I Checked Into Sanctuary Cove’s Luxury Resort – And Didn’t Want To Leave

Inside my mother-son weekend getaway

By Kathryn Edmonds | 2nd April 2025

With just a couple of weeks until the Easter school holidays, I knew I desperately needed a break. The daily grind had me craving an escape – somewhere to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with my 12-year-old son. I wanted to avoid the frantic holiday crowds and sneak away for a little adventure. After all, what could be better than a weekend retreat just an hour from home? It was the perfect chance for some mother-son bonding – where we could swim, feast, relax, and immerse ourselves in nature, far from the urban chaos.

Enter InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort – the ultimate escape that blends luxury with that quintessential Australian charm. I’d had my eye on this gem for a while, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived, the warm smiles of the staff set the tone, welcoming us with a rundown of all the exciting activities we could dive into over the next couple of days.

intercontinental sanctuary cove

One of the first things that caught my eye? The wallabies. Hopping freely around the grounds, they seemed to be living their best lives – some even taking a dip in the lagoon right alongside hotel guests. I mean, who wouldn’t want to share a swim with a wallaby? It was like stepping into a postcard.

Good times ahead…

As for entertainment, we were spoilt for choice! From putt-putt and ping pong to endless swims in the sparkling beach lagoon, there was never a dull moment. But the real highlight? The games arcade. A neon-lit wonderland buzzing with excitement, where my pre-teen was in his element – racking up points, dominating air hockey, and proving he’s got some serious gaming skills. Safe to say, he was in heaven.

intercontinental sanctuary cove

Table for two

And then there was breakfast – an absolute feast. Each morning, we indulged in a buffet that had everything you could dream of, but the real showstopper was the açai bowl station. With an endless selection of toppings – from fresh fruit to crunchy granola and even a sprinkle of chocolate chips (because why not?) – it was every kid’s culinary dream. Safe to say, we had a blast creating our own açai masterpieces.

Evenings were just as special. At the iconic ‘Fireplace’ restaurant, we were treated to a dining experience that felt like a true occasion. The open kitchen, the aroma of woodfire grilling, the chefs working their magic – it was an experience in itself. And the food? Absolutely spectacular.

intercontinental sanctuary cove

As we explored the resort, I found myself feeling overwhelmingly grateful for this little getaway. InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort was a haven of relaxation and adventure, the perfect place to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with my son. We laughed, swam, played, and made memories I know we’ll cherish for years to come.

So here’s to chasing wallabies, rediscovering old passions, and embracing the joy of a weekend well spent. Who knew a local vay-cay could feel this refreshing? The InterContinental delivered it all – effortless luxury, natural beauty, and a true escape from the everyday.

Want to experience a weekend of luxury yourself? InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is offering a 30% saving on 3-night stays through their ‘One More Moment’ campaign, perfect for a school holidays getaway or an indulgent couple’s retreat. Don’t miss out – head here to book a stay.

By Kathryn Edmonds If Shazam were a person, magically making your fashion requests a reality, it’d be our in-house stylist and professionally-endorsed shopaholic, Kathryn.
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