The Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove has something for every leading lady.
The Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove has something for every leading lady.
Whether you’re a mother yourself (fur mums included of course), or someone looking to make their mama feel a million bucks this Mother’s Day, there’s one destination that is a goofproof mum-pleaser. It’s a place you’ll feel like you’re somewhere out of the ordinary with its unique highbrow yet really relaxed ambience… Whether it be shopping or eats, this place houses the best of the best with effortless elegance…oh and there’s boats, and need we say more. Yep, we’re talking about that Northern GC treasure Sanctuary Cove and if it’s not on your radar to spoil Ma, then seriously, cue the Basement Jaxx banger “Where’s Your Head At?”
On Sunday 8th May, shout her breakfast or lunch at one of the many waterfront cafes and restaurants. We’re talking delicious, casual al fresco eats, with stunning waterfront views (did we mention there are boats?) at a selection of spots nestled throughout the precinct. Offering a wide range of cuisines including Italian, Chinese and Modern Australian with succulent steaks and fresh seafood, there’s something to please even the fussiest mum. Some of our faves include Pier B for a healthy wholefood (Insta-worthy) brunch, the equally Insta-worthy breeze brick adorned Destino Wine and Cocktail Bar, Georges Paragon Seafood Restaurant (an oldie but SUCH a goody!) and for an unparalleled wood-fire dinner experience, it’s gotta be The Fireplace.
In addition to the sea of dining meccas to choose from, there’s also a host of activities and giveaways to make her day extra memorable. The standout for us is the chance to win a set of timeless 18 carat white gold diamond earrings from Amore Fine Jewellery. We’re talking half a carat and omg we’re feeling all the bougie feels just talking about it. She can also win other fabulous prizes, including an excuse to don the Lululemons you gifted her at the exclusive Sanctuary Cove Country Club with a five class yoga pass, vouchers for the soon-to-open Rise Bakery, a Studio Eclettico voucher (that can be used towards a customised facial and make up application), and so much more! We feel major brownie points coming on!
It’s not just the delectable food and prizes though that make the Cove the Mothership of Mum’s Day venues. From 9am – 2pm outside Cove Tavern, you’ll find a complimentary instant photo booth to capture a special moment with your maker and find me a person, young or old, who doesn’t go all kinds of giddy for a photo booth. The novelty of having a physical photo, rather than another pic to get lost in the 10,000 snaps on your iPhone, is a vibe.
Like you really need an incentive to spend here (Soho Girl, we’re looking at you and your all-Aussie designer label goodness), but the kind folk at selected Sanctuary Cove retail stores will gift you a locally designed Mother’s Day card when you spend over $30 between now and Sunday. Designed by talented local artist Sandy Cousens from The Calm Studio, the limited-edition card is inspired by Sanctuary Cove’s unique surroundings and trust us, she’ll love it as much as your home-made cards from yesteryear.
To get the full lowdown on the Mother’s Day happenings and loot up for grabs, follow @visitsanctuarycove. With its idyllic waterfront location and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a mumumental way to thank her for putting up with us, and dishing out endless pearls of wisdom and life advice and of course, loving us unconditionally. And the hollandaise on the eggs benny – she’s not the only one who’ll have an unforgettable day out.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Mother’s Day, Sunday 8th May
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE MARINE VILLAGE SANCTUARY COVE
The way we relax, spend our leisure time and holiday has changed a lot over the recent years. Attitudes have shifted from leaving our great country in search of a tropical oasis to rejuvenate, to instead exploring our backyard!
The staycation has become a staple form of escaping the stresses of modern life whilst not wasting any of your precious time hanging around airports or hours driving somewhere. And at the same time, you’ll experience something quite familiar — but with those elevated levels of luxury that you so need and crave.
Because let’s face it, folks: we live in a pretty impressive part of the world. So why would you go to great lengths to escape this paradise when you can stay here? One luxe location that has been captivating and helping Gold Coasters maximise their downtime is Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the northern end of our great city.
There’s no better time to treat yourself to a staycation on our glorious golden Coast than right now, but what might you find at this leading world-class resort you may ask?
First off is the stunning and secluded location at Sanctuary Cove. Fringed by the Coomera River and with manicured lawns, blooming tropical gardens, abundance of grazing kangaroos and pristine water features at every turn; if this doesn’t set the scene for tranquillity, then we don’t know what will! For the budding golfer, there are not one but three immaculately presented golf courses to which guests will have exclusive access to if they wish to hit a few balls.
And for the ardent beach lover (let’s face it – that’s all of us), the 1-acre beach lagoon area will be the ultimate place for you to relax with a good book and wholly unwind with nearby sounds of native birds. No wayward frisbees or blasting bluetooth speakers here! The resort features over 250 recently refurbished rooms and suites, offering guests a selection of packages with every taste and budget in mind. You don’t have to wander far to start your day off with breakfast at the much-loved Cove Cafe, before taking in lunch at the Pool House, and then make grand plans for an evening of divine food and drinks at the resort’s signature dining destination, The Fireplace.
Explore a little further and you’ll find yourself aptly positioned within walking distance to Sanctuary Cove’s Marine Village. A brimming retail precinct with a superb selection of specialty shops of beautiful homewares and clothing boutiques, as well as some of the Gold Coast’s best places to enjoy brilliant food with amazing marina views. If you’re looking for cocktails and lighter bites in-between mealtimes, you’ll also discover a plethora of exciting venues to indulge yourself in. Because why not? You’re on holiday, right?!
Returning to the resort, the hallmark has to be the Great House, a colonial-style Queenslander that exudes the kind of charm you’ll be hard pushed to find elsewhere. Sign up for Club Intercontinental and savour the delights of their lauded High Coffee experience, the perfect way to round off an afternoon of taking things at a much-reduced pace.
Whether you’re a family with an inkling for a weekend away or a couple who simply wants to reconnect after a busy work period, leave the long airport queues and endless hours behind your driving wheel behind. Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is prime staycation material in our books!
Book your staycation now via: intercontinentalsanctuarycove.com
Where: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circuit, Hope Island
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE MARINE VILLAGE SANCTUARY COVE
There’s just something uber appealing about a cosy woodfire restaurant, and we don’t care if it’s not winter. We warmly (wink wink, nudge nudge) welcome an intimate, homely yet wee-bit-fancy feed all year round!
As soon as you walk into this Northern GC treasure, you’re engulfed by the amazing woodfire aromas and high-class atmosphere. We must warn you, a drool sitch is entirely likely. For those who haven’t figured which location we are referring to yet, we’re talking about InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s spectacular signature dining destination, The Fireplace.
The restaurant’s name is enough to give you a solid dose of the warm and fuzzies, but the space takes that notion to a whole different stratosphere. A tastefully designed modern rustic beauty, the stone tiled flooring, moody lighting and open kitchen ensure that The Fireplace experience is as rich in the ambience as it is in flavour.
Showcasing locally sourced wood-fire cuisine at its finest, meals are seasoned with produce from the restaurant’s very own herb garden! (Side note; why does our home-grown herbs always seem to hate us so much #RIP.) Dishes are then placed inside the onsite wood-fire oven where they’re infused with irresistible smoky goodness, and where is a napkin because Houston we have a (salivation) problem – again.
It’s not just the magnificent wood-fire oven that makes this place so popular, it’s the genius line up of talent in the kitchen….and the cellar. Executive Chef Hamish Watt and Head Chef Randy Tablan cook with such heart and passion, and how we wish we had even 1/1000000th of their cooking panache. Elevating the dining experience to the next level, you can select a vino from the 200-strong wine library and can we just have all 200+ cellar of our own please and thank you.
The proud recipient of the Two-Glass accolade in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards last year (for the fifth year may we add), the restaurant’s master Sommeliers Sean Robertson and Sacha Kansky clearly know the A to Z of grape juice. Their award-winning wine-list offers a diverse, appealing and well-balanced ensemble cast of vinos, showcasing Australia’s finest wine regions and premier ranges from across the globe.
Let’s unpack the menu which is positively LIT, and would we expect anything less with a name like The Fireplace? We recommend starting with an entree of Charred Field Mushrooms featuring lentils, sauteed spinach and sherry vinegar dressing.
Then, move on to a main and wait, we’ve just spotted a fusion of our two faves; seafood and pasta! Not an unusual combo by any means, but when you find a restaurant who can do this ‘power couple’ justice, it’s a moment. The Linguine Seafood Pasta with Moreton Bay bugs, prawns, cherry tomato, zucchini, chilli and baby basil hits all the right notes, and is it excessive to order another helping? Throw a bottle of chilled Aquilani Pinot Grigio into the mix and again we ask, if it’s OTT to order two, and the answer is always a hard no.
Or, for those craving a meat fix, the Bangalow Pork Belly with apple, brioche, red wine shallots and kaffir lime puree is cooked to perf. The crackling on this bad boy is phe-nom and we won’t judge if you try and steal your date’s helping coz, crackle. Pair it with a bottle of Donnhoff ‘Estate’ Riesling which, friends, IS the (now not so) secret sauce.
A meal minus dessert is like cheese sans quince paste, so do right by your tastebuds and order the 54% Dark Chocolate Parfait with whisky & vanilla sauce, chocolate biscuit and roasted nuts cream. Divine.
So now that your next date night is sorted, your only conundrum will be finding a frock that conceals the evidence of a three-course feed so good, you couldn’t part with a single crumb…or sip.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Lower Level, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: 6pm – 9pm Wednesday to Friday; 5.30pm – 9pm Saturday and 6pm – 9pm Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT
