Driving up to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort felt like arriving on the set of an old-school coastal movie—think palm trees, wide driveways, and that charming, grand hotel vibe you rarely find anymore. Located halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this place immediately gave me the feeling of an elegant retreat tucked away from city chaos.
First Impressions and Check-In
The Great House lobby is stunning. Towering ceilings, giant chandeliers, and arched windows overlooking the marina made check-in feel more like checking into a private estate than a hotel. Staff were warm and efficient—keys in hand within minutes, and a quick overview before we wandered off in search of our suite.
The Suite: Coastal-Luxe Comfort
Our suite was beautifully renovated—fresh whites and greys, a spacious bathroom, and plenty of natural light. It still carried touches of that 80s architecture (like shuttered doors), but it worked. Not ultra-modern, but comfortable, with a relaxed, coastal-luxe charm. A couple of minor letdowns: the room didn’t have a hair dryer, and while the bed and pillows were fine, they weren’t exactly dreamy. Just… average.
Poolside Bliss
I spent the afternoon lounging by the lagoon-style pool, which honestly felt like its own little tropical paradise. Big daybeds, beanbag floats, and the kind of stillness you can only find on a quiet sunny afternoon. A perfect place to switch off.
Unexpected Guests: Kangaroos
And yes—kangaroos. Not in a zoo, not on a postcard, but right here on the resort paths. We played a bit of “spot the roo” walking back to our room, and sure enough, found one casually nibbling on the grass near the gardens. It’s those little things that make a place unforgettable.
Dining and Drinks: Mixed Results
We tried the Verandah Bar for drinks and light bites. The cocktails were great, but service was on the slower side—likely because the bar seemed understaffed during peak hours. For dinner, we opted for The Cove Café buffet. It was decent, but didn’t exactly blow us away. A few dishes felt a bit average, and the waitstaff seemed stretched.
Club InterContinental: A True Highlight
That said, the standout was Club InterContinental. We’d added it to our booking, and it was well worth it. The high tea was divine, and the a la carte breakfast with barista coffee each morning felt like a luxury ritual.
READ MORE: Luci Melbourne Restaurant Review
Exploring Marine Village
One of the best parts? The resort backs onto Sanctuary Cove’s Marine Village. A 5-minute walk had us wandering past boutique shops, cafés, and waterfront restaurants. It gave the whole experience more depth—like having a mini town attached to your hotel.
Overall Impression
Despite a few small hiccups with service and maintenance, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is a charming, peaceful escape. With its laid-back elegance, lush surroundings, and a few unexpected surprises (kangaroos, anyone?), it’s a place I’d happily return to. Overall, I’d give it a solid nine out of ten.
