Make memories at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.
Make memories at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.
There’s one family friendly destination on the Gold Coast which delivers an upscale and truly unique holiday experience, refreshingly different to anywhere else in the region. Tucked away within the beautiful surrounds of Sanctuary Cove boasting a marina, acclaimed golf courses, one-acre lagoon beach pool, and lush garden landscapes, the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove is a luxe local getaway favourite. A hop, skip and a jump from the theme parks, this 5-star resort is embracing the festive season sentiment with panache, offering a luxurious school holidays staycation offer. Including a plethora of fun activities for the whole fam to enjoy, the Luxury Family Getaway will create priceless memories to last a lifetime.
Both parents and mini-me’s will love basking in sun-soaked bliss by the one-acre lagoon pool, levelled up by lush subtropical gardens perfectly complementing the summer vibes. There’s also a heated terrace pool and spa for maximum luxuriation, where you can say hi to the many varieties of Australian native fauna that call the resort home. Lucky them!
After activating relaxation mode with a healthy dose of Vitamin D and poolside hangs, dive into a plethora of opportunities for some fun-fuelled family time. Offering an exciting schedule of organised activities throughout the resort, enjoy lots of laughs and quality time with face painting, cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, and more.
Mums and Dads channelling some child-free time, you are also in the right place. The resort’s kid’s club, Planet Trekkers, is a parent’s saviour and an entertainment mecca for the young ones. Located inside one of the resort’s Garden Lounges, they’ll find an indoor playroom to watch movies, play board games and for budding Picassos, the ideal creative outlet: painting classes. If your kids are more on the adventurous side, the subtropical 4.2-hectare gardens are the perfect backdrop for boredom-busting outdoor activities. They can expel their pent-up energy hula-hooping, flying kites, and playing fun-fuelled rope toss challenges.
In addition, the resort offers babysitting services ideal for those channelling an intimate dinner for two. Imagine sipping on cocktails in Verandah Restaurant & Bar, before heading downstairs to The Fireplace for wood-fired degustation menus. This award-winning signature restaurant will ignite your senses and is simply a must for anyone staying at the resort.
Now that you’re sold (we are too), let’s talk details. This spectacular getaway offer is designed for a family of four (two adults and two children under the age of 12) and includes one Twin Guest Room with two double beds, breakfast daily in Cove Café for the family, and a $20 voucher to be redeemed at Verandah Restaurant & Bar.
The Luxury Family Getaway offer starts from $475 per night. It is valid for stays up to 31st March 2023, subject to availability, and must be booked more than three days in advance during the promotional period.
For more information or to book your unforgettable family staycay, go here.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: Luxury Family Getaway package valid for stays 01 December 2022 – 31 March 2023
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT
This is our 2023 list. Here is our list of 2024 Christmas feasts.
It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.
But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.
The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, they literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills.. and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.
Check out the epic array of soirees on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Novotel Surfers Paradise
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.
Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.
This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).
The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).
Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with 3-hour beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.
Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated wine pairings.
(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).
Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.
Kicking off from from 12:00 pm, this years proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa
The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky soiree.
This year, their swoon-worthy spread includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.
If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $449pp + BF.
If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island
Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.
Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.
From 11am – 2pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.
Tickets for the Family Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day. While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
voco Surfers Paradise
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.
This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $289 per person, with children from $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kellie Leader.
Ho Ho Ho-ooooold the phone. The silly season is almost here and seriously, wasn’t it March, like, yesterday?! This means we need to start thinking about all things celebratory (aren’t we always), especially booking our Christmas and New Year’s soirees stat.
Speaking of, our ‘presents’ is requested at the many festive season events hosted by the ever sleigh-ing InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. With Executive Chef Hamish Watt at the helm serving up the highest quality cuisine, nothing says happy holidays like a Christmas or New Year’s celebration InterContinental style.
Christmas Eve Seafood Buffet Dinner
If you’re a buffet fan (same), the Cove Café puts on the Balenciaga of buffets. From 6pm – 9pm on Saturday 24th December, start your feasting with a worldly selection of hot and cold dishes and fresh seafood. Then move into the traditional roast carvery with an assortment of festive condiments, plus in-house Pastry Chef, Chef Dee’s, decadent dessert collection featuring a traditional Bûche de Noël. $169 per adult, $69 per child (aged 5 – 12), and children under 4 are complimentary with a paying adult. Book here.
Christmas Day Degustation Lunch
Umm, you had us at degustation! Kicking off at 12:30pm on Sunday 25th December in the showstopping Fireplace restaurant, this adults-only affair is THE most exclusive dining experience of the season. You’ll be treated to the ultimate in elegant festive theming, and start with decadent canapés like Oysters with Champagne Jelly and Caviar and sparkling wine on arrival. Your five-star four-course menu includes the likes of Gin-cured Kingfish with beetroot gel, sea bean, avocado mousse, olive tuile and French radish, and Woodfire Smoked Beef Tenderloin with foie gras, potato gratin, cherries, root vegetables and pepperberry jus. We’re drooling just writing about the sumptuous offerings!
There’s intermezzo prepared by the Fireplace pastry chef, and your choice of two desserts including a Warm Christmas Pudding and no, this is unlike any pud you have ever tasted before #sorrygran. Wash it all down with a Yuzo vodka truffle shot (if you insist…) and of course a platinum beverage package. For the vegetarians, there’s an equally luxe menu, and to level things up another notch, all guests receive a customised gift. How tree-mendous! $449 per person with limited seats available. Book here.
Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Dinner
Once again, the Cove Café will flex its seafood buffet greatness, this time on Christmas Day! Explore an extensive array of dishes, expertly prepared by a dedicated culinary team using the finest seasonal Australian produce. The menu is different to Christmas Eve’s, so why not go two nights in a row #tistheseason?! From seafood to traditional Christmas meats with modern flare, antipasto, salads, pizzas, pastas and desserts, what’s not to love? $199 per adult, $69 per child (aged 5 – 12), and children under 4 are complimentary with a paying adult. Book here.
New Year’s Eve Seafood Buffet Dinner
The Cove Café is doing it all again on New Year’s Eve with yet another ah-mazing buffet menu, and two seatings available from 5pm – 7pm and 8pm – 10pm. With meze, salads, seafood, hot dishes and esteemed Pastry Chef, Chef Dee’s, delicious desserts, what a way to say hooray (as in farewell) to 2022 and hooray (as in YAY) to 2023! $199 per adult, $69 per child (aged 5 – 12), and children under 4 are complimentary with a paying adult. Book here.
New Year’s Eve All That Glitters VIP Event
If your New Year’s Eve resolution is to spoil yourself a little more, what better way to start than with a dashing New Year’s Eve event in the grand MacArthur’s Ballroom. Book your babysitter from 6pm on Saturday 31st December, don your finest disco-chic attire, and settle in for an evening of opulent eats, dreamy drinks, and live entertainment. Indulge in a finely curated plated menu paired expertly with a five-hour premium beverage package and yes, we did say f.i.v.e hours.
Take those designer sequins for a spin on the dancefloor, party like it’s 1999 2022, and soak up all the glamour and good times. The garnish on top (cherries are a bit naf for this one) is a special celebration lagoon-side at the Resort’s exclusive beach for the countdown, and yes, we likey! $349 per person (adults only) and bookings plus prepayments are essential. Book here.
So there you have it. Your big three festive season heavy weights (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve) are all going off like a fancy firecracker at the idyllic InterContinental Resort Sanctuary Cove. For bookings and more information, click here.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: Various activations on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve 2022
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT
