Carolyn Huane

There are a million-and-one romantic getaways around Melbourne that anyone would fall head over heels for. However, for some (most) of us clawing our way through a cost of living crisis, there just isn’t room in the budget for a hyper-luxe cliffside retreat. To that we say: romance is for everyone, and every price range. It turns out, you can pinch those pennies and still secure a swoon-worthy mini-break with your lover. Here are our picks of the best, affordable romantic getaways in and around Melbourne, whether you’re looking for a close encounter with nature or a cosy night in front of the fireplace. Looking for more getaway ideas near Melbourne? Here's our list of the best destinations for a weekend escape. Or planning a date night closer to home? Here are the most romantic restaurants in Melbourne. 

When it comes to discovering a new fragrance, chasing after alluringly-scented strangers to ask what they’re wearing is a tried-and-true method. But whether you’re too shy to ask or they’re too quick to escape, it’s not always feasible. Instead, you can peruse a selection of unique, rare and beguiling scents at one of Melbourne’s perfume stores. Visit one of Melbourne’s best fragrance boutiques to get advice from the olfactory experts on choosing an every day scent or adding to your personal collection. Melbourne is blessed with a plethora of perfume shops, to choose from, so we’ve assembled this list for fragrance hobbyists, scent wardrobe curators and casual spritzers alike. Or if you want to really shop around, we've included a list of the best local online fragrance stores too.  Ready for retail therapy? Shopping on Chapel Street has it all, check out our guide here. Or if you're feeling thrifty, here are the best vintage stores in Melbourne.

Beloved by celebrities and normal folk alike, pilates works muscles you never knew you had and is known for its ability to sculpt and tone. Combining body-weighted resistance (or the springs and pulleys of the reformer) with breath control and repetition, pilates can be an exciting and energising workout format or a comforting escape from the everyday. While you can carry out pilates movements from home, Melbourne’s best pilates studios offer an experience you just can’t get on the bedroom or living room floor. You might be looking for a calming oasis to get your fitness levels up in peace, or a high-energy environment that’ll keep you motivated and coming back for more. Whatever’s on your mind, read on for our round-up of the best pilates studios Melbourne has to offer. Wanting to give yoga a try too? Here are the best studios for yoga. Or if you're looking for a different way to work up a sweat, here are the best gyms in Melbourne.   

Australia is renowned the world over for its spectacular beaches, but there’s no need to trek interstate to access the best coastal towns. Victoria is home to almost 2,000 kilometres of killer coastline – there are dozens of seaside towns, villages and hamlets dotted along the Great Ocean Road in the west and the Gippsland coast to the east. You can also get acquainted with picturesque hubs on the Mornington Peninsula or seek out more rugged, untamed beach havens past the limits of metropolitan Melbourne – if you’re up for an adventure, that is.  Whether you’ve got a weekend free or a little extra annual leave saved up, spend it at one of Victoria’s coolest seaside towns. We’ve ordered our list from closest to furthest from Melbourne’s CBD so you can find an option based on your appetite for a road trip. Want more coastal content? We've ranked and rated the best beaches in Melbourne. Feeling hungry? These are the best places for fish and chips in Melbourne.

Bangs getting in your eyes? Split ends driving you to distraction? Or looking to shake up your whole look? No matter your hair styling needs, you’ve come to the right place. Melbourne is chock-full of stylish individuals. You’ll see for yourself if you spend any time strolling the CBD or our trendiest suburbs - from Flinders Street to Fitzroy and across the river to South Yarra, it’s not unlikely you’ll spot your next hair inspo sitting at the tram stop. Curated curls, razor-cut mullets and wispy bangs - whatever the haircut du jour, Melburnians are on it. And where do these fabulous people get their hair done? At the salons on this list, of course. We’ve all been the victim of a bad haircut at least once in our lives (self-inflicted or otherwise), so it’s best not to leave these things to chance. Whether it’s maintenance or a total remodel you’re after, read on for our selection of the best hair salons in Melbourne. Keen for more pampering? These are the best massages in Melbourne and the best nail salons in Melbourne.

Motels first arrived on Australian shores in the 1950s, making comfortable and stylish accommodation accessible to the average Aussie. Motels had it all: a gateway to sightseeing hotspots with an affordable price tag and state-of-the-art mod-cons. Then budget hotels came along and stole the show. But come 2024, Australians are looking to explore their own backyard and save a dime or two on digs, setting the stage for a motel renaissance – and we’re here for it. Below, we’ve scoured the internet for the kookiest, most charming and unique motels in Victoria so you can secure your next weekend away in style. Get your Notes app ready! No car? No problem: here are Victoria's top five carless day trips. Plus, these are the most quirky Airbnbs in Victoria.

The world of modern speed dating is not the cringe-inducing affair of years gone by. Those stuffy social nightmares are a thing of the past (for the most part ), and these days, speed dating events take place in trendy, comfortable bars around the CBD and inner suburbs, and cater to Zoomers, Millennials and Gen X’ers alike.  If you’re ready to hit refresh on your dating life, we’ve put together this list of some of Melbourne’s most fun and down-to-earth speed dating events. Walk out with new friends, enigmatic matches and a coy smile – no embarrassing anecdotes here. Read on for four cute and classy Melbourne speed dating events to shake up your dating game. Did things go well? Check out our guide to the best bars for first dates in Melbourne.

There’s a reason celebrities and regular folk alike opt to rock a tan for special events and occasions. A little glow can boost confidence and put some pep in your step - not to mention the head-to-toe airbrushed effect it lends the skin. These days, there’s no need to subject yourself to UV damage on your quest for the perfect bronze. Listen - we love a day on the beach as much as the next person, but you won’t see us catching rays without an inch-thick coating of factor 50 from head to toe. With plenty of spots around Melbourne promising sunkissed tans on demand, you can maintain a natural-looking glow year round - no matter what Melbourne’s unpredictable weather patterns are up to. From the celebrity-frequented to the hidden gems, we've rounded up our picks for the best tanning salons in Melbourne. We also know that a trip to the salon isn’t always on the agenda; if you’re departing Melbourne for an interstate sojourn or an overseas escape - or you just don’t want to leave the house - keep scrolling for our top choices for at-home tanning. Need to tame that mane? Here are Melbourne's best hair salons. After symmetrical arches and lush lashes? Here are Melbourne's best brow and lash salons.

KX Pilates set themselves apart from the pack in a couple of ways. Firstly, through their ‘Kaizen Experience’ (a.k.a. KX) fitness method, a Japanese concept that champions incremental, continuous improvement; and secondly through the sheer ubiquity of KX Pilates studio locations. With over 90 studios in Australia, 36 of them in Melbourne, there’s more than likely one in your postcode. And with each studio operating 7 days per week, you’ll be able to squeeze a 50-minute class into your schedule no matter what.KX focuses on reformer classes only, so if this is your pilates style of choice, you’re in experthands. The atmosphere in KX Pilates studios is functional, driven and fast-paced, with plenty of room for progression. Studios are trim, comfortable and welcoming, and play host to classes that incorporate cardio elements for a more intense pilates workout.Classes are offered at a beginner, intermediate and advanced level, so you can tailor yourexperience – and they even offer pre-natal and post-natal classes. Try a beginner class if you’re new to reformer or easing back in after a break, or sign up for an advanced session to test your strength and endurance. To learn more, head to the KX Pilates website.  Looking to mix up your workouts? Check out our guide to the best exercise classes in Melbourne. 

It’s in the name: Love Athletica is all about athletic pilates, sometimes called HIIT (high intensity interval training) pilates. This fusion of workout styles involves HIIT bursts on the reformer which activate the whole body and get your heart rate up. It’s a complementary mix that ensures you’re getting a head-to-toe strength workout while building cardio fitness – and the trainers at the five Love Athletica studios across Melbourne make it feel fun and motivational.They specialise in reformer classes, with heated mat options making their way to Victorianstudios in 2024. Until then, you can enjoy one of three levels of reformer pilates workoutsguided by energetic, knowledgeable trainers. The ambience in the studio is warm andencouraging, prioritising your good time alongside a great workout, and their spaces are bright, light and playful to keep the vibes up and make workouts enjoyable.Choose the right level for you based on the intensity of workout you’re looking for, and decide whether to opt for +15 Flow classes which incorporate a well-earned, yoga-inspired stretch and flow at the end. With HIIT bursts, classic pilates movements and a yoga-inspired stretch, these classes have a lot going for them. Find out more and locate your nearest studio on the website.  Wanting to change up your workouts? Check out our guide to the best exercise classes in Melbourne. 

Upstate invites you to create a positive state of mind, with studios and classes designed around their mission to uplift and energise clientele. There are six sunshine-yellow Upstate studio locations dotted around Melbourne, all waiting to demonstrate that pilates is about more than just core work and balancing on the reformer machine – it can be fun, too!Upstate could be a solid pick if you’re new to pilates, or love the format but aren’t looking for a workout that takes itself too seriously. The Upstate MO balances building strength and getting your sweat on with a focus on mood, mindset and enjoyment that’s upheld by their trainers and community. You’ll still get that signature pilates burn, just in an environment that feels motivational, not punishing.In terms of class styles, Upstate offers hot mat, reformer pilates and yoga classes, with boxing on the schedule too if you’d like to mix things up. A special mention goes out to Power Reformer Jump classes, designed for those who enjoy getting some air time in their workout. To find out more or look for your closest studio, head to the website.  Wanting to change up your workouts? Check out our guide to the best exercise classes in Melbourne. 

With a whopping 24 studios scattered across Melbourne, there’s more than likely a CorePlus location right around the corner from your home or work.  There are three disciplines on offer – yoga, mat and reformer pilates – and multiple class types within these brackets to help you get the exact kind of workout you’re looking for, whether that’s a heated yoga flow or cardio-based reformer. Heated classes are worth trying if you’ve never dabbled, by the way. While the sweat can bealarming at first, the warmth on muscles helps to improve flexibility and range of movement, in turn helping you get more out of class. CorePlus’ infrared heating technology is designed togently warm muscles, reducing risk of injury and testing your form and focus. CorePlus’ take on yoga and pilates feels premium, considered and accessible, witharchitecturally-designed, elevated studios and clean, quality equipment. Their approach tocommunity welcomes beginners and regulars alike, and all class types are suitable for anyone – no need to wait for infrequent beginners classes to appear on the schedule. There are pre- and post-natal reformer classes too, providing the right level of movement and support for these life moments. To learn more or to find a studio near you, visit the CorePlus website.  Looking to mix up your workouts? Check out our guide to the best exercise classes in Melbourne. 

Down an unassuming road just three kilometres from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll find Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat. A unique blend of motel and B&B, this place offers the closest access to the natural grandeur of the Twelve Apostles of any accommodation. Although there are fewer than twelve of the famous rock formations still standing (eight, last we heard), they’re still a breathtaking sight to behold. The venue itself was once a dairy farm, and there’s a certain ‘little house on the prairie’ ambience to Twelve Apostles Motel. Surrounded by fields of grazing wildlife, it’s a prime location for sighting quintessential Aussie fauna like koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Better yet, you’ll be sleeping soundly on a cloud of luxurious Hilton pillows and bedding while you get closer to nature.  Alongside rustic yet comfortable lodgings, this motel also houses an authentic Chinese kitchen serving up Haidilao-style hot pot, fried rice and a variety of dumplings in generous portion sizes - delicious. Whether you’re staying for just one night for its proximity to the apostles or more to make the most of the motel’s environs, you can rest easy knowing a tasty, hot meal is close at hand. While you're at it, explore our guide to things you can only do along the Great Ocean Road.

A strong contender for best Australian motel and often cited as a must-see, Kyneton Springs Motel boasts a funky exterior and a nostalgic, boutique feel. You’ll have a good idea of what you’re in for as soon as you pull up to the custom retro-look signage out front. Each room is uniquely curated to fit the aesthetic brief (think groovy patterns, luxe finishes and kitsch wall art) and even if you haven’t posted on Insta since your last birthday, you’ll find it hard to resist snapping a few pics. Kyneton Springs was taken under the wing of former restaurateur Catherine Foote in 2014, so safe to say that excellent food and drink is a major focus. Throw back a classic cocktail at in-house bar the Patio (Pink Elephant, anyone?) or have your brekky delivered directly to your room via your very own breakfast hatch. It doesn’t get better than that. Tucked just off the Calder Highway, the motel is a great pit stop on your road trip to the glorious Macedon Ranges. You’ll also find a variety of walks (gentle or adventurous, depending on your appetite), vintage shopping and cellar door experiences in Kyneton town itself. Looking for more to do in the area? Consult our travel guide to Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Oval Motel’s trump card is its prime location in the heart of Bendigo. You can’t miss the distinctive red and green retro-inspired signage en route to any of the city’s most-loved sightseeing spots. Nestled in amongst Bendigo’s central precinct, Oval Motel is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the train station, cathedral, Capital Theatre and Rosalind Park. This is your hub for exploring everything Victoria’s gold rush capital has to offer. You’ll be greeted by superstar hosts and local legends Carolyn and Gary before heading to one of their mood-lifting, colour-themed abodes. The couple took over the motel in 2016 and have since painstakingly refurbished the joint, from the aforementioned colour co-ordinated décor to Smart TVs, new beds and a delightful guest patio where you can enjoy your hot or continental breakfast. Top off your visit with a short stroll to Harvest. Whether you’re taking your coffee to go or settling in for a leisurely brunch, this place is known by locals for its mouthwatering menu and house-baked goods. Looking for more to do in the area? Consult our guide to spending the weekend in Bendigo and its surrounds.

Drive up to the striking facade of Beechworth’s Linaker Art Deco Motel and you’ll feel like you’re taking a leap back in time. The building is situated in the heritage-listed May Day Hills gardens surrounded by plush lawns and leafy greenery, some of which dates back to donations from the Royal Botanical gardens in the 1860s. Though the motel has retained its mid-century roots, rooms have been renovated for maximum comfort and cosiness. Those in the know about some of Beechworth’s more hair-raising history will recognise the location as that of the decommissioned Beechworth Asylum - the Linaker rooms being the former nurse’s quarters. Take a walk through history in a daytime tour of the grounds, or steel yourself for a chilling Asylum Ghost Tour at night. If ghost stories aren’t your thing, fear not. The motel is a mere 12-minute walk from Beechworth town centre, or two minutes by car, where delights culinary and otherwise await. The region is renowned for its condiments (did someone say Beechworth honey?), wines, cheeses and more - so come with an empty stomach. Spending more time in High Country? Check out our guide to Beechworth, Bright and beyond.

Beautyologist has the look and feel of an apothecary, and offers an essential-oil infused, sensorial tanning experience to match. Opting for organic doesn’t start and end with your grocery shop - Beautyologist use streak-free and certified organic Eco Tan products for a more natural approach to tanning. Ideal for those who’d like their tan to nourish the skin and smell divine, Eco Tans will see you bronzed without the nasties - or an orange tint.

Spray Aus is your one-stop shop for beautiful tans. It's got it all. We’re talking locations in Brighton, South Yarra, Richmond and Moonee Ponds, mobile tanning and even a range of take-home options, from mists to mousse and more. The brand's formulas reflect an obsession with creating the perfect tanning products, down to texture, organic ingredients and luxurious fragrance. No long wait times here - Spray Aus tans dry in a flash and develop in as little as 1.5 hours.

In the heart of Camberwell you’ll find the millennial pink-hued Beauty and Bronze salon, peddlers of flawlessly blended, bespoke tans. With express or eight-hour options depending on your needs, Beauty and Bronze tan specialists will consult you on your tan aspirations to create a custom depth, undertone and finish. Whether you’re a regular or need a confidence boost for your big event, Beauty and Bronze tick all the boxes.

Highly rated for its cosy studio and skincare-led approach, Take Off Skin and Body is servicing the north side with golden, even tans. Its knowledgeable staff will tailor the service to your needs, considering your skin type and personal preferences to get it just right every time. Take Off Skin and Body use Minx tanning products, designed for custom tans infused with nourishing, organic ingredients to bronze the skin without drying you out.