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Romance Reimagined: Couples Guide 2025-2026

At a Glance

Escape to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, where luxury meets tranquillity just 40 minutes from Gold Coast Airport. This 4.2-hectare marina-front sanctuary offers couples an intimate retreat featuring a one-acre saltwater lagoon pool, award-winning dining at The Fireplace, and championship golf access: all while maintaining perfect seclusion from coastal crowds.

Check out our Coast into Summer promotion.
Available for stays to 31st March 2026.

Experience the resort before you arrive:


Why Couples choose Sanctuary Cove

The Romance of Seclusion
Unlike the bustling beachfront hotels of the Gold Coast, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove offers something increasingly rare: genuine privacy with convenience. The resort’s tranquil setting allows couples to slow down and reconnect, while remaining just minutes from world-class experiences.

Marina Magic & Natural Encounters
Overlooking the super yacht marina, the resort creates an atmosphere of understated luxury. Morning walks might reveal kangaroos grazing on the manicured grounds—an authentically Australian moment impossible to replicate at coastal high-rises. The marina setting provides endless sunset photo opportunities, with luxury yachts creating a sophisticated backdrop for romantic evenings.

Accommodation for Two

Current Couples Packages 2025-2026

Romantic Escapes Offer
From $295 per night (minimum 2 nights = $590 total)

InclusionDetails
Gourmet BreakfastFor two adults daily
Lagoon Beach Club Credit$50 to spend on fresh seafood and cocktails
Welcome CocktailsTwo cocktails at Lagoon Beach Club
Late Checkout1pm for leisurely mornings
Complimentary ParkingValued at $25/day

Package Highlights
Breakfast included saves dining costs, plus $50 credit and complimentary parking add genuine value to your romantic escape.

Room Categories & Romantic Features

Room TypePerfect ForKey FeaturesViewBeds
Lagoon ViewHoneymoons & AnniversariesPrivate balcony, lagoon sunsetsSaltwater lagoonKing or Twin (2 doubles)
Marina ViewYacht enthusiastsWater views, evening lightsLuxury yacht harbourKing or Twin (2 doubles)
Garden ViewPeaceful retreatsTropical surroundingsLush gardensKing or Twin (2 doubles)
Manor SuitesExtended staysSeparate living area, extra privacyVariedKing

Suite Sophistication


The Queenslander, Federation, and Manor Suites provide additional space with separate living areas—ideal for couples valuing privacy during extended stays. Each features:

  • Spacious balconies for private dining
  • Deluxe amenities
  • 24-hour room service for intimate meals
  • Daily housekeeping

Check out our Coast into Summer promotion. Available for stays to 31st March 2026

Culinary Experiences for Two

The Fireplace: Intimate Dining

Experience wood-fired cuisine by Chef Hamish Watt in an open kitchen setting. Watch your meal being crafted while enjoying the extensive wine collection. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner, this is the resort’s crown jewel for special occasions.

Lagoon Beach Club : Sunset Sophistication

Savour fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and relaxed poolside dining just moments from the water’s edge. The venue transforms throughout the day:

Morning: Peaceful breakfast by the lagoon
Afternoon: Lazy lunch with lagoon views
Sunset: Premium cocktails as the sky turns golden

Additional Dining Experiences

VenueAtmosphereBest For
Cove CaféElegant emerald interiorsGourmet breakfast dates
Verandah Restaurant & BarWhiskey old world settingNightcap conversations
Private DiningCustomised romanceProposals & anniversaries
Weekend High TeaClassic indulgenceCelebration occasions

Seasonal Romance Calendar

Exclusive Activations 2025-2026

Period ExperienceDetails
Nov-Jan 2026Lula Rum Craft rum cocktails with poolside service
Nov-JanWhispering AngelFrench rosé with prawn canape
Dec-FebBalter CervezaSummer beer & BBQ
Dec-JanFestive ProgramNYE celebrations & holiday magic

Gold Coast Weather Guide for Romance

Best Months for Couples

MonthTemperatureRainfallRomance Factor
December 202521-28.4°C averageHigher rainfall (short afternoon storms)Festive atmosphere
January 202623-28°CModeratePeak summer luxury
February 202621-28.4°CWettest month (184mm)Long warm days, balmy nights
March 202618-25.7°C averageDecreasingSunny days, cooler nights

Weather Contingency Plans

  • Rainy afternoons: Perfect for extended lunches at The Fireplace or Verandah Bar
  • Storm days: Ideal for couples spa treatments nearby or Marine Village gallery browsing
  • Hot days: Lagoon lounging with frozen cocktails
  • Cool evenings: Marina strolls followed by whiskey tasting

Curated Itineraries for Two

3-Day Romantic Escape

Day 1: Resort Indulgence

  • Morning: Couples breakfast at Cove Café
  • Afternoon: Lagoon lounging with cocktails
  • Evening: Sunset at the marina followed by The Fireplace dining

Day 2: Hinterland Discovery

  • Morning: Mount Tamborine exploration – Gallery Walk and rainforest walks
  • Afternoon: Local cafés and artisan shops
  • Evening: Return for Lagoon Beach Club seafood

Day 3: Spa & Farewell

  • Morning: Couples spa treatment in Sanctuary Cove Village or Hope Island
  • Afternoon: Golf or Marine Village shopping
  • Evening: Private balcony dining

5-Day Indulgence Journey

Days 1-3: Follow 3-day itinerary

Day 4: Gold Coast Exploration

  • Morning: Hot air ballooning at sunrise
  • Afternoon: Pacific Fair luxury shopping
  • Evening: SkyPoint Observation Deck sunset

Day 5: Beach & Culture

  • Morning: Burleigh Beach walk
  • Afternoon: HOTA Gallery & lunch
  • Evening: Final celebration at The Fireplace

7-Day Ultimate Romance

Days 1-5: Follow 5-day itinerary

Day 6: Adventure Together

  • Morning: Springbrook National Park waterfalls
  • Afternoon: O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley historic property with alpaca encounters
  • Evening: Quiet resort evening

Day 7: Leisure & Departure

  • Morning: Final lagoon morning
  • Afternoon: Late checkout and departure

Beyond the Resort: Couple Experiences

Hinterland Exploration

ExperienceDetailsDuration
Mount Tamborine Day TripVisit Gallery Walk, rainforest walks, local cafésHalf/Full day
Springbrook National ParkNatural Bridge waterfall, hiking trailsHalf day
O’Reilly’s Canungra ValleyHistoric vineyard, alpaca encounters, creek walksHalf day

Spa & Wellness Nearby

VenueSignature TreatmentLocationDistance from Resort
Studio EcletticoLuxury hair & beauty servicesSanctuary Cove2 minutes
Endota SpaLuxury treatments tailored for twoBroadbeach20 minutes
Ocean Day SpaCouples packages with cheese boardsSurfers Paradise15 minutes
Champions Hair, Beauty Day Spa Hair, beauty and massage treatmentsHope Island5 minutes

Adventure for Two

  • Hot Air Ballooning: Sunrise flights over the hinterland
  • Jet Boat Adventures: Save $49 with Arro Jetboat combo packages
  • Whale Watching (Jun-Nov): Selected tours from $89 per adult
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise: Small group experiences with sparkling wine

Evening Entertainment & Events

Major Events 2025-2026

EventDatesRomance Appeal
Gold Coast 50024-26 October 2025Excitement & energy
Groundwater Music Festival17-19 October 2025Live music atmosphere
NYE Celebrations31 December 2025Ultimate romance
Magic MillionsJanuary 2026Glamorous racing

Intimate Evening Options

At the Resort:

  • Sunset lagoon swims
  • Marina strolls at sunset
  • Private balcony dining
  • Cocktails under the stars

Nearby (15-50 minutes):

  • Star Casino premium experiences
  • Miami Marketta (Friday & Saturday nights)
  • Jazz at Burleigh Pavilion
  • Rooftop bars in Broadbeach

Check out our Coast into Summer promotion.
Available for stays to 31st March 2026.

Practical Planning

Getting There

  • Gold Coast Airport:  1 hour 30 minutes (recommended for convenience)
  • Brisbane Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes (more flight options)
  • Private transfers: Can be arranged through concierge
  • Resort shuttle services: Available to major theme parks (advance booking required)
  • All Day Ferry Pass: $30 value for waterway transport

Resort Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities: On-site for extended romantic stays
  • Pharmacy services: Available at nearby Sanctuary Cove Village
  • Fully accessible property: Level paths, ramps, and lift access throughout
  • Sanctuary Cove Country Club shuttle: Complimentary for fitness centre access
  • 24-hour room service: For ultimate privacy and convenience

Money-Saving Tips

  • Book packages during shoulder season (March-May, September-November)
  • Combine spa treatments with accommodation for package deals
    Use the $50 Lagoon Beach Club credit strategically
  • Take advantage of happy hour at the marina bars

Exclusive Access

  • Golf at The Pines (designed by Arnold Palmer) and The Palms
  • Marina access for waterfront dining
  • After-hours gallery viewings in Marine Village
  • Priority restaurant bookings through concierge

Shopping & Galleries

Sanctuary Cove Marine Village

Stroll hand-in-hand through boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront cafés. The village offers:

  • Designer fashion boutiques
  • Local artisan galleries
  • Gourmet food stores
  • Jewellery for special occasions

Creating Your Perfect Moment

Special Occasions

The resort’s concierge can assist with arranging:

  • Restaurant reservations at The Fireplace
  • Room decorations (contact resort for availability)
  • Photography recommendations
  • Golf tee times at The Pines or The Palms

Romantic Touches

  • 24-hour room service for private dining
  • Balcony breakfast arrangements
  • Sunset cocktails at Lagoon Beach Club
  • Marina stroll recommendations

Seasonal Advantages

Spring (Sep-Nov): Perfect Balance

  • Average temperatures 16.9-25.4°C
  • Outdoor dining weather
  • Wine harvest season in hinterland
  • Whale watching opportunities

Summer (Dec-Feb): Festive Romance

  • Average 21-28.4°C
  • NYE celebrations
  • Extended daylight for activities
  • Vibrant resort atmosphere

Autumn (Mar-May): Intimate Escape

  • 18-25.7°C with water still warm at 25.2°C
  • Fewer crowds
  • Perfect golf weather
  • Discount packages available

The Sanctuary Difference

What sets InterContinental Sanctuary Cove apart for couples:

Unique Positioning: Away from Gold Coast crowds yet minutes from attractions
Natural Luxury: Kangaroos at sunrise, yacht harbour at sunset
Culinary Excellence: From intimate fine dining to lagoon-side cocktails
Complete Privacy: 4.2 hectares of space to find your perfect spot
Seamless Service: Concierge crafting personalised experiences

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove delivers an exceptional couples retreat combining genuine Australian nature encounters with sophisticated luxury. The resort’s unique position—removed from Gold Coast’s party atmosphere yet conveniently close to premium experiences—creates the perfect romantic sanctuary.

At $295 per night including breakfast, cocktails, and lagoon access, the value extends beyond accommodation to encompass a complete romantic experience. Add the unmatched lagoon setting, championship golf, award-winning dining at The Fireplace, and seasonal activations from Perrier-Jouët dinners to Whispering Angel experiences, and you have Queensland’s premier couples destination.

Whether celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply escaping together, this resort offers the rare combination of natural beauty, refined luxury, and complete privacy that transforms a Gold Coast holiday into an unforgettable romantic journey.

Book Your Romantic Escape: Check out our Coast into Summer promotion.
Available for stays to 31st March 2026.

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