InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort – Hotel Review

In a world of high-rise hotels and buzzing streets, there is something wonderfully serene about the Gold Coast's InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. Surrounded by majestic gardens — and with a classic old "Queenslander" at its centre — the sprawling property transports guests (and keen golfers) directly to holiday bliss. Read on for the full review. 

Families, couples and wedding parties flock to the sprawling estate for its generous and beautiful grounds, often punctuated by grazing kangaroos — the friendly wildlife is almost as entertaining as the kids’ club. Golfers congregate to play the country’s only Arnold Palmer 18-hole championship course, just one of three conveniently located within the grounds. And for couples, the resort’s sense of seclusion creates a romantic backdrop to a weekend away. 

Where is InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort? 

Nestled in a curve of the Coomera River, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort sprawls along the river bank, some 30 minutes’ drive north of the Gold Coast strip. It’s about 45 minutes from Gold Coast Airport and just under an hour from Brisbane Airport.

What’s near InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort?

The Gold Coast, with its endless stretches of sand and glitzy restaurants (including casino complex The Star), is about 30 minutes away by car. The kids will be thrilled to discover the property is just 15 minutes drive from family fun park favourites Dreamworld and Warner Bros Movie World, while Sea World is also only 30 minutes away. 

Room types

The rooms feature parquet wooden floors and views of calm gardens, the quiet marina or the lapping lagoon. Each room has a private balcony to take in the surrounding nature, as well as essentials such as espresso machines and bathrobes. Want to upgrade? The stunning Federation Suite offers an open, sandstone fireplace and a dining area for six...

Restaurants and bars 

In step with the resort’s sheer size, the InterContinental has five on-site eateries to satisfy any craving. At fine diner The Fireplace, almost all the food is cooked in a wood-fired oven, from quail to scallops, as well as cuts of local beef served with broccolini and red wine-poached shallots.

The light and bright Cove Café, a sun-drenched spot with green velvet banquette seating where kids under four eat for free, offers a buffet breakfast. In classic hotel style, there are piles of pastries, an endless array of fresh fruit and charcuterie and an omelette-making station. 

The circular Verandah Restaurant & Bar is an atmospheric spot to share a tipple. While beers and wines are mostly local, there’s a list of over 50 whiskies, from Japan to Scotland and Australia.

Travel for work

Business travellers are in luck: rooms have been carefully configured with remote working in mind. The dedicated “work zones” have full-sized desks, comfy chairs and perfectly positioned lamps, along with free wi-fi. 

Pool, gym and spa

The saltwater Lagoon Beach Pool, which covers an astounding acre (0.4 hectares), is practically legendary but it’s not the only place to swim — there’s also the Terrace Pool, serviced by The Pool House and its extensive cocktail and craft beer menu. Guests also have access to the Sanctuary Cove Country Club, a font of wellness that offers everything from fitness classes to spa treatments.

What you need to know

Those golf buggies you see zooming around? They’re not just for the accompanying course so don’t feel you have to traverse the grounds on foot if you’re feeling lazy.

SEE ALSO: 12 Luxury Gold Coast Hotels for a Five-Star Stay