'Hear me out, Brisbane is the ultimate girls' weekend destination.'

It’s that time of year where your group chat has been talking about a girls' weekend away for months but no one has actually… organised a single thing.

So I'm going to suggest you take this as your sign to bite the bullet and book one because I’ve just gotten back from my most relaxing weekend away in years and I need to talk about it.

I went to… okay, hear me out… Brisbane.

Yes, yes, if you're from Sydney or Melbourne, you might have been there with your parents once growing up but it doesn’t automatically scream luxury escape in your mind.

But trust me when I say that a weekend away in Brisbane is not only affordable, but there are so many incredible restaurants and bars to visit.

So here are my top recommendations so you can lock in a date with your mates, partner or even solo for some relaxation.

Where to stay in Brisbane.

The Amora Hotel Brisbane has recently undergone a $30 million transformation, and it is the boutique accommodation of my dreams.

It’s right in the city centre, meaning you can stroll down to Queen Street shops or you’re just minutes from the Brisbane River foreshore, but it still feels like a secluded oasis the moment you walk through the doors.

The natural textures and greenery made me feel like I was on a tropical island as I stood at reception and it just kept getting better from there.

There’s a stunning rooftop pool and sauna (which I used) and a state-of-the-art gym (which I didn’t, but it was super impressive regardless!).

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I was lucky enough to stay in a one-bedroom Amora Balcony Suite, but there are room options and configurations to suit any budget or group size.

You can tell every single little detail has been carefully considered, from the elegant seating to the plush bathrobes, which were honestly the most luxurious and generously-sized ones my friend and I had ever tried on. (If you don’t immediately put on the bathrobe the minute you arrive at a hotel, you’re doing it wrong!).

My friend basically had to drag me out of this room at Amora Hotel Brisbane, I never wanted to leave. Image: Supplied. 

The premier suites also come with a fully stocked minibar that’s replenished daily included in your package so you can snack on a fancy Lindt chocolate or sip a glass of wine on your balcony at any time of night. 

And this is a very niche reason for the recommendation, but I am a big tea drinker and every hotel I’ve ever stayed at has cups the size of thimbles which just throws off the tea ratios (if you know, you know). But look at the size of this whopper! 

Tea cups are weirdly important to me, and this one passed the test. Image: Supplied.

I loved being able to have a gallon of tea before bed like I usually do while swanning around my beautiful hotel room. 

It was absolute bliss and I’ll definitely be staying again next time I’m in town. 

And given the Amora Hotel Brisbane is newly opened, you’ll be able to snap up an affordable rate before more people realise it gives The Calile Hotel a run for its money. 

Where to eat in Brisbane.

hôntô.

With an unassuming entryway and a hidden door in a quiet back street of Fortitude Valley, hôntô is inspired by contemporary Japanese cuisine and dining.

It felt like we were worlds away as we took our seats up at the centre "Raw Bar" and watched the incredible chefs work. 

The food and cocktails were incredible. Image: Supplied.

The highlights for me on the menu were the aburi salmon sushi and the pork katsu sando and our lovely server helped us pick cocktails that went down farrrrr too easily. 

Book early as this place tends to get busy, but it’s definitely worth a visit before you hit one of the incredible bars in the area like Savile Row or Cru Bar. 

Felix For Goodness. 

This hidden gem (literally hidden, it is tucked away in an alleyway) in the Brisbane CBD served up one of the best brunches I’ve had in years — and your girl LOVES a breakfast date so that is very high praise from me. 

I ordered the beef ragu toastie because it felt criminal not to and it didn’t disappoint. 

The ragu toastie was incredible. Image: Supplied.

Dapl. 

Dapl is a modern Australian restaurant located inside Amora Hotel Brisbane is a great option for when you’ve had a long hard day lounging around the pool or shopping and don’t want to walk far - or to start your night before heading out to enjoy one of Brisbane’s many amazing bars. 

I selected the three-course menu and there’s an option to add on wine pairing if that tickles your fancy (I had a margarita instead because I’m fancy like that) and my highlight was definitely the lamb backstrap and the lavender cheesecake. Both delicious! 

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This is also where I enjoyed the buffet breakfast the next morning and it was ELITE. (And yes, if you’re playing along at home, you'll notice I went for breakfast then quickly followed it up with brunch — sue me, I was on holiday!) 

Felons Brewing Co. 

There is nowhere more perfect to enjoy the view of the glistening Story Bridge than Felons Brewing Co.

Located right on the banks of the Brisbane River, it’s perfect for an afternoon drink and there’s a huge menu including woodfire pizzas and pub classics. 

If you stick around after the sun sets, you can venture into the Felons Barrel Room where there is live music and a dance floor to carry you well into the night. 

The view from Felons Brewing Co. Image: Supplied.

Brooki Bakehouse. 

Brooki Bakehouse cookies are known the world over and now I know why.

After a stroll across town with my friend, we arrived at their Fortitude Valley location and I ordered the red velvet and the chocolate chip cookies. 

I’ll admit I devoured one by the time I got back to my accommodation and the other one tasted even better for breakfast the next day. 

Get there early as there tends to be a line — but they really are just that good.

Things to do in Brisbane.

Visit Soak Bathhouse. 

It’s not a girls' weekend without a little luxury, so my friend and I treated ourselves to a session at Soak Bathhouse in West End. 

As the name suggests, there are multiple mineral baths, a cold plunge pool, steam room, dry cedarwood sauna and sundeck to enjoy and we honestly felt like we'd been away for a month after a session here. 

This place was BLISS. Image: Supplied.

With prices ranging from $35 to $59 depending on the time of day/day of the week you choose to go, it’s a great option with a group or if you want to escape for some solo time. 

And you can add on massages or drinks packages if you’re feeling extra bougie. 

Stroll through New Farm Park. 

Take a ferry from one of the many, many terminals that snake around the Brisbane River to New Farm Park, grab a coffee and stroll through the beautiful grounds. 

It’s the perfect (free) way to shark out the cobwebs from the night before and soak up some sunshine. 

Mamamia travelled as a guest of the Amora Hotel Brisbane. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

Feature image: Supplied.