Hotel Review: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove

For a long weekend escape, the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove delivers a perfect blend of relaxation and family-friendly luxury. Read on for my best tips on how to make the most out of your visit to the Intercontinental Sanctuary Coast in Queensland, Australia.

First Impressions

Nestled amidst lush gardens and offering a serene, village-style atmosphere, the resort feels like a world of its own. From the moment we arrived, the grandeur of the Great House—the hotel’s main building—set a tone of elegance without being pretentious. The kids were instantly intrigued by the tropical surroundings, while I appreciated the open, airy spaces that invited relaxation.

The Room

Our room was spacious, with a view overlooking the marina, making it a lovely retreat at the end of the day. It was well-appointed with comfortable beds and a tasteful, coastal design. The bathroom had a bath tub that was perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.

Dining

The on-site dining options were varied enough to suit both adults and little ones. The kids were excited about the buffet breakfast at the Cove Café, which featured everything from pancakes and pastries to fresh fruit. The quality and variety were top-notch. For a more refined experience, there's The Fireplace, where the wood-fired cuisine offered a welcome break from typical hotel fare.

We had a Club room, which meant we had access to the lounge for afternoon tea and twilight drinks and nibbles. The nibbles included a cheese platter, charcuterie, canapés and hot chips for the kids, so they were fairly substantial and meant we were too full for dinner!

I find it's much easier to have a casual drinks and nibbles type dinner with kids and tow, and they loved the relaxing atmosphere and made friends with the other kids in the Club room. They also had a selection of games in the Club room, including Jenga and Chess, so we had lots of fun playing games over afternoon tea.

Amenities & Activities

The lagoon pool is a standout feature and quickly became the kids’ favourite spot. With its sandy beach-style entrance, it felt like a mini tropical paradise. There’s also a separate pool on terrace, as well as a hot tub. The resort offers a range of activities, from tennis to bike rentals, so there’s always something to do. The kids loved the animal encounters with the friendly wild kangaroos hanging around the property.

Location

Though it feels like a secluded retreat, the Sanctuary Cove location is close enough to explore the surrounding Gold Coast. You can fly into either Gold Coast or Brisbane airports, the resort is approximately one hour's drive from both airports.

Final Thoughts

The Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove provided the perfect weekend balance of family fun and peaceful downtime. While there are plenty of kid-friendly touches, it never felt like the resort was overtaken by families—there’s still a sense of refined luxury for adults looking to unwind. Whether you’re visiting with children or not, the resort offers an escape that feels both indulgent and laid-back.

Would I return? Absolutely. It’s the kind of place where both kids and parents leave happy and relaxed.