimmers and sharing your time between a dip in the pool and some sunbathing — pretty idyllic, no?
Hospitality giants, the Gennari group, who are behind such establishments as Main Beach’s elegant Glass restaurant and Broadbeach’s eternally busy Loose Moose and Maggie Choo, have decided they would need to wade in on this space. La Luna Beach Club is nearing the final construction stages, and set beside Marina Mirage will be Australia’s first restaurant and beach club built upon floating pontoons.
Designers House of August and Space Cubed are the masterminds behind the fantastic new site, which hopes to transport patrons to a whole different level of Mediterranean fused luxury the moment they set foot inside the venue. The lavish yet boho styling will merge Mykonos vibes betwixt the extravagance of St. Tropez, with indoor and poolside dining, pool, daybeds, private cabanas, runway and bar.
With panoramic views of the Broadwater and nestled between superyachts, the essence of La Luna will encourage you to stay awhile. You’ll be able to graze your way through their exquisite Mediterranean and Asian fused menu; sample deftly made cocktails between DJ sets; all while immersing yourself in the divine and tranquil nature of the venue as a whole.
Sign. Us. Up!
The venue will have a dual face as both a restaurant and beach club, with the former earmarked for opening in January, whilst the latter is planned for an early 2022 grand unveiling. One thing is for sure, folks, this will be a spectacular addition to our booming hospitality scene, bringing together both locals and visitors under our endless blue skies. What a time to be alive!
When: Early next year
Where: Marina Mirage, Main Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
We know we’re guilty of banging on about it — but seriously how good is our climate for being outside socialising with drinks in hand and living your best life? When you look at the rest of the world, we have it pretty darn good year-round: 300+ days of sunshine and not one snowflake in sight!
So when we hear of impending venues opening that will fully utilise our terrific climate, we get a bit excited. When we see that they will be next level and something the Coast hasn’t ever seen before, our heart skips a beat. And when legendary Gold Coast operators Artesian Hospitality announces they’re opening a mega lifestyle and entertainment rooftop precinct in Surfers Paradise — we swoon hard!
It’s been a long time in the making, but we can now reveal Cali Beach will open to the public from Friday 24th September from 5pm! Yipeee!
Matthew Keegan is the Managing Partner of the group behind this fabulous new venue and excitedly tells us, “Cali Beach marks the start of something special for hospitality and entertainment offerings in Queensland, and Australia in general. But, at Artesian, our mantra is to lead, not follow. Given its scale, Cali Beach was a significant investment for our group, with development taking just under twelve months and costing almost $10 million. it’s a landmark venue for all of Australia that epitomises our commitment to creating unique experiences which exceeded all expectations!”
So what can you expect?
Featuring luxe poolside daybeds, incredible dining and bars, multiple glimmering pools, an outdoor cinema, and even a beach volleyball court for some sun-drenched sweaty action — Cali Beach is going to take daytime socialising on the Gold Coast to an entirely new level.
Stretching over 5000 sq. metres and situated on the corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd and Elkhorn Avenue — four stories above street level — the precinct enjoys a spectacular prospect over Surfers Paradise beach and unparalleled views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. Be it Day or night; it is simply breathtaking!
Prior to opening, Cali Beach will also unveil the roster of the national and international resident DJ’s and artists lined up to perform at the venue. You can expect to see some big names — our lips are sealed, though. If spending a day in one of their poolside cabanas sounds like your idea of heaven (ours too), bookings for these their booths and daybeds are available soon. Well, noon Friday 10th September to be exact. Set a reminder, people!
This fantastic addition to our hospitality scene on the Gold Coast has even attracted the attention of the leading man himself, Mayor Tom Tate. He gleamed, “This is exactly what Surfers Paradise and our city needs. I applaud the team behind this development as it will be a beacon for locals and visitors. I look forward to seeing the evolution of Cali Beach into one of those must-visit destinations year-round.’’
The luxurious and sophisticated precinct will open to the public at 5pm Friday 24th September 2021 before the official grand opening event on Saturday 25th September.
Cali Beach is sure to become Australia’s most prominent open-air destination — it’s official: we are spoilt and we can’t get enough!
> Check out our Facebook & Instagram for more photos! Or have a look around with a video here!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
It’s been talked about for a long while now, and it almost seemed like it would never happen, but if you haven’t already heard the news, the Gold Coast has now got its own on-the-sand beach club!
Now, before you go and get all overly excited, at the moment the opening is just a trial. After talks, the City of Gold Coast has awarded Australian Venue Co. the opportunity to host the Beach Club during the trial period from Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022. But from the looks of things, if it’s a hit, it could be the beginning of more to come. Hallelujah!
Aaaaand without further ado, say hello to Kurrawa Beach Club!
Australian Venue Co. is no stranger to our city and operates a number of the Gold Coast’s most loved pubs, including The Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, which recently underwent a $2.3 million renovation. The group also runs the famous Exchange Beach Club in Melbourne. So these guys certainly know what they are doing!
So, what can one expect?
The temporary Beach Club will be the perfect place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the views of the beach’s golden sands and rolling waves, but with the extra of benefit of being catered to, right on the sand. The venue will feature daybeds, casual dining areas, bookable VIP cabanas, a kids play area and a community recreational zone complete with volleyball nets. So all in all, there will be something for anyone and everyone! *excited squeal*
The decor and vibe of the space will be neutral tones of white, beige and light blue; blending seamlessly with the surrounds of beautiful Kurrawa Beach and the leafy foreshore. The beach here is already an eye-pleaser — and they plan on letting the space speak for itself. Because why not?!
The onsite container kitchen will deliver a fresh summer-inspired menu including snacks, seafood skewers, burgers and light salads and a dedicated kids’ menu using fresh, local seasonal produce. The bar will serve up textbook summer sips, including a line-up of homegrown brands such as Black Hops Brewing, Wheel & Spoon, and everyone’s chosen drink of the summer, Hard Fizz.
As you’d expect, no summer is quite complete without an extensive line-up of entertainment. And whilst some things are still hush-hush, you can expect live music from local Gold Coast artists, a Sunday Family Day, and all-age friendly activities such as yoga beach sessions and a community beach clean-up day.
Australian Venue Co State Manager QLD Scott Brydson is enthusiastic surrounding the venue’s opening. “Gold Coast is famed for its picturesque beaches, active lifestyle and exciting hospitality offering, and we have designed the Kurrawa Beach Club concept to showcase the best this incredible city has to offer”.
The pop-up will be an excellent addition to the already bustling social scene of Broadbeach, which not only promises patrons an enjoyable experience but supporting locals through employment and business partnerships.
Open now, we suggest you block a day out and be one of the first to experience an exciting new layer to our hospitality scene – yew!
When: Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022
Where: Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
A fresh new venue is always good news but what’s even better is when that fresh new venue is by a group of people who have delivered such a thing time and time again.
Get excited Gold Coasters, The Gennari Group is back with a new addition to the Broadbeach dining scene, this time in the form of modern Asian venue Maggie Choo.
She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and of course, bulk good vibes.
Find her on Surf Parade, right next door to Broadbeach institution Koi Dining (one of The Gennari Groups many babies), with music pumping and neon lights aplenty.
Now you’ll probably hear Maggie Choo before you see her, a sign by the bar reads “if the music is too loud, you’re too old” and yes Maggie, we may just be but we’re coming anyway because there are many things to love about this place.
At the front, you’ll find high tables perfect for people watching and sipping many a frosty tipple but inside is where the magic happens.
A Cherry Blossom tree has been placed in the centre of the room and from that tree, millions of flowers grow up and out across the ceiling.
Paper umbrellas line the roof of a room at the back and there’s sleek, Asian-inspired artworks featured on porthole-esque windows.
Part of the kitchen is open, so you can watch the crew doing their thing and there are a few more neon signs placed throughout.
The whole effect is very impressive and the perfect spot for snapping all of the Insta content.
Now onto the menu that is made up of VERY fresh Asian dishes.
Start with the Thai Beef Tataki, Kingfish/Tuna Sashimi or the delectable Gado Gado that you absolutely must try!
Of course, the Honey Chicken Wings (with bush honey, yuzu and furikake) always go down a treat.
Moving onto the small plates like Indonesian Fritters, Prawn and Crab Dumplings, Bug Rolls and a range of Baos too.
Don’t visit without sampling the Tom Kha Curry which is made up of Moreton Bay Bugs, Prawns, Coconut and Kaffir Lime.
It’s perfectly balanced and the seafood is fresh and it’s well, perfect honestly.
There’s also banquet menu’s available for when you just can’t decide so Maggie will choose for you, the Tease is $45pp or Luxe for $55pp and vegans don’t miss out either, with an array of dishes available.
Cocktail-wise, expect some very interesting, very yummy sips including My Bubbles – an adult bubble tea – and Head in the Clouds (serves four), which is made up of all the watermelon things plus cherry things and look, just taste it.
They’re all amazing though, stay awhile and taste them all.
If you’re in need of a good time, laden with tasty eats and some of the best sips around, Maggie Choo is your girl.
Opening Wednesday 16th September.
LOCATION: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: TBC
Words and photos By Kirra Smith
