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ESCAPE

Om

UNTIL RECENTLY,I had never found myself

drawn to the glitz and glamour of the Gold

Coast. The GC didn’t feel like the place for

a Byron Bay barefoot yogi who spends most

of her time in fisherman pants. But

recently, as I felt the pull to investigate yoga

outside the confines of my

small community, I started

to explore this vibrant

pocket of the world. I’m

not going to lie, the

Goldieisn’t the

place you would

expect to find

inner peace.

The high-rise buildings, bikini-clad beach

babes, fashionistas and stimulation of

traffic, shops and crowds is enough to scare

any sensitive yogi back into their cave. But

as I began to weave my way into the yoga

community, I was welcomed with loving

arms and introduced to a flurry of yogic

activities and incredible nature in the area.

COOLANGATTA TO PALM BEACH

The southern end of the Gold Coast almost

feels like home. Sleepy towns dot the side

of the highway after the NSW border, and

not far from Coolangatta airport you’ll find

some beautiful, quiet beaches such as

Snapper Rocks and Kirra. If you’re feeling

the need for some rainforest time, head 20

minutes west of the coast to the Currumbin

rock pools and delight in this little snatch

of heaven. Tallebudgera Valley is also a

natural wonderland, with a wealth of yoga

retreats to indulge in.

By Jessica Humphries

Not just a Surfers Paradise

28

july 2016

yogajournal.com.au

PHOTO: BREECEDOWNUNDER/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

If you really want to get among the trees,

head further west (and a little south) to

Springbrook National Park. There are some

stunning nature walks and incredible lookouts.

Palm Beach is home to some real yogi

action. Ritual Yoga and Pilates’ young

owners have created a youthful and modern

vibe. Classes are supportive and inclusive and

the timetable offers Yoga, Pilates, Barre and

meditation. Gold Coast Yoga Centre is a

traditional, homely centre inviting curious

and experienced Ashtanga Yogis to

enthusiastically fi ll the space. It’s one of the

oldest studios on the GC and teachers are

highly experienced and holistically

knowledgeable.

Palm Beach Organics is a cute and

homely health food shop serving arguably

the best acai bowls on the GC (and there

are a lot of acai bowls on the GC).

BURLEIGH HEADS TO

BROADBEACH

Burleigh Heads has a distinctly yogic

energy with something for every breed of

yogi. Centre for Life offers authentic

Kundalini classes with experienced

teachers. Hot Yoga Gold Coast is certainly

not for the faint-hearted, but Bikram fans

and gym go-ers will love this Burleigh

studio (they also have a space in Mermaid

Beach) where teachers guide students

through a dynamic, 26-posture series in a

room heated to 40°C.

BSKT Yoga Ritual Yoga and Pilates Mandala Organic Arts Café