Gold Coast reveals the best wellness escapes to have you relaxing with family this summer

We all know the sun-soaked shores of the Gold Coast as the idyllic family holiday. But a stone’s throw away there’s something equally inviting for families.

The Gold Coast is where it's at for wellness retreats and experiences this summer.

Ask any Aussie which destination they picture when they imagine the quintessential family holiday and more often than not the sun-soaked shores of the Gold Coast come to mind.

Pristine stretches of sand that run uninterrupted up the coastline for kilometre after perfect kilometre, a climate that jumps from a mild winter straight into bona fide swimming weather around August (and stays that way for the next eight months), and a cluster of theme parks that top every kid’s bucket list? A family trip to the Goldie is a no-brainer.

And the figures back it up: tourists spent $7.8 billion dollars on the Gold Coast in the year leading up to March 2024, a 31 per cent increase when compared to pre-pandemic 2019 figures, with those numbers expected to increase again next year.

But while buzzing Surfer’s Paradise and the adrenaline-fuelled bustle of Movie World’s activities might be front of mind for out-of-towners, there’s an entirely different scene unfurling in Southeast Queensland: one that brings with it a much slower pace.

Ask any Aussie which destination they picture when they imagine the quintessential family holiday, it’s the Gold Coast. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

The Gold Coast is well known as a family-favourite escape year-round. Picture: iStock

Fuelled by insatiable national interest (research from experience network Big Red Group found wellness tourism in Australia has increased by 228 per cent year-on-year in 2024) the state’s tried and tested family playground is rapidly evolving into a grown-up haven.

The Bathhouse at Ground, Currumbin. Picture: The Bathhouse at Ground

The lush Gold Coast Hinterland and relative calm of the region’s southern end has stepped up to the plate, playing host to a growing number of blissed-out wellness hubs.

In the wallaby-dotted rainforest of Currumbin Valley, just 10 minutes back from the beach, Ground Bathhouse - an outdoor oasis on the grounds of the Eco Village - offers soak sessions in its wellness hub.

Ground Bathhouse is an outdoor oasis. Picture: supplied

The Bathhouse at Ground has three hot tubs. Picture: Supplied.

Here, three hot tubs, a central swimming pool, traditional yurt sauna and cold plunge nestle beneath the branches of a majestic fig tree, while hungry patrons can grab a bite beforehand at the always-popular Pasture & Co cafe next door. Nourishing breakfast bowls jostle for attention beside slow-cooked brisket and hash at this sprawling garden eatery, while towering slices of lemon meringue pie in the baked goods cabinet make resistance almost futile.

Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach offers more ‘aqua-based’ relaxation. Picture: Soak Bathhouse.

Up the highway, Mermaid Beach is home to Soak Bathhouse, where more aqua-based relaxation (as well as massages and infra-red saunas) is on offer, while down near the NSW border there is the recently opened Native State in Kirra, a sleek, moody day spa and gym where a steam room, hot tub and bespoke relaxation room (complete with automated guided meditation) offer a blissful opportunity to wind down after a day spent in the sun across the road at the beach.

The new Sol Elements is set to open in 2025 in Tamborine Mountain.

Japanese bathhouse SOL Elements is set to open in Tamborine Mountain in early 2025, where, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, guests will be able to “immerse themselves in the regenerative power of earth, air, fire, and water”.

In the heavenly Tallebudgera Valley, where huge blocks of land 10 minutes from the ocean (and an influx of Sydney and Melbourne expats) have sent property prices soaring, Greenhouse the Bathhouse - recently relocated from its former West Burleigh location - is part gourmet restaurant, part day spa. Come for the massages, stay for the soak sessions and stuffed zucchini flowers.

The Gold Coast and hinterland region have a number of sensational wellness escapes and experiences to have you relaxing with family this summer.

Looking for something more eclectic? High in the hills above Mudgeeraba sits On Eagle’s Wings, a lesser-known gem when it comes to wellness on the coast. Clinging to the side of a peak that looks all the way across the hinterland to the high rises of Broadbeach and the glittering Pacific beyond, the day spa is housed in a European-style chalet with an infinity pool, sun loungers and hot tub, where you can get a massage, sip champagne and while away the hours in pure decadence.

On Eagle’s Wings is a lesser-known gem when it comes to wellness on the coast.

High in the hills above Mudgeeraba sits On Eagle’s Wings.

Visitors looking for a more extended wellness experience can dip their toes in at one of the region’s most exclusive retreats. Gwinganna - offering its signature seven-night Ultimate Wellness package or, if you’re on a stricter timeline the ever-popular two-night Wellness Weekend - is one of the country’s premier holistic destinations.

Gwinganna Health Retreat in the Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland. Picture: Tourism Queensland.

Perched in the foothills of Tallebudgera Valley overlooking meandering rainforest creeks and lush bougainvillea, Gwinganna offers a complete body and soul reset, with a gourmet anti-inflammatory menu crafted from organic local ingredients, exercise classes, meditation and guided bush walks aimed at resetting a busy, frazzled system and sending you back out into the world grounded and soothed.

Gwinganna Health Retreat is perched in the foothills of Tallebudgera Valley. Picture: Paul Broben.

Similarly, Eden Health Retreat - sprawled over lush green lawns neighbouring Currumbin Valley next to the entrance to one end of the stunning Springbrook National Park - is another option favoured by those looking for an immersive wellness escape.

Eden Health Retreat is sprawled over lush green acres.

Eden Health Retreat has cosy accommodation offerings.

From sound healing, yoga and meditation to hiking through ancient rainforests to dip in sun-dappled natural pools, Eden offers the kind of self care dreams are made of. Choose your stay - from between three and 14 (swoon) nights - and enjoy all-inclusive nourishing meals and snacks, wellness activities, unrestricted use of the facilities (which include a heated pool, spa and sauna) and best of all: unhurried time.

While the family-friendly allure of the Gold Coast isn’t going anywhere, the ever-growing appetite for wellness tourism has ensured that there’s plenty to keep Mum (and Dad) happy here too.