As the winter chill sets in, why not escape to the sun-drenched paradise of Queensland with InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and InterContinental Hayman Island Resort?

Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, Sanctuary Cove promises an idyllic destination where families can bask in warmer days and create unforgettable memories.

As the first InterContinental Resort to land in Australia, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort reflects the grand, graceful architecture of a classic Queensland estate nestled within the beautiful lush green surroundings of Sanctuary Cove.

The Resorts friendly and relaxed kangaroos.

As you approach the entrance with an elegant and sophisticated design, the recently refurbished centrally located Great House welcomes you with a dramatic stained-glass window and grand staircase into the Resort. From arrival to departure, we were amazed by the staff’s consistency in helpfulness, friendliness, and genuine willingness to assist.

Walking down the Fountain Terrace stairs, you are surrounded by the Resort’s 4.2 hectares of lush landscaping; a beach lagoon stretches before you. We witnessed the care and professionalism of the ground’s folk working on the grounds daily. Your choice of InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s 251 recently refurbished rooms and premium suites, each inspired by the 4.2 hectares of tropical garden that surrounds three accommodation wings – Marina View, Garden View, and Lagoon View. We enjoyed calm and peaceful moments spent lounging beneath swaying palm trees, plunged into the resort’s welcoming one-acre Lagoon Beach Pool and walked by native families of grazing kangaroos. They are friendly and enjoy the grounds in their way. Great photos.

Renovated Rooms.

The Gold Coast’s finest dining destinations are within the resort’s serene grounds. We enjoy the award-winning wood-fired cuisine inside The Fireplace before finishing the day enjoying a drink inside Verandah Restaurant & Bar’s vibrant bar. We enhanced our stay with an elegant High Tea Experience and a stroll down to Marine Village’s hub of bustling restaurants and bars, only footsteps away—some inviting cafes.

Northern Gold Coast Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of Sanctuary Cove, the resort is just minutes from the iconic Marine Village and an award-winning Marina. From the wide selection of boutiques and cafes in the Village to access to three of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after golf courses, you will also find yourself within 15 minutes of Queensland’s famous theme parks, including Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and SeaWorld. What a location!

For exercise and a relaxing walk, head to Sanctuary Cove Plaza, where you can get a coffee or gelato. It is only a few minutes from the Sanctuary Cove entrance. Other restaurants are available, but we enjoyed what the resort offered.

Another walk is to Hope Island shopping. It is about a 20–30-minute relaxing walk on beautifully laid out and maintained walkways and paths. Get a walking and cycling map for longer trips. The Gold Coast is a great place to cycle, with more than 2400 kilometres of bikeways and pathways linking neighbourhoods, schools, foreshores, and parks and interconnecting with major transit routes.

Other options for exercise are the Country Club, where, as a resort guest, you can use the gym for free. Classes are available in yoga, training, etc.

The Gold Coast is renowned as a playground of sparkling coastal lines, endless outdoor fun choices, and its natural beauty. At the time of writing, during winter, there are 14 + straight sunny days forecast with temperatures in the low 20’s. Queensland’s Gold Coast is golden sun, sand, and surf. A short 40 minutes north of Surfers Paradise, you will discover the palm-lined oasis of Sanctuary Cove: a rare mix of accessibility and seclusion, moments from urban amenities yet surrounded by a relaxed coastal ambience.

For further information, visit the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort website.

Written by: Richard Coles

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