Yoga is one of the very best things you can do for both your mind and body. It can be relaxing, challenging, calming, centring and it ALWAYS makes you feel good afterwards. 

On Sunday June 21^st it’s International Day of Yoga, so permission to get bendy at any one of these absolutely beautiful Gold Coast yoga studios (listed from north to south).

The Floating Lotus
Offering an array of yoga classes (plus Barre, meditation and Pilates), The Floating Lotus is a stunning studio in Helensvale. You can try everything from yoga for strength, stretch, flow, yin and pre and post natal. You can pop in for a casual class, buy bulk class packs or pay $29 a week for unlimited classes. You need to book before you go too.
Where: Homeworld Centre – Shop 69/502 Hope Island Road, Helensvale

Soul Centre Yoga & Pilates Studio
From dynamic to beginners yoga, the team at Soul Centre have you covered in their high vibe Southport studio. You can choose from a few class pack options or memberships and if you’re a new student, it’s just $50 for five classes. Bookings essential.
Where: The Brickworks, 3 Brolga Avenue, Southport

Fire Shaper
Started right here on the Gold Coast, Fire Shaper is the enhanced version of hot yoga. Completing a series of poses in a controlled heated room, you can start at the beginner classes, complete a workshop or even take one of their virtual classes online. The variety and flexibility of their timetable will suit most Gold Coasters looking to fit this style of yoga into their week.
Where: 117 Ashmore Road, Bundall

Essence of Living
Essence of Living is one of the Gold Coast’s original and most-loved yoga studios, lead by Michelle Cassidy. Offering all levels of yoga classes with time slots to suit everyone, Essence of Living is bright and airy studio and the teachers are all first class. You can of course, choose from a casual class price or the re-opening membership price is just $29 a week.
Where: 9/2431 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Boheme + Body
The team at Boheme + Body in Varisty Lakes believe yoga is the way to a happy and healthy life and that’s why they’ve created a fun, all-inclusive space to practice in. Offering yin (longer pose holds), yang (faster paced and their very own version (named Boheme)), you’ll find the perfect class for you. If you’re a new student you can pay $70 for a month of unlimited classes. How good.
Where: Christine Corner Shopping Centre, Shop 26/221 Christine Avenue, Varsity Lakes

Miami Yoga Room
The beloved Miami studio offers a peaceful, welcoming environment to help you experience strength, awareness and harmony. Classes include gentle, yin, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and flow and release, so that’s quite the selection if you’re keen to try a few styles. Pop in as a casual member or buy a class pack to save a few dollars.
Where: 1924 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Peace Yoga & Meditation Studio
The Burleigh Studio offers a few unique classes you probably haven’t heard of before including Brain Yoga to enhance memory and cognitive function, Partners Yoga for some quality time together, Baby Yoga, Kids Yoga and Pregnancy and Post Natal. As well as the regular kind of course.
Where: 88 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Gold Coast Yoga Centre
The Gold Coast Yoga Centre has been serving the Gold Coast with transformational yoga since 1996. Their dedicated teaching team have over 120 years combined experience and theirs is the Coast’s original yoga studio. With classes from beginners to advanced, classical Ashtanga and Hatha/Vinyasa with Iyengar-influenced alignment techniques, private coaching, a full yoga shop, extensive yoga library and a welcoming, active yoga community, Gold Coast Yoga Centre is the place to be.
Where: 2/37 Eighth Avenue, Palm Beach

Ritual Palm Beach
The light-filled Palmy studio was brought to life by sister duo Rose Lamont and Sophie Spratt and they’ve built up a very strong community in the time they’ve been open. Offering classes for all levels, with knowledgeable teachers and plenty of good vibes, Ritual is a beautiful place to spend some time practicing and learning about yoga. You can do Teacher Training there too. Classes are available in packs, casual visits or memberships.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

The Body Method
The newest of the bunch is The Body Method, found at Cornerstones Stores offering classes for all levels in a magical space you’ll probably want to move into. Choose from Slow Flow, Yin, Restorative and a regular paced yoga class with any one of the experienced teachers and enjoy the perfect yoga experience. Again you can choose a casual pass rate or pay a weekly membership for unlimited classes.
Where: Cornerstones Stores, 570 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun.

BONUS If you looking for a little more incentive to get involved in a yoga class, check out the Yoga and Mulled Wine event happening in conjunction with Double Barrel Kitchen & Bar and State of Sahaja on Saturday 27th June at 4pm. For $35, you’ll get a glass of warm mulled wine or spiced brewed chai and mini cheese toasties with your class! Details here.

Words by Kirra Smith

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

Dogs are man’s best friend. There’s no disputing it and we don’t want to hear a word said against it.

But in all honesty, we doubt any of you locals out there are going to argue against this ethos — as it’s rather easy to see we utterly love our dogs here on the Gold Coast.

Did you know that on Tuesday the 23^rd of March it’s National Puppy Day? An occasion to remember how much these guys bring to our lives in way of their cuteness and unconditional love. Because let’s face it — where would we be without them.

If they aren’t running at breakneck speed down the beach, pottering about in a body of water somewhere, or just drooling themselves into a comatose under the couch, there’s a good chance they can be found with their loving owner sharing a coffee and living their best life in one of our many great cafes.

Knowing which cafes are more receptive to your four-legged friend is sometimes a bit tricky. To alleviate the puzzlement, we’ve put together the finest and most convenient cafes where taking your pooch is most certainly welcomed.

Double Barrel Kitchen
Two locations mean double the doggie good times. Double Barrel Kitchen not only serves up delicious eats and plenty of good vibes, they also allow pups to join in the fun.
Where: Shop 4/64 Karbunya Street, Mermaid Waters and 1 The Concourse, Benowa

Ground N Sound
House-made cakes are one of the greatest things cafes can do. Wash that down with a cuppa, (or some wine if you like) a bit of live music, and your dog by your side and that’s pretty much the best time we reckon you can have. Do it at Ground N Sound.
Where: 6/23 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

Papercup Coffee
The prettiest of spots, found in two locations Papercup Coffee has some stellar coffee and of course some delicious treats you can share with your furry mate. Perfect. Puppacino, anyone?
Where: 16 Frank Street, Labrador and 201 Ferry Road, Southport

Cafe Catalina
Cafe Catalina is located along the picturesque shores of the Broadwater Parklands and is the absolute perfect way to end a walk of your furry friend around the parklands. Sit on the deck and watch as the world passes you by both on land and sea!
Where: Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Highway, Southport

Roller Door Espresso
At the heart of it, this hole-in-the-wall nook is incredibly easy on the eyes. After you’ve managed to peel your gaze off all of the incredible interior goodness, it’s down to business with fine baked treats and welcome arms for you and your doggo.
Where: 2/85 Ashmore Road, Bundall

Palm Springs
What these guys don’t know about coffee isn’t worth knowing. With the freshest looking aesthetic around, this new Burleigh Heads hangout is a great place to bring your pooch grab a coffee and just watch the day drift by. Plus, with surroundings as good as this, how could you not want to do a quick photoshoot of your pup?
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Wildflower Distillery
Seems every man and his dog is making craft spirits these days, and we couldn’t be more thankful for it if we tried. Wildflower is the place to round up your crew and go sample some great gins, and now fantastic vodka. Don’t forget to take your furry friend as well because they are made most welcome!
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes

No Name Lane Espresso
No Name Lane’s sibling cafe has putdoor seating for you and your puppy. Plus there’s a side lawn with dog bowl and space to tie up your dog if you’d prefer to keep them away from your table. As an added bonus, it’s only a 5 minute walk to the Hedges Avenue off leash dog area #winning.
Where: 33 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

BSKT Cafe
BSKT Cafe makes taking your dog out for a date easy, as you won’t need to remember to pack water as they have plenty of dog bowls placed in the outside area. So you can sip on your favourite juice while your furry companion keeps hydrated too!
Where: 4 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

The Henchman
The big Miami beauty boasts plenty of space for all of your daily dose of tail wagging. Who knows what can happen when there are opportunities for your pooch to make new friends? Grab yourself some tasty eats and kick back in a hammock at The Henchman while the dogs have a play date.
Where: 8 Henchman Avenue, Miami

Paddock Bakery
Arguably one of the hottest breakfast spots on the Coast, Paddock Bakery is a stylish weatherboard cottage with a leafy garden that welcomes you and your four-legged friend any day of the week. Dippy eggs + doggos = good idea.
Where: 18 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Lakeview Cafe
Lakeview Cafe is a hidden Burleigh Waters gem and an absolute favourite amongst the locals (not only humankind either). You can buy doggie treats and have your dog join you in the spacious outside area.
Where: 100 Burleigh Street, Burleigh Waters

Commune
Your favourite Burleigh local has a huge outside area with plenty of shade for you and your pup to enjoy. Weekend brekkies just got that much better!
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Street Corner Espresso
The family-run lower Gold Coast Highway cafe has great food, great service and a spacious outside area that any dog will love to lie down and soak up the sun in. Sounds like paw-fection!
Where: 1/1840 Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

The Salt Mill
Merely steps off the beach, this popular hole-in-the-wall has seating and will often have a congregation of dogs mingling with each other as their owners sip coffee and enjoy one of the coast’s best acai bowls. Once you’re done, slip onto the sand and take your puppy for a paddle!
Where: 785 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Le Vintage Boutique Cafe
This VERY popular little spot found in beautiful Worongary is serving up some of the best coffee around. And they’re all about the doggo’s too. It’s a unique little spot, once you’ve found it, and one you’ll want to lock in to visit again.
Where: 1 Kurilpa Street, Worongary

Barefoot Barista
This laid-back Palm Beach institution dishes up amazing food and consistent quality coffee, best of all – they’d love you to bring your dog along.
Where: 15 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Awaken Cafe
This southern cafe is bringing great food and even better coffee to the beachy back streets of Coolangatta. Better yet, when you’ve come off the sand and have salty hair swing by here for the best dog-friendly vibes.
275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Words by Alex Mitcheson.