The Intercontinental Hotel Sanctuary Cove, Australia

Welcome to Sanctuary Cove

One of my favourite hotels to visit is the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. It’s a luxury property, part of the IHG chain, situated on Hope Island at the northern end of the Gold Coast. The resort backs onto the Coomera River and the Sanctuary Cove Marina.

Sanctuary Cove is a beautiful, peaceful resort, located well away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast strip. What sets it apart from the rest is; the wildlife, the lush gardens and the sprawling lawns that surround it.The hotel looks remarkably the same as it did when it opened in 1988, however, lots of things have change in the background with the use of technology.

 So, let’s “check in” and take a look around this special resort.

The resort offers 251 guest rooms across 5 separate 3 storey wings. Guests have the option to be driven to their rooms by a golf buggy, which appears to be the favoured mode of transport for residents in the neighbouring Sanctuary Cove enclave.

Resort Facilities

The hotel’s private beach is undoubtedly one of the most loved features of the resort. The lagoon waters can be seen from many vantage points around the resort. The beach has soft fine sand and there are loads of shaded lounges for those who want to relax and take in the moment. For those seeking exercise or a decent swim it’s a good 100 meters across and for the fun at heart, there are large "floaty" pillows to play with in the water.

Resort activities

The resort grounds provide a unique opportunity for the hotel to offer different activities.

It's your choice pool side or lagoon side!

For those not keen on salt water there is also a large freshwater pool (heated in winter).  The Lagoon Bar sits between the lagoon and the pool. The Lagoon Bar has food and beverage options for those laying around the pool. In off peak periods where the bar is not manned, guests can order food directly with room service.

Food ordering process:

·      Guest’s use the pool phone to call room service and order their meal

·      A map is used to identify the number closest to where they are sitting

·      Room service staff deliver food straight to the zone

Resort food and beverage choices

In Room Dining

Mobile - reservations and confirmations

Further innovation was the use of the mobile phones in restaurant reservations and IRD receipts. The Open Table application; a well known app used to make restaurant reservations. The app is fully integrated within the hotel, so if a guest  wants to make a booking it goes through the app.  The reception staff encourage guests to make bookings and provide QR codes on hotel information sheets at check in. The QR code directs them to open table where guests complete their booking. Messages are sent straight to their mobile phone with confirmation details and alerts are sent to remind the guest of the booking.

In room dining also uses the mobile phone as a way to provide instant confirmation of orders. Once an order is made at IRD; a confirmation is sent straight to the guests registered phone number. The message provides an order summary, the time it was ordered, approximate delivery time and the amount billed to the room account. This gives and instant summary of the phone call discussion and the order.

The Fireplace

The Fireplace is the cosy signature restaurant located on the ground floor. This dining experience is unique, all meals are wood fired in the fireplace producing beautiful flavours. The chefs also use fresh herbs from the hotel’s gardens.

We were offered a table outside in the court yard. It was a very pleasant experience under the sky with fairy lights in the garden. I ordered the entrée special of baked pumpkin and for main course, I couldn’t go past barramundi. Both meals were delicious, cooked to perfection and straight from the oven.

The Verandah Cafe and Bar

The Verandah Bar and restaurant, open 11am till late, is located on the main level in the homestead building with views over the resort gardens and fountains. It is open for lunch and dinner providing light meals and snacks. The tables are set with an a la carte setting and the bar provides an extensive wine list, cocktails and tap beer. There is also coffee available, and this machine is also used to prepare coffee for guests dining in the Fireplace on the lower level.

The Cove Restaurant

The Cove is the go-to breakfast venue open from 6:30am every morning. They offer a hot buffet breakfast and that includes barista made coffee. The buffet includes everything from juices, to fresh fruit, yogurts, toast, pastries and a selection of hot food, including the option to request an omelette or eggs your own way. Considering the high turnover in this venue, the service was friendly and attentive. The inclusion of barista coffee was particularly appreciated. I have experienced other high-end hotels that place a push button coffee machine next to the buffet. Further to this, there was an opportunity to take away coffee on the way out, that is good service and value!

Events

The hotel offers extensive banquet facilities located adjacent to the homestead, with a number of boutique rooms, as well as a The Wool Shed and MacArthur’s Ballroom. These rooms are designed in a heritage theme and in keeping with the hotel, most have natural light which is an advantage these venues have over enclosed inner-city ballrooms. Also, scattered around the resort, adjacent to each accommodation wing, are smaller hexagon shaped event venues. The “Phoenix Room” was set up in a U shape classroom style. The room had data projection prepared, flip charts and a small buffet for meal service.

Kangaroos own the resort

The resident kangaroos make this resort so unique and special. They roam free and provide a fascination to children and adults alike. They go about their business, and its common to bump into a kangaroo outside your room or see them bounding past.

Stephen's Take

Unit of Competency Mapping

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Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan