No one understands how perfect this union is quite like Chapter & Verse at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa. These culinary masterminds are synonymous with delectable High Tea experiences, each one choccas with the finest ingredients thoughtfully sourced from the GC hinterland.

Inspired by the echo of birds in the tranquil surroundings, there is a High Tea to suit all tastes and ages and yes ma’am, we’re going to tell you about them all.

Whilst deliciously different in their inclusions, each variation serves up freshly baked scones with double cream and homemade jam, coffee and teas, and a glass of Chandon NV Brut. Or, for a little more kaching, switch out the Chandon for some Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne instead. Spesh.

Let’s start with the Traditional High Tea because, well, this seems logical. With a variety of both sweet and savoury dishes, enjoy hinterland wild mixed berry tart and JW macaroon using seasonal fruits. Leave room for the gourmet sandwiches filled with Bangalow pork, truffle Cheddar cheese, Witches Chase brie and JW Garden basil pesto and are you drooling yet, because we are ($64pp or $79pp to trade up your bubbles).

Your littlies can tuck into a Teeny Tiny Tea with mini mango coconut passionfruit slice, children character choux, chocolate candy lollipop, pate de fruit, candy favourites, ham and cheese finger sandwiches and salami and cheese rolls. Served with a special sparkling mocktail, hot chocolate or babycino, this $39pp (under 17 years of age) treat will delight your mini-me’s.

But brace yourself for the holy grail of high teas; the High Cheese. We’re talking Brie, blue and cheddar, served with quince paste, honey, dried fruit, grilled sourdough, crisp bread and crackers. Add in a local mix of fruit cheese tarts, strawberry cheese profiteroles, honey thyme and cheese financier and JW Griffin chocolates and it’s perfection personified ($64pp or $79pp to trade up your bubbles).

Seafood lovers, you’re sorted with High Seas. Locally harvested ocean treasures include natural oysters, tiger prawns, green lip mussels, Moreton Bay bugs, seared tuna open sandwich, smoked salmon tartine with capers and dill, and spanner crab sandwich. Then move into something sweet with mango coconut passionfruit slice, macarons, strawberry choux, seasonal fruit tart, praline financier and JW Griffin chocolates. Bliss ($74pp or $89pp to trade up your bubbles).

To mix things, why not try the High Bees with Spring sweetness infusions like honey ham roll with tomato and rocket, honey glazed turkey with Brie cheese and cranberry tartine. Devour honeycomb panna cotta, bees wax chocolate brownies and honey macadamia tarts, plus gourmet sandwiches filled with roasted honey mustard beef and onion jam. Nom! ($64pp or $79pp to trade up your bubbles).

And finally, for our vegan friends, may we present High Seeds And Leaves. Indulge in quinoa-wrapped roasted vegetables, green pea hummus and vegetable crudities, bruschetta tartine with sunflower seeds, and avocado on flax seed bread. Orange poppy seed cake, chocolate vegan coconut cake and chia seed pudding with coconut and berries round out this palette pleaser ($59pp or $69pp to trade up your bubbles).

We all like to play ladies (and gentlemen) so if you haven’t indulged in some JW Marriott High Tea fanciness yet, stop reading and start booking!

Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Available weekends *bookings essential.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA

Summer is almost over and it’s safe to say that we have spent way too much time in the sun (as usual). Which means our skin has taken a bit of a battering and it’s time to give it some love.

In honour of that, we’ve found six of the best natural treatments from around the Gold Coast to help you get your glow after all that summer salt, sand and sunshine.

An Earth and Skin Experience
Ideal for newcomers to organic skincare, the Earth and Skin Experience consists of a Mini Earth Massage to ease the (no doubt ever-present) tension in your back, neck and shoulders followed by a customised Refresh Facial using organic skincare and a Jade stone facial massage. If you’re an old hand at the organic skincare thing, there are MANY incredible treatments available, including some for the fellas.
Where: Earth and Skin, 2 Regency Place, Mudgeeraba

Acupuncture at Nüwa Natural Health
A traditionally eastern medicine treatment, acupuncture has taken the western world by storm. It works by balancing the energy systems within the body, enhancing relaxation and increasing energy. The name Nüwa is derived from the goddess of ancient Chinese Mythology best known for creating mankind and repairing the pillars of heaven. Put simply, it’s a necessary personal investment.
Where: Nüwa Natural Health, 4/784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Manicure and Pedicure at ERVA
Is there anything more relaxing than a manicure slash pedicure complete with a luxe massage and the prettiest nails at the end? We think not. At ERVA you can expect exactly that without the use of toxic products and with the addition of experiencing one of the most beautiful, love-infused treatments of your life. The team at ERVA are the best there is and no matter which treatment you choose, you’ll walk out feeling like you’re floating on a cloud.
Where: ERVA Nail Spa, 3 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Organic Infusion at endota spa
endota is an oldie but a goodie with several locations across the Coast. They have a few standout treatments but the Organic Infusion is their signature facial created to relax and rejuvenate. Using certified organic skincare, containing powerful botanicals and antioxidants infused using jade rollers to give you a clear complexion and restore calm. Skin is nourished. Mind is nurtured. The end.
Where: endota spa, Shop 1, Oracle South 17 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach

A head spa treatment at éva organic hair and beauty salon
This beautiful little salon in Palm Beach is turning heads for all the right reasons. Using only natural, organic, cruelty free and vegan friendly products éva organic hear and beauty salon came about after owner Indre starting looking into the cause of reactions to common hair products. On top of your regular cut and colour try the Head Spa Treatment which includes the main reason everyone goes to the hairdresser, a heavenly head massage.
Where: éva organic, Suite 2 / 1154 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Reiki at Earth Energy Medicine
You may not have heard of this one but Reiki is becoming popular amongst those willing to try something a little bit different. The ancient Japanese technique is used for stress reduction and relaxation while healing the body on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s known as the art of gentle hands on healing and it’s actually quite an interesting experience if you keep an open mind. Give it a try, you only live once right?
Where: Earth Energy Medicine, 7 Correa Court, Elanora

Words by Kirra Smith

There are few greater pleasures in life than a pamper sesh. Whether it’s a massage, a facial, an exfoliation or any other sort of treatment, heck you get to sit/lie down and zone out and just sign us up already!

There are plenty of beautiful day spas scattered around the GC and thank goodness for that because nothing gives the mind, body and soul a little pick me up quite like a visit to one of these godsends.

We’re here to save you the Google search and download our intel on our region’s finest spots for some much-deserved self-care. From the north, south, east and west….

The Bathhouse at Ground Currumbin
Set amongst remnant rainforest in front of a lovingly restored 100-year-old farmhouse, enjoy hot tubs, spas, plunge pools and saunas in a lush outdoor setting under the canopy of a majestic fig tree. Combine your bathhouse experience with a wellness treatment from the highly skilled massage and beauty practitioners for the best of all worlds.
Our pick: The Ultimate Relaxation, including hot tub, sauna, essential oil massage and bespoke organic facial
Where: 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

eforea spa at Hilton
I mean, it’s at the Hilton and do we really need to say anymore? The signature of eforea spa are their Journey Enhancements, which are powerful mini treatments that can be added to your existing services or enjoyed by themselves. Specially designed for eforea, they introduce guests to special, commonly unexperienced techniques from the most fabled spa cultures around the world. Count. Us. In.
Our pick: The Vichy Shower Experience to increase circulation throughout the body
Where: 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

RE/WIND
With luxurious accents from pillar to post, this Currumbin newcomer is already one of the GC’s most loved wellness centres. Equipped with a salt therapy room, yoga and pilates classes, meditation and sound healing, along with two registered nurses to undertake anything from scar revision, to PDO threads, iv vitamin infusions and cosmetic injections, it’s the ultimate A-Z of self-nurturing.
Our pick: Salt Therapy – it’s a wonder treatment
Where: 31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Endota Spa
Endota is basically another word for day spa – that’s how established the brand is here in Oz. In fact it’s our largest spa group and if you’ve visited one, you know why. From the moment you walk in til the moment you float out, it’s pure bliss. If you’re channelling a group spa date or organising a hen’s ‘do, Endota is the perfect choice for some pampering with your posse.
Our pick: Intense Radiance Facial to promote collagen and elastin activation
Where: Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Robina, Coolangatta

One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort
Exquisitely appointed with all details considered, One Spa offers locally inspired rituals, unique water therapies, spaciohttps://www.insidegoldcoast.com.au/category/locations/mudgeerabaus treatment rooms, private change room facilities and a relaxation area that overlooks the peaceful green landscape. A wide range of rejuvenating spa treatments await, including a geisha bath, lusar and Vichy showers, and a four-seater spa.
Our pick: Detox Mud Therapy to farewell those muscle aches and pains in a comforting cocoon of thermal monticelli mud
Where: RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa 

On Eagle Wings
Nourishing relaxation awaits at this stunning Gold Coast hinterland spa. Inhale the fresh mountain air as you lounge by the heated 25m infinity lap pool, taking in the peaceful sounds of waterfalls and nature. The impressive treatments menu includes the ‘who’s who’ of pampering, with facials, massage, body treatments, pedicures or manicures. Bliss!
Our pick: Pure Chocolate Indulgence Spa Package, including all things pamper plus a complimentary cheese platter, sweet fruit chocolate box and bubbly
Where: 59 Lowry Court, Mudgeeraba  

Earth + Skin Organic Day Spa
This slice of heaven is all about luxurious beauty treatments and products – with an environmental conscience. Situated in a gorgeous Queenslander building, this greenery-rich and light-filled space offers a wide range of award-winning treatments that are proudly vegan, cruelty-free and toxin-free. Enjoy mindful facials, body therapy, spray tans, sugaring and eyebrow / eyelash treatments and more.
Our pick: The signature Mountain Dreamer, with earth massage and elemental facial
Where: 2 Regency Place, Mudgeeraba

Lost World Spa
Located within the stunning O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, is there a better place for a day spa? We think not. With million-dollar hinterland views, a trip to O’Reilly’s isn’t complete without a stint here. Indulge in one of the relaxing massages, facials, hot stone therapies, spa or steam room treatments, and enjoy some restorative time alone…or with that someone special.
Our pick: The Lost World Ritual. It’s a splurge…but it includes the lot and will change your life
Where: The end of Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Greenhouse The Bathhouse
This modern-styled Australian boutique bathhouse and communal rejuvenation space is pure ecstasy. Offering access to two hydrotherapy spas, a custom-built wet steam room, a traditional red cedar sauna, a magnesium plunge pool, sundeck and lounge area, don’t think, just book. A shared experience for up to 10 people at a time, it’s everything you’d expect from the Greenhouse Canteen girls, and then some.
Our pick: Signature Massage + Luxe Soak Package, with full body massage, soak, plant-based lunch and bubbles or kombucha
Where: 7/37 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
This is a complete wellness destination designed to help you truly rest and focus on your health, which sounds pretty darn perf to us. Set among over 200 hectares of beautiful native bushland, there’s everything from soothing spa therapies to wellness consultations, plus stress management, emotional wellbeing and movement sessions tailored to your needs. This is your time to stop, rest and relax.
Our pick: Hawaiian Bodywork Massage, ideal for shifting tension from the physical, energetic or emotional bodies
Where: 192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley

Soak Bathhouse
Hit the reset button at this retreat…reimagined! Based on four ‘pillars of wellness’ (recovery, nutrition, movement and connection), this modern Australian bathhouse and spa is a holistic wonderland. With a truly beautiful environment where guests feel inspired to linger, relax and socialise rather than zip-off straight after a treatment, Soak experiences are high quality, affordable and accessible. To quote Nike, just do it.
Our pick: A Soak membership with bathhouse sessions, beauty and recovery services, and massage discounts
Where: Pacific Square, 2532 – 2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Azure Spa & Fitness
At Azure, they request that guests rest, relax and recharge…and we oblige! Located at The Star Gold Coast, this chillaxation powerhouse offers a wide range of decadent treatments, using leading skincare brand BABOR. There are six treatment rooms, including a dual treatment space and an exclusive outdoor cabana to hire, and you had us at private cabana. Go on, live your best life and level up that ‘you time’ with a stay-cay for maximum R&R.
Our pick: Deep Sea Body Indulgence with a salt exfoliation, body wrap and full body massage
Where: Pool Level, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

SpaQ at QT
If you’re all about customisation, this is the spa for you. There’s no need to select a treatment – just make a booking and decide once you’re there! For those who allow time for a 1+hour treatment, enjoy complimentary access to the Hammam-inspired steam room to ease your body and mind into spa nirvana. All treatments include time for a personal consultation and post-treatment recommendations.
Our pick: The Plush Princess therapeutic salt scrub, massage and facial massage
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.