Straight & Sleek is putting frizz in its place.
Straight & Sleek is putting frizz in its place.
Have you spent your whole life wrangling with your hair – trying to tame it, mould it, flatten it (without crying into it) using nothing but your own sheer determination and some ineffective taming cream? Without sounding too cliché – ya’ll can fret no more! Allow us to introduce your hair saviour- AKA, your new BFF. Nestled in Kirra, Straight & Sleek is the Gold Coast’s first studio built exclusively for hair straightening, and honestly, it’s about damn time.
Founded by Charmaine Stubbs in 2010, Straight & Sleek was born of a very relatable frustration: years of dealing with frizzy, unmanageable hair and the kind of chemical-straightening damage that leaves you questioning all your life choices. So Charmaine did what any determined hairdresser slash mad scientist would do; she trialled, tested and perfected a healthier more effective alternative until she landed on her now-signature Nanoplasty treatments. Fifteen-plus years and one seriously impressive stack of industry training later, the result is a studio that has well and truly split ends with the traditional salon model- which don’t tend to give us the expertise we need…do they…
And we mean that literally, because here, straightening isn’t just another service squeezed in between a colour and a cut – it’s their entire business. Every consultation, product and technique is dedicated solely to solving texture problems, whether that’s frizz, dryness, or curls. It’s safe to say, they’ve basically got a PhD in whatever texture hair problem you’re dealing with. Results are tailored to you and guaranteed to last, using only clean, non-toxic, professional-grade products from leading global brands – because life’s too short for a salon visit that smells like a chem lab.
The experience itself leans more into a day spa than a long day at the salon. Think luxe-seating, massage basins, a refreshment menu, and state-of-the-art clean-air extraction, so you can skip the eau de chemical perfume altogether. Throw in ocean views over Kirra Beach, and you’ve essentially booked a mini holiday that’ll also end with unreasonably good hair.
The process itself is straight to the point and surprisingly low drama. What you’re left with is smooth, shiny, genuinely manageable hair (and a repaired relationship with it).
Every woman deserves effortlessly beautiful hair that doesn’t cost her precious time and a small tantrum every morning, and this Kirra studio has built an entire business around handing it back. Whether you’re after a full transformation or just a quick smooth-over, there’s a treatment with your name on it – from the Signature Straightening and Smoothing & Soft Straightening through to the quick-fix Express De-Frizz Treatment. Moral of the story- frizz, we’re breaking up with you.
Where: Kirra Village Shops 13/48 Musgrave St, Coolangatta (formerly located in Mudgeeraba)
When: Tuesday – Saturday 8.30 – 3.30pm. Closed Monday & Sunday
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY STRAIGHT & SLEEK
Beach days, big feeds and Cooly charm.
Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb, and honestly, she’s got main character energy without even trying. A little retro, a little sleepy, a whole lot salty, Cooly is the kind of place where you can start the day with a sunrise swim, roll into coffee, stay for lunch, and somehow still be there when golden hour hits.
It’s got that good old Gold Coast feel we’ll never stop banging on about, with pumping surf, chilled-out locals, beachside eats, rooftop sips and tucked-away.
Whether you’re chasing something fancy, fried, caffeinated or to plonk yourself in the sun, here’s why locals love Coolangatta.
Cooly might be laidback, but when it wants to dress up, it really understood the assignment. Pipi’s Restaurant leads the charge from its Point Danger perch, with the Gambaro Group bringing Mediterranean-leaning seafood to the southern end
Cooly Breeze Rooftop takes things sky-high from Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, pairing sweeping views with Mediterranean Coast flavours from Executive Chef Marcondes Almeida Neto. Over on Griffith Street, La Stradina brings candlelit Italian charm and snacks like Parmesan Truffle Fries and Focaccia with miso butter.
For something moodier, The House of Bamboo is Cooly’s underground secret, serving Asian tropical vibes, izakaya-style street eats, sake, cocktails and late-night beats. Pokkoi keeps the Asian fusion fun rolling with plates like Hiramasa Kingfish and Beef Rendang Donuts.
The Lume brings pretty-in-pink yum cha energy to Griffith Street, with Duck Baos, dumplings and cocktails that smoke, flame and generally do the most. And for a big, generous Greek feast, Xenia delivers family-owned hospitality and a menu made for sharing.
For a sweet little Cooly treat, Ottimo is scooping gelato the Italian way, thanks to owner Davide and his actual studies at Gelato University. Luna’s Deli brings Euro-deli goodness with bangin’ coffee, flaky croissants, glossy Pain au Chocolat and a Croque Monsieur worth crossing suburbs for.
Little Mali Tuckshop has range, slinging St Ali coffee, cold foams, smoothie bowls and brunch by day, before turning into a taco bar from Thursday to Saturday afternoons. Just a few steps away The Salty Chook is all about crispy chook, salty chips, burgers in baskets and Chocolate Ripple for dessert.
Harahetta Ramen brings beachside noodle comfort with bowls loaded with marinated egg, pork chashu, seaweed and all the good stuff, plus karaage, gyoza, rice bowls and burgers for the non-ramen purists. Big Papi’s Cocina adds Latin American flavour with empanadas, coal-cooked meats, share plates and Maracuya Sours. And Burrata Boy has officially found a permanent Cooly home, serving toasted focaccia, fresh basil and creamy burrata goodness from one tiny, mighty takeaway kitchen.
Cooly mornings hit different, and thankfully the coffee scene is doing its part. Kefi is the gorg Mediterranean-inspired café behind those viral strawberry matchas, bright interiors and brekky plates that taste as good as they look.
Black Dingo sits pretty up on Duranbah Hill with uninterrupted ocean views, great coffee, fresh locally sourced eats and a 5am opening time for the crack-of-dawn crew. Mojo brings Aussie brekkie favourites and modern Indian street food together, with husband-and-wife duo Addy and Sukh serving up everything from the Big Brekkie to the Masala Dosa Mojo Bowl. Second to naan, truly.
When the sun starts dipping, Cooly knows where to send you. Bar Evelyn is the Marine Parade favourite for antipasto, pasta, pizza and cocktails with Italian flair. Our pick? The Pork & Pickled Pepper Pizza, house-made tiramisu and a seasonal sour.
On the beachfront, 4 Pines is your brew-tiful post-surf stop for cold beers, live tunes and tap favourites like the Pacific Ale and Pale Ale.
Eating and drinking aside, Cooly is very good at keeping you busy. The Strand is your one-stop oceanfront hub, with surf and skate stores, boutiques, beauty stops, casual bites and plenty of places to graze from brekky through to dinner. Cinebar also has you sorted for dinner, drinks and a movie without having to move too far.
For the little ones, or big kids who take arcade games a bit too seriously, Timezone brings bowling, dodgem cars, laser skirmish and 200+ games to the mix.
Of course, you can’t talk Cooly without talking beach. Greenmount, Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and Duranbah are all part of the magic, whether you’re surfing, swimming, walking or simply standing there saying “how good is this” like a true local.
And when in doubt, head to the surf clubs. Rainbow Bay Surf Club and Greenmount Beach Surf Club are both prime positions for ocean views, cold drinks, casual feeds and that unbeatable Gold Coast feeling of having nowhere else you’d rather be.
Cooly, we love you. Never change.
Words by Belinda Symons
Market fave Burrata Boy finds a permanent home in Coolangatta.
If you’ve ever wandered through Miami Marketta or the Sanctuary Markets with an empty stomach, chances are you’ve spotted the queue for Burrata Boy. Now, the Gold Coast favourite has traded market pop-ups for bricks and mortar, opening its first permanent home in Coolangatta in a tiny takeaway kitchen dedicated to one of Italy’s greatest gifts: burrata.
Officially opening on June 20, the Chalk Street spot is proof that good things come in small packages. Blink and you might miss the little pod tucked down the alleyway behind Chemist Warehouse, but follow the scent of toasted focaccia and fresh basil and you’ll know you’ve arrived.
After building a loyal following one burrata ball at a time, the move feels like the natural next step for dream-team Emma and Victor. Their market stalls became known for generous portions, fresh ingredients and genuine hospitality, with regulars happily lining up for their cheese-loaded creations.
The community has wasted no time embracing the new digs. Just one week after opening, Emma and Victor shared their gratitude for the overwhelming support, thanking customers who returned for second sandwiches, spread the word and patiently supported the team as they settled into their new home.
The venue itself keeps things simple with white walls, grey awnings and timber accents. It’s designed primarily for grab-and-go lunches, beach picnics and quick coffee stops, although a handful of tables out the front invite diners to linger a little longer.
The menu doesn’t overcomplicate things either. Instead, it lets exceptional ingredients and Italian flavours do the talking. Burrata, naturally, is the hero, arriving creamy and generously portioned across bowls, sandwiches and share plates.
The signature Burrata Bowls headline the offering, including the OG Pesto Bowl, pairing creamy burrata with mortadella, rocket, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, parmesan, balsamic glaze and slices of fresh focaccia for scooping up every last bite.
The Hot Honey Bowl delivers sweet-meets-savoury perfection with prosciutto, crushed pistachios and a drizzle of hot honey, while vegetarians are well looked after with the Garden Bowl, loaded with grilled eggplant, basil pesto and fresh herbs.
Then come the focaccia sandwiches. Early customer favourites include the Hot Boy Spicy, stacked with salami, fior di latte, tomato, rocket and hot honey, alongside the BBF Signature, where fresh burrata meets prosciutto, basil and cracked pepper with your choice of balsamic glaze, hot honey or basil pesto.
Sharing is encouraged too, with a Burrata Platter piled high with two burrata, cured meats, olives, cherry tomatoes and focaccia. Bring this to your next beach picnic and you’ll be everyone’s favourite.
The new kitchen isn’t just about cheese, there’s coffee and sweets, too. Treat yourself to a classic affogato or lean into dessert with a toasted Sweet Focaccia topped with Nutella, caramel or both, because sometimes more really is more.
If the first week is anything to go by, Burrata Boy’s little Cooly pod is on track to be a local institution.
Where: Chalk Street, Coolangatta
When: Sun–Thurs 7am–2pm, Fri–Sat 7am–4pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Cold weather, hot venues.
Winter has officially settled in, and let’s be real, leaving the house now requires a strong dose of motivation. Luckily, the Gold Coast’s latest wave of openings is making it a whole lot easier to throw off the doona and seize the day.
From juice bars and cookie counters to rooftop sips and smokehouses, June proves the Gold Coast dining scene is not hibernating, and neither should you.
From the team behind Fire Baby and Ember, Hicksy’s Cafe is part of the new Hicksville, a big and bold hospitality precinct on Hicks Street in Southport. By day, Hicksy’s Cafe offers up specialty Bear Bones coffee, fresh pastries and stacked sandwiches with standouts including the Fire Baby Porchetta Roll, Brisket Boss and Pesto Mushroom Melt. Cancel your meal prep, these sandwiches are next level.
Where: 11 Hicks Street, Southport
Burleigh favourite The Fruit Shop has opened a second location, bringing its famous fresh juices, real acai and colourful smoothie bowls to Tugun. Owned by Ashlee Rana-Smith and Bailey Haigh, the family-run business continues a legacy dating back to the 1970s with its brilliant beachside snacks made with real fruit and no additives. Consider it your new go-to for a post-surf juice or acai fix.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Surfers Paradise has a new locale for long lunches. Taking over the former Hyde Paradiso site, Valentina Restaurant + Bar pairs Mediterranean-inspired feasts with sweeping ocean views and cocktails created alongside the team behind Maybe Sammy. Expect share plates, fresh seafood, handmade pasta and standout spritzes, all served in a breezy coastal setting inspired by Barcelona and the Amalfi Coast. It might just make you cancel your Euro summer plans.
Where: Level 2, Peppers Soul, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
After a four-month Mediterranean-inspired makeover, Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has reopened bringing elevated coastal style and a refined new menu, crafted by owner and Executive Chef Marcondes Almeida Neto – the culinary mastermind behind fellow Cooly kingpins Black Dingo and La Stradina. Whether you’re chasing sunset spritzes, long lunches or just sweeping ocean views, this refreshed favourite is officially back and better than ever.
Where: Beachcomber International Resort, Level 13/122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Part of the new hospitality precinct on Hicks Street, Hicksville’s Smokehouse & Backyard Bar is bringing serious smokehouse energy to Southport, serving 16-hour brisket, sticky ribs, smoked chorizo and stacked BBQ buns. Expect low-and-slow meats, share plates like the Pitmaster’s Plate, and a strong drinks list heavy on bourbon, whiskey and local brews. Perfect for post-work knock-offs or weekend feasts.
Where: 11 Hicks Street, Southport
From the team behind Pasture & Co, Fletcher’s Pantry & Espresso is Tallebudgera’s newest neighbourhood cafe, bringing specialty coffee, artisan breads and freshly baked goods to the former Woodbox site on Tallebudgera Creek Road. Designed with a nod to the building’s old-school charm, it’s set to become the local go-to for slow mornings and community catch-ups.
Where: 33 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh
Broadbeach has officially entered the cookie chat with Brooki Bakehouse landing on Surf Parade as the brand’s first full-scale Gold Coast store. The Brisbane-born cult bakery, famous for its viral New York-style cookies, brings thick, gooey, over-the-top treats like Milk Choc-Chip, Biscoff, Red Velvet and Oreo Cheesecake, plus rich brownies, cupcakes and show-stopping cakes. Open 10am–10pm, it’s your new excuse to make every day a cheat day.
Where: 88 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Southport’s cafe scene just levelled up with No Name Lane 4215 opening at RDX Lumina, bringing the cult Broadbeach brand’s signature style to a futuristic new space. Chef Liam Dove is serving up Aussie brunch brilliance like Chilli Scramble and Raspberry Lemon Pancakes, while coffee is as top-notch as ever. The headline act though is the split cup, offering two different sips in one cup, so you no longer have to choose between coffee or matcha, you can have both!
Where: T0.3, 23 Nexus Way, Southport
Words by Lisette Drew
