Be like Amy Shark & get all loved up on the Gold Coast

It’s that squishy time of year again. We look to our lovers to celebrate our passion and our partnerships (or for those of us happily single, our friendships).  It’s Valentine’s Day. So we’ve put together some sweet, local hotspots where you can plan the perfect date to spoil your special someone this coming Thursday 14 February. We have also done the homework for you on some sexy local gifts ♥ that are sure to woo your sweetheart (SCROLL ⇓⇓ to get to the goods).

Robina Town Centre’s Romantic Offers

Whether you’re together by day or meeting up at night, Robina Town Centre has got all of your couple needs covered. Hold hands in public, spoil your lover at over 400 retailers, and check out some of these great offers to #followyourheart this Valentine’s Day.

Stop by bustling foodie precinct, The Kitchens, and tantalise your tastebuds with world-famous Betty Burgers (go on… order one dessert concrete with two spoons); try some delectable delights at funky new restaurant, Mad Asian; or lick a dreamy dessert off your lover’s lips at Passiontree Velvet.

For something a little different, head upstairs and nestle into bae’s arms at the fairytale-themed plant based restaurant Elixiba for a ‘liquid alchemy drink’, an elixir or a ‘single serve mood shot’.

For a more traditional date night, catch a movie at Event Cinemas Robina and for extra brownie points, upgrade to Gold Class and a 5 course tasting menu with your choice of wine or cocktails. Wine and dine by the lake on The Promenade, with diverse and delicious dining options from Kamikaze Teppenyaki, Zeus Greek Street and Yum Cha to Lord of the Wings.  And well … we reckon you just can’t go past ending the night (or even spending the night) at chocolate heaven, Max Brenner (shh… maybe pick up something to take home to melt and drizzle on your naked love …. just sayin’).

Cocotte Dining

Tucked away in a quaint little pocket of Robina (behind RQs Tavern) is a hidden Japanese-French restaurant, Cocotte Dining.  Wander in through the understated restaurant front and immerse yourself in the harmony of an amazing lush, private garden courtyard. Start with a drink at this fully licenced venue (no BYO), to get you and your babe in the loving mood.  Offering a special Valentine’s Day menu that features scallops, quail dumplings, souffle and spanner crab, wagyu beef and dark chocolate flan, Cocotte will satisfy your cravings and set the scene for your perfect date.  Voted one of the 5 best hidden gems in the Gold Coast – and we have to agree (read our insideR restaurant review here).

Cucina Mia

Treat your beloved to an Italian feast at the always alluring and award-winning Cucina Mia – located just across the M1 from Robina in Mudgeeraba. Start with oysters, your way, then tuck into traditional Italian fare, including chef’s specialities spaghetti marinara and agnelo di cucina mia – marinated lamb cutlets. A stunning wine list, supreme cocktails and desserts to tempt all tastebuds round out this restaurant’s varied Valentine offerings.

Blackboard Varsity Lakes

Beloved local cafe, Blackboard, in Varsity Lakes promises to deliver on all your Valentine’s dreams, including some of the best coffee in Gold Coast City. Meet your love for brunch and devour the quintessential smashed avo breakfast or try something off the brand spanking new lunch menu, like the Karaage chicken bowl.

Explore Gold Coast ….

For locals looking to find a lovers’ location outside of Robina, there’s a plethora of natural spots for a beach picnic, a romantic rainforest stroll, or perhaps a rockpool dip.  Or for a little more sizzle, a short drive will see you land at one of the hottest new rooftop haunts in the Gold Coast. What better way is there to enjoy the company of your beloved than in the balmy summer breeze on a rooftop, under the glow of the setting sun?

Hellenika – Nobbys

This new Gold Coast rooftop bar sits above award-winning Greek restaurant Hellenika. You can now enjoy the full restaurant menu both downstairs and up top, on the roof. What’s even better is they are now taking bookings for tables on the rooftop so you can plan your day or night to perfection.  Feast on simple, fresh, quality and authentic Greek fare and select a wine from the comprehensive and captivating wine list, handpicked to complement the Hellenika menu.

Burleigh Pavilion

Encapsulating the Gold Coast’s endless summer with a breezy rooftop bar and InstaFamous Burleigh Heads views is newly opened rooftop destination, Burleigh Pavilion. The sun-drenched outdoor deck beckons for couples to share a cocktail while watching the waves roll in.  And you’ll enjoy the best absolute-beachfront view in the city. Choose a casual pizza with drinks on the deck or dine in at The Tropic, the Pavilion’s full service restaurant.  Expect fresh seafood that sings, desserts that delight, and prepare to try the unusual wood-fired pig doughnut, all with that beautiful Burleigh Beach backdrop.

HOTA – Love / Lust Film Festival

Finally, for something a little more saucy, but still close to home, take a drive to Gold Coast City’s cultural hub, HOTA, to check out their Valentine’s themed film festival.

Step outside the usual celebrations of Valentine’s Day and take your sweetheart to explore the Love/Lust film festival, curated by the Gold Coast Film Festival. Choose from five films between 14-16 February and explore cinematic representation of love and lust.

Gifts to make them gaga

We all know presence > presents, but sometimes we want to go the extra mile and spoil our sweetie.  Or perhaps you are doing the distance struggle, and just can’t be where you want to be, with your love.  Check out our recommendations for romance, and save some time.

  • We love the Borrowed Nursery, and you could definitely buy your boo a nice piece of greenery, but did you know they now deliver gorgeous gift boxes too?
    Check out:  https://thebotanicabox.com.au/collections/all-boxes/products/base-edition-03  With a couple of brews or a nice gin thrown in – we wouldn’t say no!
  • If your love is a traditional type, who can’t go past the rush of receiving beautiful flowers, we recommend you get in quick and place an order with Toogood Flower Studio at Mermaid Beach.
    Visit: https://www.toogoodflowerstudio.com/
  • For something a little more permanent, there are not too many girls who wouldn’t gush if her partner gifted her poetry. Pop into your local bookstore and grab something by Atticus, Rupi Kaur, Christopher Poindexter or Lang Leav.   A simple but heartfelt gift – hand over a hard copy of the Dark Between Stars adorned by a red ribbon, with a personal handwritten note in the cover, and we practically guarantee you’ll be rewarded by a smoochy, squishy response.
    If your man’s into reading, but not necessarily sappy sentiments, perhaps some classic poetry from Charles Bukowski may hit the spot instead.