Soak Bathhouse is now open.
Soak Bathhouse is now open.
Going back to work after holidays is a tiring time, as is not getting holidays at all while everyone else frolics and sips frosty beers right in front of you. It’s all a bit tiring isn’t it.
But luckily, there’s a solution for that and it comes in the form of ultimate relaxation right here on the Gold Coast.
It’s called Soak Bathhouse and it’s Mermaid Beach’s newest and most delightful new addition.
Found in the little precinct known as Pacific Square on the Gold Coast Highway, it’s a beautiful space and absolutely perfect if you need a little time out.
Stepping inside you’re greeted with a soothing, open area that will immediately have you floating away from the outside world.
Stone floors lead to a warm, communal magnesium pool set at a balmy 34 degrees with lounge chairs set along one side for when you need a little rest from all the relaxation.
There are massage rooms, an Infrared sauna and a room for LED anti-aging facials, all in muted colours and all absolutely oozing serenity.
Outside there are two outdoor hot tubs, a sun deck and a cold plunge pool set at a cool 12 degrees, plus a sauna and steam room and excuse us, we might just move in real quick.
There’s also a yoga and meditation room that offers digital classes (made by local instructors) all day long so you can do the chill thing and then add a little movement to round out the perfect day.
Now we know you might be thinking all that sounds lovely but experiences such as these can be quite pricey and that is often true but not at Soak Bathhouse. Nope, the team have created a unique offering in that you can choose from a weekly membership option to pop in any old time you feel the need or a choose your own adventure for casual sessions where you can attend just for a soak or team it up with massage, yoga or facial perhaps? The choice is yours.
Pricing starts from just $49 for a 90 minute soak session.
Also, the bathhouse is very much a self-service situation so you can access the pools, yoga, LED room, sauna and steam rooms and relaxation areas at your leisure meaning less people are needed to ensure you’re having a good time.
Of course, you’ll need to book a massage and your private infrared sauna time but other than that, the bathhouse is your oyster. Weird, but true. Oh and if you’re a work-from-home type, you can work from the complete peace and quiet that Soak offers at one of their co-working desks.
Owners Nicky Dean and Alexis Dyson have quite the impressive backgrounds in the health and wellness industries and have combined their powers to create something quite special.
As we’ve all learnt (the hard way) in the last 12 months, taking care of our mental health must be a priority if we want to live our very best lives and a place dedicated to connection, relaxation and deep breathing is certainly going to be a big push in the right direction.
So, do yourselves the ultimate of favours and book in a session (or three) at Soak Bathhouse. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself as we roll into a new year.
LOCATION: 2532 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 8am until 6.30pm, Friday and Saturday 8am until 8pm and Sunday 9am until 5pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
