Wow, Palm Beach you’ve done it again.
With avant-garde dining spaces and luxury tower blocks popping up aplenty; it’s a pleasant and warm welcome for The Mysa Motel (pronounced Mee-sa) to the Palm Beach scene. As the coast’s very first sustainable, boutique luxury motel you know we had to check it out for ourselves.
Let’s not make any mistakes here, the property that was here before, the old Palm Trees Motel, was lacking a bit of attention and looking a tad dated. Enter husband-and-wife-duo Eliza and Jason Raine who have painstakingly refurbished the site into a sustainable, seven-room oasis with severe aesthetic appeal.
If soft pastels and carefully considered architectural lines are your thing – you’re going to absolutely swoon for this place when you lay eyes on it.
So if out-of-towners are asking for your advice on somewhere to stay – we strongly suggest you add The Mysa Motel to your repertoire of suggestions.
The approach to renovating the space was certainly not taken in any hurry. “It’s been over two years since we bought the old Palm Trees Motel and we’ve worked tirelessly to create a space that not only encapsulates a modern twist on retro Gold Coast; but one that incorporates a local flavour and supports local businesses,” Jason muses.
Each of the motel’s light-filled rooms is kitted out with vintage images of Gold Coast attractions and destinations, shot by internationally-acclaimed and locally-based photographer Trent Mitchell.
By scouring the Gold Coast for old breeze blocks, glass mosaic for the bathrooms and pool lounge recliners from local building sites, The Mysa is indeed a local herself. By heavily using upcycled materials, they have managed to reinvent an icon with as minimal impact as possible. And the results speak for themselves.
Complementing its recycled materials, the motel relies on rainwater tanks for toilets and gardens and over 60 solar panels for energy mean all electrical requirements are covered. Surplus electricity is expected to be fed right back into the local grid. Good on ya, guys!
With 7 differing rooms for you to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. There’s the option for double, twin and even a two-storey suite that accommodates four guests. Should you have a squad of around 16 people, well, guess what — you can book the entire thing for yourselves!
At the forefront is also ensuring guests and their well-being are being looked after. That’s why you’ll find self-filtering taps in every room, and the original vintage kidney-shaped swimming pool is enriched with magnesium mineral water. Just what you need after a tequila-soaked night in the local vicinity.
It’s no secret that Palm Beach enjoys a great location here in our city. By being merely a stroll from the world-class beaches, plus popular dining and nightlife offerings, The Mysa Motel balances a relaxed eco-friendly coastal attitude with an evolving urban spirit.
Where: 1100 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson and photos by Trent Mitchell – supplied by venue.
Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has been transformed into the Coast’s king of cool.
With new bars and eateries filling every unoccupied space, quiet(er) beaches and some of the best boutique shopping around, Palmy is moving on up in the world.
As is customary, we’ve compiled a list of the top 17 reasons locals love the place.
Watson Bloom
A sweet coffee spot underneath Sable Palm Beach, Watson Bloom is serving up exceptional brews along with plenty of plant-based treats including raw goodies and banana bread made in-house plus pastries and never-ending good vibes. Pop in for an early morning brew and a chat.
Where: Sable Palm Beach, 2/1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Patty Smiths
The newest burger crew around are Patty Smiths who are serving up VERY tasty burgers, made with hand-pressed patties along with loaded fries, some of the most epic thickshakes around and just general deliciousness everywhere honestly. Perfect for beachside dinners or if you feel like something yummy but can’t be bothered cooking (us, always).
Where: Shop 15A Pavilions Shopping Centre, 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Las Palmas
Overlooking the ocean with the perfect pastel palette, Las Palmas is bringing Latin America to Palm Beach with a share-style menu, made up of mouthwatering flavours and a fresh cocktail list to match. Head in there for a Sunday arvo session or long lunch with your loves. It’ll be your new summer fave for sure.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Scottish Prince
Tucked away, all moody low-lit with wild times written all over it, The Scottish Prince, sister venue of The Cambus Wallace and is one of the best drinking holes we have here on the Coast. It’s primarily a whisky bar boasting over 300 varieties of the tasty tipple plus a perfectly complementary menu including charcuterie boards, meatballs, Scotch Fillets, fish and chips and the like. All the very best things. Get in.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Sisterhood Coffee
Sisterhood brings community-inspired good vibes to the people of Palmy. It’s the work of two local gals who are serving up impressive brunch dishes made with local produce and some of the yummiest there is. Sisterhood is bringing the coffee culture back down to earth, not charging for milks that aren’t of the full cream variety and are generally creating something pretty lovely down south Palmy way. Highly recommend.
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Farmers Markets
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Frida Sol
Margaritas and Mexi-eats are some of our favourite things and happily, they’re on offer at Palmy’s delightful upstairs space, Frida Sol. There’s a chilli margarita that’ll knock your socks off and if you perch outside on the deck, a balmy ocean breeze – the combination of which will remind you exactly why you live on the Gold Coast. The perfect time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Collective
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Barefoot Barista
Barefoot have been a Palmy favourite since they swung open their doors in 2011. They offer the kind of nourishing, healthy homestyle eats you’d expect when you visit your fanciest friend for breaky. Think house-smoked Miso Cured Salmon and Wellbeing Porridge packed with goodness. The crew at Barefoot also serve a mean coffee, one of the best on the Coast in fact and you, friends, can purchase the tasty single origins beans to make your own.
Where: 10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Strange Days
Calling lovers of all things vintage, there’s a new kid in town and you’re going to want to head in there to peruse the goodies ASAP. The entire store has a bit of a rock ‘n roll, western vibe, reminiscent of owner Sylvie’s (enviable) style and you’ll find everything from clothes, vintage records, a few homewares, posters and the like. It’s all been carefully sourced and is in very good condition.
Where: 1/1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Pirate Park
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)
White Bohemian
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including Byron Bay labels SPELL and Arnhem and locals like Mahiya and Lokoa. It’s possibly the only place on the Coast gals can go to stock up on the bohemian trend that has literally taken over the world. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Balboa Italian
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Espresso Moto
It’s a cafe crossed with a motorbike workshop and the home of the best banana smoothies on the Gold Coast. That’s right, the best. There is not a single thing not to love about Espresso Moto from their very delicious breakfast goods (the brekky burritos are the bomb), to their use of All Press coffee and the ever-friendly staff who always say g’day. There’s also a communal dog bed and the beach is right around the corner. So yeah, it’s the best.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Suga
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Ritual Yoga & Pilates
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is only a couple of years old but has already become a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Highline
One of Palmy’s sweetest coffee spots is Highline, a stunning little space decked out in pastel hues and serving up some of the very best coffee on the Coast. The menu is the goods too, boasting fresh, locally sourced produce-filled dishes like jaffles, ferment bowls and even a life-changing apple pie. Great.
Where: 5/1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Kirra Smith
Seems like 2020 isn’t a total bust after all.
Gold Coasters, we have been saved by the humble potato – a beautiful, versatile vegetable that brings us happiness in oh so many ways.
The latest of which is that Mr Potato has opened up in Palm Beach so you can eat life-changing, loaded roast potatoes every day forever. See, things are looking up.
The newbie can be found on the Gold Coast Highway opposite Balboa, all white with pops of bright pink and orange, greenery of course and a sign that reads like the story of our lives with unchecked boxes next to single and taken and a ticked one next to the words ‘eating potatoes, getting fit, setting goals, hustling, building an empire, loving life and being grateful’. Check.
If Mr Potato says it’s okay, we’re going with it.
The premise of the place is fresh, fast, healthy loaded potatoes and could there be anything better? We think not.
It’s the work of South Australian gal Shanay who now calls Palmy home and we are very happy about it.
Now, to the potatoes.
There’s a menu from which you can choose pre-thought out potato toppings but first, you must decide whether you want an IQ spud (25% less carbs than your average white potato) or a sweet potato.
Then there are topping options like The Lady Peeler with a choice of protein, spinach, bacon, roast capsicum, quinoa, tabouli, avocado and salsa and The ‘Aussie’ Tator with beef ragu, bacon, kale-slaw or coleslaw, beetroot, carrot and pineapple and The Medi-tator with tofu cauliflower, peas n corn, red onion, kale-slaw, avocado, salsa, vegan sour cream and vegan cheese.
All of which we tasted and all of which are absolute taste sensations.
Of course if you’re more of a choose-your-own-adventure type, you may opt to load your own with protein, healthy toppings, cheese and sauces. What a time to be alive.
To drink, there’s organic kombucha, cold pressed juices and soft drink and yes, it’s all on UberEATS if you’re in the area.
Looks like summer is going to be spent eating so many potatoes we turn into a potato. How good.
LOCATION: Shop 2, 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
HOURS: 10.30am until 9pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Not only is the Gold Coast becoming THE place to be for epic eateries, cool cultural events and all things art and entertainment, we are also embracing all things sustainable and zero waste at a rapid pace and it’s so exciting to see.
In the last year or so we’ve had a couple of sustainable product stores pop up around the place and they have been welcomed with open arms by us locals.
Happily, there’s a new kid in town and this one can be found right in the heart of Burleigh Heads. It’s called The Good Lane and it’s a zero-waste, plant-based marketplace where you can stock up on all things good-for-the-planet.
Owner Elijah McQuinn was the man behind Sustainable Social, a zero-waste, plant-based market on the Coast; but wanted a retail space so he could bring local makers together and hold events for the public too.
What kind of things you ask? Well Gold Coasters, pretty much everything.
You can treat your skin to something special with clay masks, deodorant pastes and bath soaks by local brand Rustic Peppermint.
There are kitchen goodies like coconut bowls, bamboo straws, cutlery kits, produce bags, dish brushes, lunch boxes and drink bottles.
Of course, you can also get eco-friendly tote bags and produce bags.
There are also hand-crafted ceramics including incense holders and ritual dishes from Blue House Pottery plus prints and macrame for your walls by local artists.
Stock up on (hot commodity) loo paper by the legends at Who Gives a Crap or a beautiful thrifted / upcycled piece of clothing .
The Good Lane is also a micro nursery so you can take home some (yes, more) greenery for your house as well as candles by The Glass Half Full and there’s also a selection of stunning vintage homeware, carefully curated by the team.
That’s not even all of it.
You can pretty much find anything you need and all within the pretty, light-filled space and it’s all made by locals from Northern NSW to Brisbane. How good.
If you’re thinking you might like to spend a bit of extra time in there, you’re in luck.
Events like watercolour art classes, sound healing sessions and cacao ceremonies are all on offer throughout the week. Sounds like the perfect place to us.
Head down there to check it all out for yourself and pick up some sweet, sustainable goodies to fill your home with and keep an eye out for shop pup Chase, he’s a fluffy little sweetheart.
LOCATION: 73 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday & Sunday’s 10am to 3pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
