The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove is a tranquil oasis escape that seems like another world from the bustling Gold Coast. The 1 acre beach lagoon pool nestled amongst a lush tropical garden is the showstopper and a definite highlight for kids and adults alike. This is the first InterContinental property in Australia and it has recently undergone a massive multimillion-dollar refurbishment. Reminiscent of a stately manor the entrance to the property exudes luxury and you will instantly feel at home.
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InterContinental Sanctuary Cove
Situated on an enormous piece of prime real estate surrounded by water and golf courses, the expansive property is an exclusive feeling retreat. The 5* resort is made up of 251 rooms and suites which all feature large balconies offering views of either the gardens, golf courses, lagoon pool and marina. All recently renovated they feel modern yet classic, with plantation shutters and polished parquetry floors. Whilst looking out on the central courtyard there are grand fountains and water features leading up towards the grand main building.
The Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove is very centrally located. The Sanctuary Cove shops and marina are easily reached within a 5-minute walk along the water’s edge. For those with kids hassling to you to visit the theme parks, they are only ten minutes away. Whilst the winery’s and waterfalls of the hinterland can be reached in half an hour. For the golfers, there are 2 internationally-renowned championship golf courses basically next door—The Pines and The Palms.
Inside Our Lagoon View Room
We were staying in a lagoon view room which was on the 3rd floor, which was the highest level in that wing. Not only did it look out over the massive lagoon beach and grounds but out to the Coomera River. The room itself felt huge and you could almost have felt a double bed in the walk-in wardrobe! Perfect for those like us travelling with heaps of gear that normally takes up half the hotel room. The large bed passed Ollie’s jumping test and got a big tick from us for comfort. However, it was the large windows and balcony overlooking the gardens and pools that was really special, angled in such a way that we felt like we had the property all to ourselves. An interesting point of difference was the lack of an information booklet, rather with almost all information built into a compendium app on the flat-screen television.
The bathroom was just as we liked it – crisp and clean feeling, with both the option of a separate shower and large deep bathtub. The provided soaps and amenities all smelt luxurious, with all leftovers taken home to remind us of our stay!
The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Experience
Checking In
As we were staying on the Gold Coast already, we simply drove our car right up to the entrance and had our bags collected. Driving up the stately manor alongside a vintage car set the tone for the resort Meanwhile James drove the car to the free carpark whilst Paige checked in. Not long after we were whisked off to our room by golf buggy (much to Ollie’s delight who became quite the connoisseur for them whilst we were full-time travelling). We wound along a path totally surrounded by green vegetation, whilst the buildings seemed to almost blend into their surroundings.
Play
It’s no surprise that we spent the bulk of our stay here playing around the beach lagoon pool. A massive pool with a sandy bottom and proper beach decked out with sun loungers, huge floating pillows, beach toys and a nearby pool bar for some cheeky cocktails. There were even a couple of swings! If we pretended hard enough we could have easily been on some tropical island!! There is also the terrace pool which we chilled at whilst Ollie had a nap on a pool chair.
We also had no idea that the grounds are also home to some friendly kangaroos. We were going for a casual stroll and noticed a couple feeding on the grass! Such a cool thing to see at a resort on the Gold Coast!
Whilst staying at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove you also have access to the local Recreational Centre attached to the golf course. A short distance away, the staff will chauffeur you there in a golf buggy if desired. The rec centre features a fantastic fitness centre as well as 5 tennis courts. Then of course there are the multiple nearby internationally acclaimed golf courses.
Dining
Dinner @ The Fireplace
The Fireplace is a must eat on the Gold Coast, regardless if you are staying at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove. This intimate restaurant has a large open kitchen where the meals are prepared using a giant roaring fire. The food was exceptional and James said the steak was the best he has ever had (which must be good!).
The focus on wood-fired food is well executed and each dish we had tasted delicious. We were both surprised at how massive the extra sides were and we left with our bellies bulging. That is after slotting filling in the gaps with some decadent deserts! Ollie even managed to sweet talk the staff into preparing an Ollie sized gnocchi.
Breakfast @ Verandah Restaurant & Bar
Gone is the buffet breakfast and in its place an a la carte menu. A selection of fruits and pastries is brought out to you alongside a menu with plenty of options for your main course.
There were plenty of options for us and Ollie and we all left totally satisfied with full bellies! Bonus points for having coconut milk upon request for our morning ice coffees, absolutely delicious!
How Kid-Friendly is InterContinental Sanctuary Cove?
The property was very family friendly and was well suited to families of all ages. With loads to do onsite and nearby you can be sure your kids will have just a good a time as you.
After being away from home and his bath, Ollie was relieved to have a long play in the large bath in our room (of which all room types have). Upon request you can have a cot or extra bed in your room for little ones. When dining, we were always offered children’s cutlery, which is always a big plus so you don’t have to worry about heavy dinnerware being thrown!! Honestly Ollie felt right at home and we never felt as if he was unwelcome and all of the staff went out of there way to get a smile out of him.
Fun times
Ollie would argue that the best part about the resort is the golf buggies that can take you around everywhere, but the pool was definitely equally as good for him!How could any kid be unhappy with a huge sandy lagoon pool! This pool we found to be ideal for Ollie due to its gradual depth changes and loads of floating pillows and various toys around the pool. There was plenty of shade on the beach under large pavilions, one even had a set of swings underneath.
Near the pools were a few other activities such as a giant chess set and putting green. Ollie was absolutely obsessed with the giant chess set and we struggled to pry him away from it!!
Although we didn’t use it we have heard great things about their Planet Trekkers Kids Club and the various activities that operate through it for children aged 4-12.
Book Your Stay at the Sanctuary Cove InterContinental
Address: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island QLD 4212
Website: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
Luxury Rooms start at approximately AUD $198 per night. Enquire now!
Have any questions or comments about our stay at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove? Let us know in the comments below…
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Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with InterContinental Sanctuary Cove. As always, all the reviews and opinions expressed are based on our personal view and experience.