Nestled along the shimmering shores of Sanctuary Cove, a culinary paradise awaits, beckoning food enthusiasts from all corners. Here, dining isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey through a world of flavours that will put your taste buds in a trance and set your senses into swoon mode.

Every bite tells a story, crafted by esteemed chefs who know their food like artists know their palette (or in this case, palate!). The variety of first-class fare is as extensive as it is exciting, with cuisine (and cocktails!) to satisfy every craving from the Mexican munchies, to get-in-my-belly good Greek, to wow-factor woodfire dishes.

And, if you’re a seafood buff, Sanctuary Cove is propped right on the Coomera River with access to the freshest produce, guaranteed to please even the most so-fishticated diner.

Start your day with a leisurely alfresco coffee and some bougee baked treats from the fabulously French, Rise Bakery. If you’re channelling something more substantial, tuck into a healthy brekky or brunch at Pier B Café, or a more traditional feed at Café Bravo.

Ready for your next coffee yet and obvs, it’s been at least an hour since your first, so mosey on over to Bistro 19. Dubbed ‘the best coffee in the Cove’, they also serve scrumptious insta-worthy breakfasts and lunches.

Lunch lovers are spoiled for choice, with Aussie fusion cuisine at Native Harvest, or the casual but stunning Waterside. To ‘maki’ your day, a sushi sesh at Sushi Break. There are also a variety of eateries open for both lunch and dinner, like meat and seafood icon, Red Steakhouse. Far from your average fancy-pants fine dining restaurant, it’s a modern steakhouse where you can indulge in premium cuts and clean flavours inspired by the land and complemented by the sea.

Italian lovers are eternally stanning over Ioesco Cafe & Cucina, the pin-up for traditional Neapolitan dishes with a contemporary glow-up. Imagine lofty ceilings, twinkling chandeliers and a marble bar.

For succulent seafood, meat, and veg with a Greek twist, it’s George’s Paragon for the win and if you haven’t dined here at least 87 times, are you even a Gold Coaster? While we’re talking all-things-George, George’s Paragon Pizza Wine Bar is the perf cozy pizza and wine nook for a laid-back bite and sip of vino.

Chim Thai is the spicy addition to the Sanctuary Cove scene. Blending modern twists with traditional Thai flavours, it’s ‘pho’ real the spot for a chill waterfront date day or dreamy date night.

With an emphasis on fresh produce presented simply, Pablito’s Mexican Cuisine and Tequilaria is the chosen Juan for authentic modern Mexican. Packing more cocktails and cacti than you can poke a taco at, it’s on-trend and caliente to the core.

Chinese lovers can chopstick their way through yum cha, a la carte, and banquets fit for an emperor at Dragon Cove Chinese Restaurant, or for a fresh spin on your beloved pub grub, the sun-soaked Sanctuary Cove Tavern serves up a sensational fam-bam endorsed seasonal menu.

Which brings us to Sanctuary Cove’s signature restaurant, award-winner and foodie fave, The Fireplace at The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove. This dinner-time dazzler takes wood-fired cuisine to a whole new level, sourcing local goodies straight from the garden and giving their dishes a unique smoky sizzle in the on-site wood-fire oven. Bask in the breathtaking view of the resort’s stunning one-acre pool at the new Lagoon Beach Club where laid-back leisure, contemporary design and fun collide.

Finally, if you like your coffee or cocktails served with a side of homewares and cool factor, Destino is the destination for a sunshine and greenery infused afternoon or evening drink. Or, if a coffee and a gelato is more your style, the perfectly pink Rosé Gelateria (ice)screams insta-worthy goodness, and is a no brainer for a post-date sweetener or treat for the kiddos.

So, whether you’re a local looking for a culinary escape or a visitor craving a taste of the good life, get your flavour fix with million-dollar water and marina views at our bayside besty, Sanctuary Cove.

Words by Bianca Trathen

The Northern Gold Coast officially has a brand-new chic Lagoon Beach Club now open at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove.

This $2.5 million masterpiece is the first of its kind on the GC, set to elevate its already iconic surrounds to unparalleled heights of coastal indulgence and style.

The epitome of chillaxation, get ready to bask in the breathtaking view of the resort’s stunning one-acre Lagoon Beach Pool where laid-back leisure, contemporary design, and summer fun collide. After four months of extensive renovations, you can safely cancel your Euro summer vacay, because the Euro vacay (with a quintessential GC glow up) has come to us!

Best of all, it’s not just for InterContinental guests or Sanctuary Cove residents, it’s for everyone to enjoy – and enjoy we will! Perfect for a balmy GC arvo with friends or a taste of the good life with the fam in tow, it has people talking for all the right reasons from laid-back locals to vibrance-seeking visitors.

So just what can we expect from this game-changing summery stunner? An expansive deck for events and dining – check. Direct access from the marina to the resort – double check. Three cabanas and double day beds for ultimate relaxation? Yes, they’ve got that covered too.

Watch the day unfold from under the comfort of a pool deck umbrella or the shade of a nearby palm tree, and it would be remiss of us not to mention the fresh new menu offering seafood galore, share plates, gourmet pizzas, and casual poolside fare. Wash your meal down with an extensive drinks selection showcasing a tropical holiday in a glass, including expertly crafted cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks (because someone has to drive).

We suggest a Bucket of Whole Mooloolaba Prawns accompanied by a zesty seafood sauce and fresh lemon #ShrimplyDelicious. Not a seafood fan? No worries, how about a sharing platter and we can’t go past the Fromage Extravaganza with Kingfisher double cream brie, Maffra matured cheddar and King Island blue, paired with homemade lavosh, muscatels, chutney, dried fruits, and crackers.

If you’re after a small bite, tuck into Smokey Pulled Pork Soft Shell Tacos, three tantalizing tacos with slaw, guacamole, and sriracha mayo. There are also refreshing salads, larger meals, sides, a kid’s menu, and as per our teaser, five gastronomically gratifying pizzas. Try them all but in our humble opinion, you ‘knead’ to order the Spicy Chorizo and Wood-fired Capsicum with black olives, ricotta and spinach.

Our beverage vote goes to the Chilli Sunset house cocktail, with White Oat mango chilli gin (#supportlocal), Aperol, pineapple juice, and passionfruit pulp. Feel like sharing and if so, who can go past a Pimms Jug (not us), with Pimm’s, strawberries, mint, lime, lemon, orange, and ginger ale.

How about a healthy helping of live tunes and yes, InterContinental has that covered. Live music, DJ sessions, and even some Malfy Gin magic are all part of the plan to woo us, and mission accomplished – we are officially wooed.

And here’s the kicker – if you’d like to enjoy the lagoon pool and fabulous facilities, you can purchase a Resort Pass for just $30 per person (limited availability so book ahead). Summer hangs sorted!

For more information or to book your Resort Pass, go here.

Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: 10am – 5pm Sunday to Thursday. 10am – 9pm Friday & Saturday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but let’s be real—any piece of jewellery can turn a day around.

Whether you’re celebrating a win or just need to treat yourself (because, why not?), there’s always a good reason to add a little extra sparkle to your life.

Luckily for us, the Gold Coast is brimming with talented designers creating unique, must-have pieces. So, why wait for an occasion when self-love and bling go hand in hand? Here are 10 Gold Coast jewellery brands you need on your radar!

Violet Gray
She’s been around for a little while now and it’s easy to see why. Violet Gray by Alexandra Olsen, creates handmade, bespoke and meaningful gold pieces made with stunning Earth-grown stones that will last for lifetimes. Each piece is absolutely breathtaking and unlike everything you’ve ever seen before. Perfection.
Where: online

Frankly My Dear
Beloved label Frankly My Dear create sterling silver and gold plated pieces you are sure to absolutely love. From layered necklaces to delicate earrings and a stunning bridal collection, it won’t be hard to find a few things to treat yourself to. We personally love the Zodiac Wheel pendant best.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 1529A Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters

YCL Jewels
We’ve been following local brand YCL Jewels for many years now and the brand, by self-taught designer Fabienne, has grown to win countless awards and become absolutely adored by women all over the world. Designs are made in small batches and inspired by the art in every day and all consciously created. We’re big fans.
Where: 2 Rudman Parade, Burleigh Heads

Cort Jewellery
Husband and wife team, Ashley and Dean started Cort Jewellery to create handmade pieces in epic designs and they have become much-loved worldwide. Specialising in edgy signet rings that break the mould of traditional design, the pair also create pendants and bracelets and have recently launched reloved collection, made from restored jewellery. Do yourself a favour.
Where: online

Deer Honey Jewellery
Custom-made, fine jewellery including diamond bands, engagement rings, earrings, cocktail rings and pendants, Deer Honey Jewellery can absolutely create something special for any need. Their designs are unique and there’s nothing they can’t do.
Where: 14/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

La Lune Jewellery
Born in Canada and now based on the Gold Coast, La Lune Jewellery specialises in creating one-of-a-kind pieces infused with stories from founder Shannon McMaster’s travels. Shannon’s self-taught craft evolved from a personal passion into a full-fledged jewellery brand.
Where: online

House of Merchants
Designed by the creative team at Merchants of the Sun, the store reflects the unique blend of architecture, street fashion, and natural textures that inspire their designs. Specialising in high-quality, statement jewelry, House of Merchants provides personalised customer service, ensuring a memorable and delightful shopping experience.
Where: Shop 1/2086 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Australian Outback Opals
Found in Mt Tamborine, Australian Outback Opals specialise in what some of us believe is the most stunning stone in the world (they’re like little galaxies guys). You can purchase one of the stunning pieces in store or have something custom-made, which we highly recommend. All opals are sourced from outback Australia and they’re all so beautiful. We love.
Where: 1/1-5 Eagle Heights Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Ribs & Dust
As seen in Vogue (fancy), Ribs & Dust make bespoke jewellery including engagement rings and you’re going to want to get your hands on some quick smart. There are custom signet rings and double-sided pendants in 18k gold, opal engagement rings and all kinds of beautiful goodness. Choose your own adventure here, the world is your sparkly oyster.
Where: Currumbin Valley. All studio consultations are by appointment only.

My Jewellery Shop
This family-owned jewellery boutique with over 40 years of expertise in fine jewellery is a go-to for engagement rings and bespoke creations. They offer a personalised service that ensures exceptional craftsmanship as well as an online collection featuring signature pieces in gold, precious gemstones, and pearls.
Where: 2231 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Words by Kirra Smith and Belinda Symons