Gold Coast Sexologist, Intimacy Coach and Tantra Practitioner.
Gold Coast Sexologist, Intimacy Coach and Tantra Practitioner.
Listen up gals & guys, Valentine’s Day is here, which means it’s time to show your appreciation on that day (and every other day for that matter) towards your significant other. Whether it’s on the streets, or between the sheets, treating yourself and your partner to the love you/they deserve should be at the forefront of your mind this love month. We spoke to Gold Coast Sexologist, Intimacy Coach and Tantra practitioner, Helena Nista, on what you can be doing on Monday 14th February (and beyond) to provide the much-needed attention your partner and you should be receiving! (Code for hot top tips coming your way!) Read on to get all the juicy deets!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been around for just over two years. I moved here after living in Melbourne, Byron Bay and Sydney and I’m absolutely loving this area!
Tell us a bit about you.
I’m a sex therapist and a Tantra practitioner. My business is not just my work, it’s my passion and I absolutely love sharing the practical tools, tips and techniques that help others have better relationships, deeper intimacy and much more amazing sex. I’m also a European immigrant. I was born and raised in Poland and I came to Australia about 13 years ago. I’m incredibly happy to be able to live here and over the years, Australians have been extremely kind, loving and welcoming towards me. I do miss my family in Europe every single day but I’m also having an absolute blast living here and calling Gold Coast my home!
How did you become a Sexologist and Intimacy Coach?
Growing up in a traditional, Catholic country meant that I experienced a lot of repression and shame around my sexuality. Over time, this led me to a variety of issues, unhealthy patterns and even sexual abuse that I experienced when I was 18 and in my early 20s. Various inhibitions, lack of proper sexual education, intense sense of guilt about my eroticism plus sexual trauma that I suffered early in life, all came together to form a crisis that I needed to address at some point. That point came in my early 30s, when I found myself in a hospital because of a sexual experience. At that point, I decided that I needed to address my poor sexual experiences and I threw myself into studying anything that I could find about having great sex. I was attending workshops, trainings and retreats on Tantra and intimate relationships, I was seeing a variety of practitioners to address my past abuse, I was reading all the books I could get my hands on and most of all – I was practicing everything that I was learning about. And slowly, I started to turn my sex life around. At that point I also discovered that I was deeply passionate about Tantra and great sex. So what started as a personal pursuit, turned into a professional career. I trained as a Tantra practitioner, a sexologist and a counsellor and for the last 8 years, I’ve been sharing my knowledge and expertise with people all over the world.
How do you help people / couples?
I originally started my practice as a local Tantra practitioner and sex therapist. But over time, I wanted to be able to help many more people and in ways that would be accessible to anyone, even people who can’t afford 1on1 sessions with me. This is when I started creating online courses, full of information and practices that most people ask me about. I also published a book “Legendary Lover”, sharing my journey from sexual repression to sexual awakening, together with all the most powerful exercises and practices that helped me and my clients along the way. And over the last few years, I’ve been sharing my knowledge through my popular YouTube channel that has recently grown to over 200k subscribers. And while I’m still available for 1on1 sessions, most people find me online and every day I receive messages of gratitude and appreciation from viewers all over the world!
What are your top tips for Valentine’s Day?
Most people are starved for proper attention. This is why this Valentine’s Day, I’d recommend to any couple to create an experience together where they’re truly and deeply present with each other. Whether it’s over an expensive meal in a restaurant or simply a glass of wine in your backyard, really showing up for your partner means being there for them with your full attention and awareness. Having deep and meaningful conversations usually opens our hearts and lifts our spirits much more profoundly than any flowers, chocolates or a necklace can. There’s nothing wrong with gifts of course but they should never become a replacement for true human connection.
How can couples heat things up this Valentine’s Day?
When it comes to the bedroom, most people respond really well to novelty. So introducing something fun, something new, something exciting will surely be a hit. Consider giving your partner a striptease, dressing up in sexy lingerie, giving them an erotic massage if that’s something you don’t usually play with. You can bring a new, fun sex toy to the bedroom or play a game where you share and then act out any sexual desires that sound intriguing to both of you.
How does a healthy sex life improve relationships?
A healthy sex life is an absolutely crucial part of any great relationship. A connected, loving intimacy is a very basic human need and creating that together can provide a deep sense of being loved, cared for, nurtured and desired. This will of course look differently to different couples so don’t try to follow any sort of idea about what you’re “supposed” to be doing together in the bedroom. Instead, create an open and honest line of communication about the authentic needs and desires between the two of you. Caring for your partner sexually means that they’ll be much more inclined to do the same for you, which will often lead to a deeper sense of connection, love and joy in your life together.
Why is it important for people to embrace their sexuality?
Sexuality is a part of human nature. When we suppress it or when we don’t give it a true expression, we cannot be healthy and whole. You can’t cut off or repress one part of your system and expect the rest of it to function well. Sexuality is also something truly unique that makes romantic relationships quite special. We can have many friends, acquaintances and family members but for a majority of people, we only share ourselves sexually with one person. Appreciating and enjoying that beautiful kind of erotic connection allows us to taste more deeply in what it means to be human.
You’re also a Tantra Practitioner; can you explain what tantra is and why people should try it?
Tantra is a philosophy that comes from ancient India. And despite what most people think about Tantra being purely sexual, it embraces every single aspect of life. Living tantrically means to be fully present, aware and alive in everything that you do. It’s also about celebrating each moment as special, beautiful and sacred. And when you apply tantric practices in the bedroom, this philosophy has the power to lift and elevate your experiences to something truly ecstatic and blissful. Tantric lovers experience much more love, pleasure and playfulness together, both in the bedroom and outside of it!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I think that my greatest achievement to date is what I have created in my business and in my online presence – the kind of environment where people all over the world can learn about healthy sexual practices and principles freely. A lot of my content is available on YouTube for free, meaning that quality sexual education is becoming more and more available to anybody who is looking for it. I grew up with absolutely no role models or sources of good information when it comes to sex and it really hurt me deeply. I want to make sure that nobody has to go through the kind of suffering that I had to experience because I was unable to find answers that I so badly needed.
What are you looking forward to the most about 2022?
To be honest, I’m looking forward to more of the same – more growth and expansion of what I’ve already created. I’d love to reach a lot more people online and grow my YouTube channel to even more subscribers and countries. There are still many people out there who lack basic knowledge and understanding when it comes to human sexuality and relationships. And I know that I can improve their lives!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: I love, love the Paddock Bakery in Miami – great coffee and yummy pastries!
Coffee spot: I head to Piccolo Espresso for the view – right on the beach.
Restaurant: zyou can’t go wrong with Iku Yakitori in Burleigh Heads.
Bar or pub for a drink: I recently really enjoyed The Collective in Palm Beach.
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
On weekends, I usually head for at least one nature hike. I also love coffee/brunch catch-ups with friends. Plus, every Sunday I talk to my family in Europe. Thank god for Zoom, right?
If it’s romance you want, it’s romance you’ll get here on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba hubba!
We’ve compiled a list of what’s on and where, so that you can dial up the love-o-meter and treat yo’self and yo’partner to a Valentine’s Day (or night) experience to remember.
*Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned take place on Wednesday 14th of February.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Citrique
Treat your valentine (and yo’self, lbh) to a decadent five-course degustation dinner date, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and team of culinary experts. Accompanied by a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, tantalise your taste buds with Kingfish and ponzu pearls, Poached Lobster and caviar, Lobster fricassee, Roasted snow fish with beurre blanc sauce and salmon pearls, Wagyu flank steak and a decadent Chocolate mousse and praline dessert to finish. Prices start at $149 per person (level up with a $59 wine pairing). Find out more here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Oasis Shopping Centre
Roosevelt Lounge
Love is in the air at Roosevelt Lounge, and the eternal romantics are busting out all the stops – with an indulgent, four-course menu and optional wine pairing upgrade to really woo your boo, whilst the sounds of love ballads fill the air courtesy of live tunes by Teagan Mills. All wrapped up in the kind of sultry, speakeasy ambience that makes you want to cosy up and play footsies under the table like a couple’a loved up youngun’s.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar
If whispering sweet nothings over wine and woodfired pizza is your love language, then look no further than Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar this V-day. If there’s one thing the Europeans know how to do it’s romance, and Sofia’s has it in spades. A sophisticated, Euro-style gem lurking right in the heart of Broadbeach bedecked with crisp white tablecloths and dripping in trailing greenery – we suggest letting them take the lead with an expertly-crafted cocktail and curated, four-course menu experience for $110pp. Find out more here.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast’s stellar array of eateries are channelling their inner Cupid to sprinkle your V-day with every type of decadence imaginable. From curated, tasting menu encounters backdropped by a twinkling GC skyline, romantic Italian-style feasting to feeding your lover chocolate-dipped fruits from the chocolate fountain at Harvest Buffet. Seriously?! Surely these options have been plucked straight from the pages of a romance novel.
Go here for all the salacious deets on The Star’s Valentine’s Day food offerings.
Azure Spa & Fitness
Azure invites you and your beloved to connect and unwind with a a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Relaxation Massage and a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Express Nourishing Facial. Enjoy a glass of champagne post-treatment and a complimentary gift. $260 and available throughout February.
Love in Luxury
Indulge in a luxury stay at The Star Grand Hotel and The Darling, including a daily $50 dining credit, daily breakfast per guest, and a late check out until 12:00pm. You’re guaranteed 20% off the Best Available rate, leaving more in the kitty for extra cocktails. The offer is valid until 31st May 2024.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Skypoint
Want to make your significant other’s heart skip a beat? Devouring a five-course degustation at the Gold Coast’s highest dining destination oughta do it (and if it doesn’t, we’re all out of ideas, just quietly). You’ll both be on cloud nine with an evening of live entertainment, wining and dining your way through flowing drinks, Beetroot and Ink gin cured trout and Ruby filled dark chocolate tart. Sorry, Casanovas – the Gold Package has sold out but never fear, the Silver Package is still available! At $134 per person it is the perfect place to romance your ride or die and soak up one of the best views on the Coast.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise
QT GOLD COAST
Bazaar
February 14 sees the return of the ‘Lover’s Feast’ at Bazaar Marketplace, serving up a lust-worthy twist on its decadent buffet experience. Get your aphrodisiac fix with oodles of Sydney rock oysters, trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, tossed salads, with some love-themed sweet treats and a flowing chocolate fountain. There’s also acoustic tunes, a love potion on arrival and even personalised chocolate love notes, from $109 per person, (with optional beverage package upgrade).
Twilight Cabana Dinner Under The Stars
LBH, Valentine’s Day in a cabana under the stars is romance 101. Spoil your QTie (get it?!) and cosy up with dinner for two à la luxury poolside cabana – including a glass of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne on arrival, followed by savouring three delicious courses under the stars. Dream date alert! $320 for one cabana per couple.
Fixx Café
Grab your lover or skip the clichés and round up your squad for a Galentine’s get-together. $75 per person including coffee or tea, or $95 per person served with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne or really splurge with a bottomless spritz package for $109 per person.
Yamagen
Romance is hot on the menu at Yamagen with an extravagant 8-course menu curated by Executive Chef, Adam Lane. Think Sashimi Tacos, House-Made Wagyu Gyozas, Kushiyaki lamb cutlets, Wagyu Beef Sirloin ms6+… ’nuff said. $125 per person.
Get A Room
The thought of an evening of fanciful feasting with your heart-throb got you feeling some kind of way? Oh, GET A ROOM, already! No, we mean literally ‘Get a room’, the month-long Valentine’s celebration at QT. Just spend the night in Feb and you go in the draw to win – not just your loved one’s affections, but the contents of the whole dang room… right down to the designer bed and fluffy robes. So, why not upgrade that dinner date to a pampery, poolside staycay.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Videre
For one wonderful (or should we say wine-derful) and whirlwind evening only, RACV Royal Pines pop-up restaurant, Videre, will open its doors in the name of love. The Valentine’s exclusive event, brings a set menu of Mumm Champagne dressed Oysters & Pearls and Confit Ocean Trout to the unique, sweeping vantage of Royal Pines’ 21st floor, with wine pairings and specialty cocktails also available. Nothing but the best for you, babe.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa
Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Mercure Resort is throwing a luxurious and love-themed feast for the occasion, with a delightful 3-course menu, served within the lush surrounds and intimate ambience of The Green – for a very respectable $75 per person. Share in some creamy, Prawn Linguini (Lady and the Tramp style, of course) or mouth-watering Beef Tenderloin served with Potato gratin, followed by a Dessert Tasting Platter – a guaranteed way to win the complete adoration of any sweet lovers.
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara
The Fireplace
Craving a rom-com vibing Valentine’s spent canoodling by the fire, but, y’know – in a Southern hemisphere friendly way? Enchant your valentine with an exquisite culinary showcase at The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. For $149pp, toast to your true love with a welcome glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, and delight in a degustation style evening featuring The Fireplace’s finest – such as Citrus cured kingfish and melt-in-your-mouth beef served three ways, surrounded by charred figs, roasted fennel, grilled zucchini and lemon myrtle jus. Be still, our beating hearts.
Where: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
eforea spa
Indulge in the language of love this February at eforea spa Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences. Choose a romantic couples’ escape or indulge in solo pampering with personalised spa packages. As an extra touch of luxury, relish a complimentary glass of sparkling wine post-treatment. Save 10-15% off couples and singles packages.
Where: Level 2, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
voco
Craving some relaxed romance with your honey, this Valentine’s? Make a (dinner) date with Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, because love is in the air, baby! Opt to leave the choice in expert hands of Clifford’s cupid crew – cooking up an unforgettable, three-course feast, plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for just $89pp. Or, see where your cravings take you (straight to the dessert menu, LBH) with la carte menu also available on the night. For extra cute-points, finish it off with a moonlit saunter by the Surfer’s beachfront.. but hey, take our love advice at your peril.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Sofitel Room81
Let there be a thousand blossoms bloom, as far as Sofitel Broadbeach’s resident French darling, Room81 is concerned this La Saint Valentin. Sweep your ma chérie’s and chéri’s off their feet with a swoon-worthy, degustation dinner-date rendezvous – city of love style. Featuring five sumptuous courses of romantic French fare, including escargot, sabayon and spatchcock, whilst savouring a crisp bottle of Minuty M Rosé together. Not to mention, there’s also the luxuriously-appointed Superior Ocean View Rooms and Suites right upstairs, if after all that you’re in the mood… to make a night of it.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Imperial Hotel
Imperial Hotel (formerly Palazzo Versace, in case it’s been a while between rendezvous) has put together the pièce de résistance of staycay’s to share with your sweetheart. For the month of Feb, soak up some R&R in complete luxury, with complimentary welcome cocktails in the hotel bar (to kick start you into mini-holiday mode) combined with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and decadent chocolates, buffet breakfast – and copious amounts of lagoon pool lazing – for you and your boo daily. They really have thought of everything – including an exotic, lychee-spiked Bath Bliss experience (and accompanying lychee martinis) to be enjoyed in the couples spa. Oooh-la-la.
Where: 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Come one, come all, for a heaven-sent celebration of love and luxury at Soak Bathhouse this Valentine’s. For a day where romance and relaxation intertwine, both locations in Mermaid Beach and West End will be dialling up the ambience with soothing live tune serenades (we’re imaging angels softly strumming harps) romantic decor, and candle-lit surrounds to bask in. Along with serenity on steroids, Soak Bathhouse is all about that equal opportunity indulgence – with a range of amenities and packages so everyone from the lovebirds to those flying solo can partake in a spot of self-care… so, assemble the Galentines, y’all.
Where: Shop 20, 2532/2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Dracula’s
If you’re looking for a saucy and scintillating way to spend your V-day with bae, why not shake things up with an extra spicy, Valentine’s edition of cabaret at Draculas. A night out that’s already known for its racy and raucous ways, the kinky Drac’s crew will no doubt be descending into all-out debauchery – promising an evening that will make hearts stop and panties drop, plus a complimentary G-string rose… to do with what you will *blushing intensifies*
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Elements of Byron
When it comes to Valentine’s, there’s nothing like spending a few satisfying hours with your one-and-only, luxuriating in course after course of mind-blowing morsels to dial the romance-o-meter up to max. And one recreation haven that’s no stranger to those adjectives, Elements of Byron is throwing an exquisite nine-course degustation dinner for the pinnacle of Valentine’s Day decadence. From $195, savour Carpaccio, Ceviche, Spring Vegetable Gnocchi with your significant other, and share in some Raspberry, Macadamia & White Chocolate and choc-dipped Strawberries to finish.
Where: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Disclaimer: the following content is unsuitable for those under 18 years of age.
Juliet Allen, the Gold Coast’s resident Sexologist, has shared her top tips for Valentine’s Day. But even beyond Cupid’s special day, when it comes to sexual healing, Juliet can change your life.
Here’s how.
Okay, give them to us, what are your top tips for Valentine’s Day?
My top tip is not to get to hung up on it having to be an extravagant day and instead make it your intention to be connected with your partner/lover every day.
Imagine if every day was a special day. If we took the time to truly see our beloved and be present with them, that’s what we all truly want and desire, not the love heart teddies and roses.
If you’re reading this and thinking “I still want to celebrate’, I encourage you to spend the day TRULY connecting with your beloved, listening to them, turning off your phone and being present and loving. There’s no better gift than a lover who is authentically present and wanting to connect.
So how should couple’s heat things up on Valentine’s Day?
• New couples: Do something fun – go swimming naked in the ocean together, hang at a nude beach…enjoy sex in nature. Take risks.
• Long term couples: Grab a five star hotel room for the night – get away from your every day routine and spend the night making love and ordering room service.
How does a healthy sex life improve relationships?
Sex connects us and intimacy is an opportunity to connect at all our centres; our sex centre, our heart centre and our consciousness. Connecting with our partners via sex is essential for the longevity of a relationship.
Why is it important for people to embrace their sexuality?
Our sexual energy is our life force energy! It’s inside us all and if we push it down we become sick and repressed. To embrace our sexuality is empowering and has an amazing impact on our overall health and happiness.
What are some simple things we should practice regularly at home?
Self-pleasure is essential for everyone. Also self-love and presence with ourselves and with our partners.
How did you come to be a Sexologist and Sexuality Coach?
I studied psychology as my undergrad and then years later I wanted to go back to Uni and study something I was truly passionate about. I came to the conclusion that my biggest passion was sex, so I studied a Masters in Sexology. Best career move ever!
How do you help?
I help singles and couples to feel sexually empowered and happy in their relationships. People come to me because they’re seeking deeper connection and intimacy, or they want super hot, amazing sex, or they simply want to feel more empowered within themselves as a sexual being.
Why should people work with you?
Everyone, at some stage in their lives, will come across hurdles in their sex lives and relationships. When that happens the best way to deal with those challenges is to talk to a professional. People should work with me because I talk about and help people with sex and relationships for a living. I love what I do, plus I ‘walk the talk’, so to speak.
I get what it’s like to have these challenges because I’m like every other person, I’ve had my fair share of things to work through and I now feel empowered and whole as a sexual woman. I’m fun, straight to the point and real.
Do you only work with couples?
No, I work with couples and singles of all sexual and gender identities.
You’re also a Tantra Practitioner; can you explain what tantra is and why we should try it?
Tantra is choosing with awareness what brings us joy. It’s living a life full of ecstatic experiences, including ecstatic sex. It’s about finding inner peace and inner union as individuals, and then coming together with others to experience connection and intimacy. Tantra has transformed my life.
We surely can’t be the only ones who would prefer to be in the City of Love (AKA Paris) this Valentine’s Day? So in lieu of not being on the opposite side of the world, we have the next best thing for your Valentine’s Day plans… a taste of France in a bottle. Yep, you read that right. Enter your new favourite spirit, Pampelle. An aperitif crafted on the banks of the River Charente in France. Ooh la la!
And if that isn’t enough to win you over, Pampelle, is the world’s first Ruby Red Grapefruit aperitif – so say see ya later to Aperol, and hello to the ultimate taste of romance and summer in a glass! We suggest you send this link to your significant other as a heads up of what you expect to accompany your date night or save it for your Galentine’s catch-up where you plan to binge-watch Emily in Paris!
So without further ado, here are three new cocktails to enjoy this loved-up occasion.
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Recipes courtesy of Pampelle Aperitif.
