After 22 years of marriage it has become quite the norm that going for a weekend away with hubby ‘alone’ is pretty much non-existent. However over the last 6 months we have found that our teenage kids have created a social life that feels a little like abandonment. Insert sad face.
This being our new norm, I decided that we can be spontaneous again and take mini breaks around Brisbane knowing we are only a short distance from home. So with this new found freedom we accepted the kind invitation from Avani Hotels and Residences to spend the weekend at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
With only 24 hours up our sleeves we headed to Broadbeach, Saturday at 11am, and like any major motorway we were hoping that it was going to be a dream run. It was, and we arrived at our accommodation ready for check-in but of course we were too early. No problems though as we had a massage booked at Endota Spa just walking distance from Avani. Lunch followed and then we checked in with our post massage hair and puffiness.
Our room was a one bedroom apartment which was cosy, yet spacious enough for a couple. If you aim was to self cater, this style of accommodation is perfect. We noticed that many of the guests were families or couples from down south due to school holidays plus the Gold Coast is a perfect escape from the winter blues. If only it was a few more degrees warmer I would have been laying around the rooftop pool for the afternoon.
After chilling in the room reading and watching Netflix, it was date night dinner with hubby. I was arranging the weekend and I didn’t want to drive anywhere so we strolled to Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill. Great service always leads to a quick exit, so we were out the door by 7.30pm. What to do next? Well luckily The Star was across the road from our accommodation and I had heard so much about it, in particular The Darling, I insisted on a night cap.
Well you can see where the night goes from there. Ok not exactly too wild as we were keen to go back to Avani and go to bed early (to sleep!).
The morning was beautiful at Broadbeach so we decided to stretch the legs and go for a long walk along the beach and grab breakfast. Along the way we ducked and weaved around joggers, prams, dogs (the odd poop) and stopped and perused the local markets which are on each weekend. There was a buzz about Broadbeach, it was relaxing and contagious.
Heading back to Brisbane just 24hrs later, we couldn’t believe how recharged we felt in such a short time. The kids hadn’t trashed the place which was a bonus and give me great confidence that these mini breaks will become something of a habit.
Rebecca Pini is the founder and Managing Director of made4media, a fully integrated creative, marketing and communications agency specialising in brand development and management, social media, traditional & digital communications, advertising, events, creative design & video production. With 30 years in television, marketing and communications, Rebecca has had extensive experience in many facets of the changing marketing and communications industry.
Married with two teenagers, Rebecca is also the owner of SheSociety. Supporting women has always been a passion and she is very proud of this creative platform which women can share their thoughts, insights and opinions.
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