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Australia's Gold Coast is famous for neon lights, stripclubs, and for being an overall bling-tacky-bling city, so finding the Verve Restaurant with a charm and sophistication completely opposite takes me unaware, and reminds me that stereotypes are always fun when broken.
Nestled in the backstreets of Broadbeach Waters, the Verve eatery is situated in an area just far enough from the main drag to see distant flashing lights, and quiet enough to be a surprising elegant delight for passers by. From a dark pathway outside, I look in through an open-air window to a vibrant hub of a warm glowing atmosphere, buzzing with energy. Friends are chatting together after post-work days, and colleagues laughing into the night in pleasantly small groups. Charismatic tungstens highlight a slightly oriental décor; I'd call it ‘cosy-mod.' Deep ruby red walls, trendy bamboo lightshades, a central wooden Buddhahead art peice, and the comfortable feeling that comes from wooden tables and a pure white candlelit table setting. The dining area is large enough to absorb group energy, at the rear is the bar, and behind this an open window previewing the kitchen, where Chef and staff are hard at work creating fine delicacies for the evening.
Shelly Greaves, the welcoming owner, smiles a lot; she is happy. Greaves tells me reservations are recommended here, as the place has become not such a best-kept-secret. Glancing at a wall adorned with awards, I can imagine that would be so. From the wine list I sip my Ferngrove Merlot (byo is allowed) and read that the Restaurant and Caterers Association 2009 gave The Verve an accolade for Best Informal Dining. Head Chef Jay Jorgensen won the Gold Coast Signature Dish twice, and this is proudly displayed along the walls, beside about ten other winning and finalist certificates.
On presentation of a modern cuisine menu (European principles with Asian influences,) I spy fresh oysters for starters; always a safe choice when close to the sea - which I am by about 500 metres. I can feel the salt in the air.
For Entrée I order pan seared scallops, which are indeed succulent, however my vote goes to my guests choice; Ricotta, Pea and Pistachio Dumplings - Ooh the words makes my mouth deliciously water, this entrée truly is divinity in a dumpling. My dinner guest does well choosing a main from the recently updated menu; Market fish. This arrives as a serving of scallop and bacon boudin blanc, with du puy lentils, soy beans, kombu and tomato froth selection - simply delectable (I taste this as well, it's my duty). I believe I choose the winning course; roasted duck breast. All the soft pieces of meat are tempura-ed together into a brick - no bones. Rare-cooked slices are layered on plate. Potato is pressed into a cube of palate ecstasy, then cinnamon orange and cardamom poached pear pieces accompany the duck, and jus gras juices complement everything on my plate.
The desserts were too hard to decide upon, so we shared Coverture white chocolate bavarois with cherry sauce and flambé Italian meringue, and Roasted Stone fruit with passion fruit glace and chrysanthemum flower syrup. Melting in mouths. There is a cheese board listing 8-10 cheeses from around the world, but we are too full...
The Verve is a Sophisticated award winning restaurant, reasonably priced for a fine dining experience. I would recommend this eatery to anyone who wants to live in the now, unwind in a happy, vibrant atmosphere, listen to suave sounds and laughter, be reminded that life is good, food exists for pleasure and restaurants exist to remind us of that - well, this one certainly does.
Byron Bay on Australia's noth coast of NSW is considered the country's yoga capital due to the the many yogi's who flock to the area seeking sun, surf, health and like minded people. Incorporating yoga into your own holiday will rejuvenate your soul, and Bikram yoga is worth looking into. It's a hard, sweaty class, but the health benfits are numerous and the after glow is guaranteed, as is the happiness that comes with having successfully lasted a 90 minute workout.
The Byron holiday package includes unlimited yoga classes for one or two weeks, with option of three classes a day. There is plenty of accommodation nearby which you'll need to arrange yourself. The studio resides opposite a beach (in summer a swim after class will be your life saver.) Byron Bay is one of Australia's most holistic destinations for the health conscious traveller. Aura and psychic readings, massage, organic foods and naturopaths are in abundance and all part of a chic hippy culture. The town is full of trendy cafes, outdoor pubs and activities like surf lessons, and kayaking. Whale watching whilst on a bushwalk up to the lighthouse is not to be missed.
Located in Marina Mirage on Australia's famed Gold Coast, the world's first luxe designer hotel from fashion label Versace is the five-star award winning Palazzo Versace Hotel. Entering the hotel foyer, weekend high-tea diners are seated under giant chandeliers, sipping tea from signature Versace print teacups. This is indeed a fancy affair..
Glancing around the hotel it is impossible not to recognize Versace's signature design everywhere, right down to the smallest of details. Some people call this trademark décor over the top or tacky, some call it sublime high fashion. Either way, the fine decor unmistakably a Versace hotel and I feel at the height of fashion simply standing in the foyer.
Surrounded by a renaissance splendour of Italian classical design and architecture, the avant guarde hotel prides itself on extravagance and over-the-top attention to detail. Marble floors have been imported from Benedictine monks in Italy, all china and cutlery imported from Europe for example a chandelier from Milan's state library hangs over the very opulent foyer. The hotel also boasts the second largest pebble mosaic in the world, which definitely makes for an impressive driveway.
Guests can expect rooms to be adorned with Donatella Versace's signature furniture and accessories. Fashion photographs decorating the walls are a who's-who of the fashion world. And as for the bathroom, treats are first class including complementary cosmetics and perfumes, slippers and then for sleeping there's a pillow menu for guests to choose from. How luxurious!
Around the outdoor lagoon pool, a ‘water salon' has been created where custom made Versace cabanas and daybeds are adorned with Versace cushions and guests can relax and sip French champagne in the privacy of their own cabana.
With a luxurious spa, mouthwatering restaurant and a white sandy beach imported from nearby Surfers Paradise, a stay at the Versace Palazzo is as good as it gets in luxury on Australia's Gold Coast.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is a winter warming paradise in Australia’s Blue Mountains. The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat in the Blue Mountains is a wonderfully heart-warming city break during Sydney's cold winter months.
Although a wonderful site in it's own right, the monotony of Sydney's grey buildings against dull winter skies can motivate you to head off for a weekend - perhaps into the picturesque Australian country-side; such as a quick two-hour drive to The Blue Mountains where The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is located.
Relax in the scenic landscape of Australian gum-trees, mountains and valleys, fresh crisp air, and chill-axed arty people. Yes - this is the home of many creative folk - musicians and craftsman, woodcarvers, candle-makers and bakers, who show off their wares in shops and markets dotted in towns around the mountainsides. Australian painter, Norman Lindsay, made the area famous when he based his studio and home in The Blue Mountains - watch the DVD called Sirens starring a young Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson & Portia Di Rossi for an insight into the local artists inspirations.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat embraces the surrounding countryside into the Hotel's décor and lifestyle. Reminiscent of an English cliff-side manor, the hotel is situated at the peak of a mountain. Gorgeous floral drapes frame enormous windows with views of an entire town and valley; where the three-sisters rock formation live. In what seems like two seconds, you can drive to the Three Sisters rock formation, which should really be classified as the eighth wonder of the world!
Although I was slightly distracted during my visit (by the cold weather and the melting hot chocolate in a nearby chocolate gallery), I was still struck by the amazing natural beauty of the area. I arrived to low clouds floating just above a green tree-lined valley with the three rocks (sisters molded in time, according to indigenous stories) rising stoically above. When the fluffy white clouds beckoned me I strolled to a viewing platform and watched them swirling below.
It is this breathtaking view you'll see in the distance whilst enjoying breakfast at The Mountain Heritage Hotel. The health conscious can sip a detoxing herbal tea and feast on satisfying Bircher muesli, while guests who prefer a traditional brekkie can stick with a full continental buffet breakfast with coffee, juices, bacon, eggs and mushrooms galore. Relax and read your newspaper with fellow guests or head to the country-themed sitting rooms, with open-log fire and winter Christmas decorations for Christmas in July.
Hotel décor is country style. Flora and fauna paintings adorn walls, floral drapes frame frosty windows, and low-lit lamps create a calming ambience. Spacious rooms exude a homely feel with open fireplace and luxe lounge sofa, and also comprise reverse air-conditioning, full-length mirror and flatscreen TV with DVD. The bathroom is conveniently stocked and features a deluxe spa bath.
Yulefest
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is credited with bringing Yulefest, a traditional celebration of Christmas in July to Australia, so you could rightly expect a song and dance about this! Well, a few songs at least, for the hotel boasts a feast and carols, with visit from a present-laden Santa as part of the Yulefest Celebrations and Dinner Experience. A delicious five course meal including turkey and trimmings, mulled wine and bon-bons, piano serenade, cabaret show and glass of good dessert port is why guests keep returning.
Spa Sublime
On the grounds to the hotel, but a separate entity, Spa Sublime offers massage, facial and hot-stone therapy to complete your rejuvenating weekend. Working with Australian Indigenous products to complement your surroundings and create heaven-in-a-room for your spa treatment, Spa Sublime is only 90 minutes away to total serenity. Try the calming hot-stone massage, where a trained masseuse utilizes the temperatures of warm stones smoothed over your aching muscles. Great if you've spent the day bush trekking!
Nearby
Nearby cafés and eateries are a-plenty. Visit The Common Ground Café for a unique and healthy dining experience. The Common Ground is a community project, co-op style eatery, serving healthy organic and gluten free foods. The interior is just like a giant tree house - this craftsmanship is not to be missed!
Services swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, air-conditioning