Gold Coasters, do we detect the slightest notes of aromatherapy oils, artisan tea blends and fresh-baked scones filling the air? Yep, that’s right – Mother’s Day is just around the corner!

But fret not if you’re yet to line up anything plush in honour of Mama dearest. All across the Coast, our most fanciful eats, fun and self-care purveyors are putting the finishing touches on myriad ways to spoil the OG lady in our lives.

Here are a bunch of ideas that go some way towards expressing our eternal gratitude this Mother’s Day. Hint: you can defo skip the servo flowers.

JW Marriott Gold Coast
JW Marriott is serving up several ways to spoil Mum in style this Sunday, May 12… and hey, if you just so happen to surreptitiously include yourself in the celebrations, well, that’s just good sense. If a self-care date sounds like just the ticket, treat mum to two heavenly hours of facial and massage infused relaxation with the Mother’s Day Bliss Package at Spa by JW.

If you’re really going for max spoilage, back it up with the tea party to end all tea parties at Chapter and Verse. Designed to honour Mum like the royal-tea she is, the specialty spread includes delights such as JW lavender honey and white chocolate chip scones using ingredients harvested fresh from the grounds’ own garden.

Or if you’re looking to assemble the whole fam, why not make it a foodie affair with a legendary long lunch at Citrique Restaurant’s award-winning seafood buffet? Think Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and more, with a complimentary Half lobster for each guest – the ultimate sea to table experience should go some way’s to expressing our eternal gratitude, no?
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Mesi Studio
The Mums & Margs workshops hosted at Mesi Studio will easel-y the craftiest fun to be found this Mother’s Day weekend. Try your hand at textured art while you partake in bottomless margi’s thanks to the Margarita Margarita crew, whilst creating one-of-a-kind aesthetic keepsake for your abode. Whether your mother dearest is a crafty-type who prefers cocktails over chamomile any day of the week (hey, we had to get it from somewhere!) – or you’re just looking to have a little fun with your snack-toting Mum squad; assemble your faves and create some crafty, cocktail-fuelled core mems at one of eight sessions across the weekend. What a time.
Where: 90 Kortum Dr, Burleigh Heads

Elements Of Byron
Is Mum a fan of the finer things, but you know it’s quali-tea time that really fills her (tea)cup? Why not embark on an unforgettable epicurean adventure, with an elegant High Tea experience at Elements Of Byron. Enjoy live entertainment as your savour house-baked pastries and cakes like Burnt Vanilla Bean Gateaux and Pear and Almond Frangipane Tarts, with a glass of Louis Roederer champagne on arrival. Imagine Mum’s delight as you point that GPS to paradise (bonus points for custom playlist with all her favourite bygone bops!) – and set off on a scenic, cross-border pilgrimage for the pint-sized array of artisan sweets and sips, culminating in the enchanting surrounds of Azure Terrace… it’s okay, we’ll let you claim the credit on this expertly-crafted plan.
Where: Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

The Langham, Gold Coast
From the 9th May, the already famously decadent and designer afternoon tea experience will be served with a sartorial twist at The Langham Gold Coast. In partnership with international fashion and beauty house, Carolina Herrera, the two luxury icons converge to deliver a pint-sized culinary showcase.

Don the designer duds as you tuck into pink-tinged delights like Raspberry & elderflower tart and the Bay lobster and salmon roe roll, brushed with metallic pink dust, in honour of the Houses’ newest fragrance, Good Girl Blush Elixir. Delicacies have been meticulously crafted to encapsulate the essence of the Houses’ most loved feminine elixir with notes of vanilla, Tonka bean, almond and cocoa.

Whether the head of your fam is a bit of a fancy-pants or a full-blown fashionista, this stylish spread will slay.
Where: The Langham, Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Voco
Racking your brain thinking of the best way to win Mum’s heart this year? Make your way directly to Voco’s Mother’s Day Brunch at Waves Buffet and consider it sorted! What better way to toast your beloved matriarch than rounding up the fam-bam for a leisurely brunch banquet filled with all the favourites. Made-to-order omelettes, crispy bacon and mouthwatering pastries galore, and let’s not forget bottomless mimosas – seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
One for the foodie Mums. Get the best of both worlds this Sunday 12th with the ultimate high tea x buffet hybrid at the Hilton Surfers Paradise. Featuring a curation of the most beloved tea party classics served alongside an assortment buffet style dishes to ensure maximum, button-popping satisfaction for your entire party. Feast ’til heart’s content on melt-in-your-mouth morsels such as mini quiches, butter chicken empanadas, pumpkin arancini, and more; complete with high tea stalwarts such as fanciful smoked salmon finger sandwiches, macarons and fresh scones served right to your table. Plus, a complimentary glass of Mumm Malborough Rosé on arrival for all adults. Here’s to you, Ma!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Now, we’re not calling anyone posh per se, but if the lady of your manor could sniff out Tasmanian smoked salmon and spanner crab from a mile away, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove does high tea with pizazz at Cove Café. Sip ’til heart’s content with your choice of Vittoria Coffee or the crème de la crème of cuppas, Tea Forté, plus a glas of Sparkling Rosé on arrival. Then savour the selection of gastronomic small bites such as Goat’s labneh with oyster mushroom, Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise, and hand-crafted sweets like Salted Caramel Choux and Coffee Chocolate Opera Cake with hazelnut cream. And who could forget classic and cranberry scones with all the trimmings?
Where: Cove Café, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Oasis Shopping Centre
The Oasis Shopping Centre is really raising a glass to all our matriarchal rocks, role models and one-in-a-millions; rolling out a stack of freebies and special deals for the occasion. To pamper your mama’s mind body and soul, pick from cute outings like the free Mother’s Day class at Studio Pilates, or give mum the works treatment with the ultimate, multi-boutique Indulgence Package, including an Infrared Sauna, Magnesium Float, Wash & Blow-dry and Professional Manicure – a steal at only $195 (valued at $260).

Plus, Mum isn’t about to go thirsty on her special day – with a range of complimentary beverages on offer across a selection of Oasis’ eateries this Sunday 12th, such as a free vino at Madison’s Café, or a marg on the house California Tacos. Cheers, Mumsy!

Read about all of the Oasis Shopping Centre’s offerings here.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Aviary Rooftop Bar
The thought of your typical high tea spread not really steeping your tea bag this Mother’s Day? Make a date with Mumma Bear at Aviary Rooftop Bar for a decadent French-inspired afternoon tea served with a whole lot of flair. Pack your appetite and prepare your tastebuds for a mouth watering Parisian affair, as you nibble your way through French macarons, sumptuous eclairs and flaky, petit pastries. Available in two packages, the fanciest of which includes both a French Champagne and a French Martini for $85 pp (+ BF). Oui oui, a rooftop soiree designed to transport us to the streets of Paris is definitely our cup of tea, darjeeling!
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
High Tea is cute, but High Tea surrounded by koalas is cuter. Spend some koala-ty time with Mum with the un-bear-ably (okay we know they’re not technically bears, you know we can’t resist the opportunity for a good pun) adorable Mother’s Day High Tea being hosted at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this year.
Tickets from $129 include a professional photo of Mum with a koala and admission from 12pm, meaning you can visit the rest of the adorable animals on offer while you’re there. You can even upgrade to an animal encounter and give Mum the chance to up close with her favourite animal – choose from Lemurs, Echidnas, Capybaras and even a Possum encounter! Imma Lemur you finish, but if Mum’s an animal lover, Currumbin has one of the best Mother’s Day experiences of all time.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Give Mum the royal treatment she rightfully deserves, with a Mother’s Day High Tea extravaganza hosted in the lush surrounds of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Pearls Bar is rolling out the red carpet for an indulgent afternoon of pinky popping, poolside decadence; kicking off with a welcome Mirage Spritz Cocktail or Mrs. Edelyne mocktail on arrival. Serenaded by the dulcet tones of live entertainment for the duration, sip freshly brewed coffee and a delightful selection of teas, whilst you partake in hand-crafted sweet and savoury high tea delights and famous lobster sliders hot off the live station. A high socie-tea soirée fit for our familial queen!
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Paradise Country
Paradise Country’s annual Mother’s Day Festival on the Farm returns with a stacked day of family fun – live music, delicious food trucks, pony rides, character meet and greets and more! You can also opt to upgrade your outing from fun to feast, and soak in the gorgeous farm views from the Farmhouse Restaurant while treating Mum to a buffet breakfast – or lunch (because, #sundaysleepin).
Entry to the festival is $39 for kids or $49 adults, or dining options starting from $45 for little ones (entry included)
Where: Paradise Country, Production Drive, Oxenford

Driftwood Social
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Driftwood Social, where riverside dining is elevated to new heights! Treat mum to an unforgettable experience with their special Mother’s Day menu. Choose from a delightful 2-course meal at $59 per adult, which includes a refreshing beverage, or indulge in a 3-course feast for an additional $10. Kids aren’t left out either; they can enjoy a 2-course meal for just $25, including a beverage.
Where: 42 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Mercure Resort
Step away from the foot spas, slippers, cookbooks, et al – for a gift that Mum will actually reckon is swell, treat your special lady to a spot of R&R with a staycay at Mercure Gold Coast Resort. Hey, even the ones wired to love us unconditionally could use some time away to recharge once in a while (no offence). Grab a gift voucher so Mum can dine or unwind at her leisure, with sweet perks like complimentary car parking, late check out* and a delicious buffet breakfast served daily from 6:30am all part of the deal.
Where: Mercure Resort, 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara

Let’s be real, one measly day doesn’t really cut the Vegemite and cheese sammich when it comes to celebrating Mum and everything she does for us. After all, being a Mum is equivalent to 2.5 full time jobs – or so the studies say (some weeks we’re sure it’s closer to 3!). That’s why the legends over at Cooly’s fave retail destination The Strand at Coolangatta have dreamt up #MumFest – a whole entire month to celebrate Mum. Honestly, it’s about time we say! And when it comes to nailing a mum-orable Mother’s Day, what could be easier than a literal one stop shop.

First up in the mum-umental line up of #MUMFEST(ivities), is the dead-set easiest way to upgrade your Mum’s day spoils to epic status this year – the sweet deal that is The Strand’s spend to get tickets event. While you’re shopping up a storm to spoil Mum this month, your in-store purchases of $30 or more will also bag you a ticket to one of two premium Mother’s Day experiences that are guaranteed to knock her socks – or slippers – off (excludes Woolies). It’s a #winwin, right?!

Now just what exactly does the hottest little ticket in 4225 get the holder, you ask? Choose from an exclusive movie screening at the brand new Cinebar, or unleash your inner Picasso at the exclusive Sip & Paint event where you can sip on delicious drinks and nibble on scrumptious bites all while creating a keepsake masterpiece. But be quick to secure your spot, because as you can imagine with an offer this fab, spots will be more coveted than a beachside carpark on a Saturday morning.

Once you’ve got Mum’s gift sorted – head on over to the free card making station while you’re there. Or if you’re the Mum perhaps you could just gently nudge the kids in it’s direction, because you’ll get yourself a moments peace and quiet while they create a heartfelt keepsake just for you. The card making station is just one of five totally free activities to pick from during #MumFest – The Strand has really delivered when they proclaimed it to be the Month of Mum!

There’s also the chance to frolic at one of the fabulous flower crown workshops by Bloom Blessings – obviously to make the Mum’s those crowns they so rightfully deserve #yasqueen (bookings required though! #yousnoozeyouloose).

For the active Mama’s, perhaps the challenge of the free pilates class will be just the ticket, because who doesn’t love starting the day feeling strong? (bookings also required). There’s also pamper station which is bound to be a hit for any Mum — complete with a hand massage, a lick of fresh polish in her fave colour and a special mocktail on the house. And last, but not def-gin-ately least – if you’re heading out for #girlsday with a side of retail therapy, be sure to treat Mum to a little shopping intermission at the Gin tasting pop up – a gin-termission! #cheerstoyouMum

And the part-ay doesn’t stop there, because all month long The Strand at Coolangatta is channeling their inner Oprah and giving away prizes galore, hop on over and give their socials a good old fashioned stalk coz #yougottabeinittowinit. Mum’s the word on what’s up for grabs, but with everything else that’s on offer this month you know it’s bound to be something pretty Mum-azing.
MUMFEST is sponsored by Studio Pilates Coolangatta, Lincraft, Endota Spa, Cooly Liquor, Cinebar and Little Cooly.
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta, Coolangatta
When: All month long, check their socials or website for deets.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STRAND AT COOLANGATTA
Words by Kellie Leader

To us, May = Mexican. Whilst we can always cook up an excuse to eat nachos and sink margis, we don’t need to next month because it’s Cinco de Mayo time hombres! No, this isn’t some spicy Mexican mayonnaise, but a humdinga Mexi partayyyyy #areeba. Falling on the 5^th of May, Cinco de Mayo is an annual fiesta to commemorate Mexico’s independence from foreign rulers. So what’s better than a one day celebration….a one month celebration that’s what, lasting from the 1^st till the 30^th (and yes, we had to recite “30 days hath September…” in our heads).

Always on the same page as us, The Star Gold Coast are putting on a month of fun themed around our fave piñata popping peeps. So just what tomfoolery do our Mexi-loving mates at the GC’s entertainment hub have in store, and we thought you’d never ask.

Firstly, the entire joint is morphing into one big Pueblo and to save you a Google search, this means Village. Summonsing us to indulge in the traditions of Meh-hi-co, guys, we oblige #RubberArmActivated. Tell us more you say and again, we didn’t actually need an invitation.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a bartender and don’t we all, sign up for a two-hour cocktail making masterclass so you can woo your amigos and amigas at your next dinner party. Salud! Hosted by Queensland Brand Ambassador Carmen Hartwich from Brown-Forman, owners of Herradura Tequila, if anyone knows their way around a tequila-based cocktail, it’s this lady!

Fittingly staged at The Star’s mezcal speakeasy, Veladora on Friday 5^th May from 6.30pm until 8pm, it’ll be a night you’ll taco about for many years to come. Enjoy an evening of tequila, including two ‘DIY’ classic tequila-based cocktails, the Margarita and Paloma, Mexican-inspired snacks like a selection of empanadas, guacamole and corn chips, and all-round good times. Viva la Fiesta baby! This is a very limited and exclusive event so if you’re keen as (Dagoma) mustard, drop everything and book. Tickets are $79 per person, excluding Eventbrite booking fees.

And let’s not forget a live Mariachi band will roam the Grand Foyer from 7.30pm on the 6th May. Nothing says it’s time to fiesta like a group of roving sombrero-clad musicians!

Meanwhile, for the entire month of May, everyone’s favourite Japanese eats destination Kiyomi is whipping up a mean margarita and if you think you love a rita, a Japanese inspired rita is life. Or, if you’re a sucker for a frozen margarita, Atrium Bar has you covered and these things are srsly worth the brain freeze.

If a Millionaires Margherita at Cherry Bar tickles your fancy, same, and if our bank account doesn’t reflect millionaire status, at least our beverage can. And finally, if you’re a sucker for a Coconut Chilli Margarita which is us in drink form (sweet, spicy, and often associated with lots of woo-girl behaviour) then grab those bad boys at Garden Kitchen & Bar, along with a couple of supersized waters to mitigate the effects of said ritas #ResponsibleDrinking and #HeadachePrevention101. The Garden Kitchen & Bar also features plenty of other tequila cocktail concoctions and of course it does, coz this place never fails to deliver in the variety department.

Remember, you only live ‘Juance’, so get down to The Star in May for all the Cinco De Mayo revelry! For tickets and more information, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout May

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter Atrium Bar, Cherry Bar and the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST