InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
Despite being just a thirty-minute drive away, this was somehow my very first stay at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove, and the moment I stepped into the grand lobby, I couldn’t help but wonder why I’d waited so long. One thing was immediately clear: it certainly wouldn’t be my last.
Although December was still a few days away, the resort was already embracing the festive season. A towering Christmas tree, dressed in gold and softly glowing lights, took centre stage, effortlessly drawing your gaze upward to the soaring vaulted ceilings above.
Framed by twin brick fireplaces, glowing gold lanterns suspended overhead, and a sweeping grand staircase, the space felt unexpectedly transportive. For a moment, I felt as though I’d arrived at a luxe alpine lodge tucked away in the Canadian wilderness, hardly what you’d expect from a coastal resort on the Gold Coast. Only instead of snow falling outside, the oversized windows revealed lush, sprawling grounds leading down to the resort’s iconic lagoon pool, shimmering in the Queensland sun.
Pausing on the staircase, taking it all in, I felt that familiar flutter of excitement, the kind that signals the beginning of a truly memorable stay.
All writing and photography featured on this site are my own.
THE ROOM.
Spread across three distinct accommodation wings - Marina View, Garden View and Lagoon View - the resort is home to 251 recently refreshed guest rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the surrounding 4.2 hectares of lush tropical gardens.
For my overnight stay, I was incredibly fortunate to experience the hotel’s Federation Suite—and spectacular doesn’t quite do it justice. Arriving at the double doors, marked by an unmistakable black-and-gold plaque, I knew we were in the right place. I expected generous proportions, but nothing quite prepared me for the sheer scale of what lay beyond: an impressive 178 square metres, to be exact.
Stepping inside and dropping our bags, we quickly realised the suite just kept unfolding. The living room alone felt more like that of a four-bedroom private residence, complete with a fireplace and its own balcony, while the adjoining dining room was equally grand, featuring an eight-seater table, bar area, and yet another balcony perfect for entertaining.
The bedroom was no less impressive. Anchored by a striking four-poster bed, it flowed seamlessly into a spacious walk-in robe with a dedicated make-up station, before opening into a light-filled ensuite crowned with skylights above. With twin basins, dual showers, a freestanding bathtub that begged for a long soak, and a third private balcony, this was a suite designed not just to stay in, but to truly linger in.
THE VERDICT:
The suite was a contemporary, ultra-luxury sanctuary that far exceeded every expectation, leaving me genuinely questioning how I’d ever be content staying in any other category at the property. Perched on the top floor, it was perfectly positioned, offering sweeping views across the manicured grounds and lagoon pool, with glimpses of the marina beyond, enjoyed from all three private balconies. Despite its elevated, secluded feel, everything remained effortlessly close, with the lobby and pool just a leisurely stroll away.
AMENITIES.
It’s the grounds that truly elevate this resort into a standout oasis, with the one-acre saltwater lagoon pool undoubtedly the jewel in its crown. Its crystal-clear blue water, beautifully contrasted against the surrounding white sand, is utterly inviting when the sun is shining. Set alongside the gentle edge of the Coomera River, it feels wonderfully peaceful, an idyllic place to slow down, unwind, and spend quality time with loved ones.
THE VERDICT:
The lagoon itself was impressively vast, with varying depths that allowed every type of guest to find their own perfect spot to relax and enjoy. There was no shortage of sun loungers, thoughtfully positioned mostly in the shade, making it all too easy to linger for hours, particularly on warm summer days. The addition of a dedicated adults-only area tucked away on a quieter grassy stretch was a particularly thoughtful touch, offering an extra layer of calm for those seeking a more tranquil escape.
DINING.
From intimate fine dining to relaxed poolside bites, the resort offers a thoughtful mix of dining experiences to suit every moment of the day.
With the lagoon pool firmly the star of the show, and undeniably where you’ll find yourself lingering longer than planned, the Lagoon Beach Club quickly becomes a favourite. Overlooking the shimmering water, it’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch or an afternoon drink, with generous shaded seating on the deck and the added ease of ordering directly from your sun lounger via QR code. The menu leans into classic poolside favourites, ideal for grazing between dips in the lagoon.
As the sun dips and the day winds down, The Fireplace sets the tone for an elevated yet inviting dinner experience. The resort’s signature restaurant feels intimate and cosy without ever being formal or stuffy. Specialising in wood-fired cuisine and seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers, the open kitchen adds warmth and theatre to the space—making it just as much about the atmosphere as the food itself.
Mornings naturally begin at The Cove Café, located opposite The Fireplace, where breakfast is served. Flooded with natural light and framed by high ceilings, it’s an airy, energising space, though, like many resort breakfasts, it can certainly hum with activity as guests start their day.
For something a little more relaxed, The Verandah Restaurant & Bar offers elevated views across the grounds and a leafy outlook that instantly encourages you to slow down. Light-filled and breezy, it’s perfectly suited to all-day dining or a pre- or post-meal drink, and a lovely place to pause and soak up the surroundings.
THE VERDICT:
One detail I particularly loved was the ease of ordering drinks and meals to be delivered wherever you happened to be around the lagoon—an effortlessly indulgent touch that made it far too easy to settle in and stay awhile. Come evening, The Fireplace is a beautiful place to close out the day, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed. Whether enjoying a pre- or post-dinner drink out on the verandah or settling in beside the fire, there are plenty of lovely corners that encourage you to linger just a little longer.
If looking to elevate your stay, for breakfast, I’d recommend considering upgrading to include executive lounge access. It’s a wonderfully elevated way to start the day - more intimate, serene and refined, offering a calm retreat from the lively energy of the main breakfast space.
THE FINAL VERDICT:
The grandeur of the aptly named Great House, paired with the resort’s expansive grounds and ever-inviting lagoon pool, creates a true sense of escape - an oasis that feels worlds away from the fast-paced energy of the nearby Gold Coast. Elevate the experience further by indulging in one of the resort’s generously proportioned suites, pairing it with executive lounge access and an evening at The Fireplace, and you have all the elements of a stay that feels effortlessly indulgent and deeply rejuvenating.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
