Sure, we are blessed with some seriously stunning beaches – but for some reason, summer just feels infinitely more glamorous when it’s done euro-style.  Well, we can all officially lean in to those daydreams of sun-drenched days spent by the Italian coastline – because our taste of European summer is well within reach.

For those of us pre-occupied with thoughts of romantic, Riviera-side spritzer sessions, a glorious summer awaits at The Star Gold Coast – or more specifically, apertivo afternoons at Cucina Vivo. Say Cin Cin to summertime at a venue that packs Portofino-vibes by the ‘spritz’ load, as The Star’s resident Italian darling welcomes us on to its open air, citrus-themed terrace to sip our way through those balmy afternoons (and nibble, lbh – we’re only human, Buffalo Mozzarella and Arancini come at us).

Come 5pm, Wednesday–Sunday throughout summer, we can live out our jet setting fantasies in a far more wallet-friendly fashion – perched under the peach-toned ‘brollys and overlooking the sparkling swimming pool and palms swaying lazily beyond, whilst you get amongst the sparkling yourself, should you so wish. And all without ever leaving Broadbeach, might we add. Prepare to quench those 40-degree-day sized thirsts with your choice of Amalfi inspired cocktails, like the Sip of Summer, Bombay Citron Pressé, Elderflower, soda and mint or the Hour of Sour, Bombay Sapphire, Aperol & Peach Bitters.

Located outside the Cucina Vivo restaurant, the balcony bar, overlooking The Star Grand pool, is open across summer for our basking pleasure. Luckily, the Cucina Vivo kitchen will be keeping us inexplicably well-fed, with a selection of delicious small plates on offer. We suggest the Cucina Vivo Bruschetta, ciabatta, heirloom tomato, basil, buffalo mozzarella and aged balsamic or Calamari, semolina coated Loligo squid, dill aioli and lemon cheek. Choose three small plates for $50 and graze the day (or afternoon) away.

It’s also walk-in’s only, making this the perfect proposition when firing off spontaneous group-texts as 5pm approaches. With the citrus-vibing sip squad assembled, the only thing left to do is ‘sip’ back, relax with ice-cold refreshing Bombay cocktails and nosh your way through some downright delicious Italian bites. And don’t skip dessert. We’re vibing the Panacotta alla Fragola Vaniglia, vanilla panna cotta with macerated strawberries and biscotti.

The summer-exclusive Cin Cin at Cucina Vivo sip-portunity is all a part of The Star Gold Coast’s ‘Funner Summer’ service, aka the slew of summertime festivities to make it one to remember. So, if you tire of apertif-studded hangs in the sunshine (we crack ourselves up – #notpossible), check out the many other free-entry activations on offer.

Did we just find our very refreshing new summer ritual? Fun in the sun is calling… and it tastes a suspiciously like pizza and sun-soaked, poolside spritzer sessions.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 1 December 2023 – 31 January 2024, 5pm until late

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.

Well friends, summer is upon us, which means a couple of things, namely thrashing our favourite pluggas, sweltering days.. and the insatiable thirsts that inevitably follow. Let us all take this timely opportunity to acquaint ourselves with The Star Gold Coast’s stacked array of free, summer festivities well before the heat sets in. Bc rain, hail heatwave, or shine, they’ve got our social calendar covered more liberally than a bottle of SPF 40 on a summer’s day.

Prepare to spritz me baby one many more time(s) as we embark on a ‘Funner Summer’, the aptly named array of activations on offer for a glorious season of sun-soaked sips.

And just between you and I, we can probably all admit that no-one *quite* does summer fun like the Italians do – so it only seems fitting to kick off the festivities with a big ‘ole Cin Cin to summertime at Cucina Vivo.

For those of us personally victimised by the proliferation of euro holiday snaps across our socials, we will have the last laugh come December 1st – in the form of aperitivo afternoons at Cucina Vivo’s citrus-themed terrace bar (without the bank-breaking long haul flight).

This December and January, saunter by from 5pm Wednesday–Sunday, and bookend your day with some spritz-filled basking and bites, backdropped by the glistening pool views – aaah… tastes *almost* like holidays, no?

Now we’re sufficiently in the swing of things (nothing like a few Spritz to clear out the cobwebs) –from here, the only way is up, since summer also presents unto us the tantalising op to get up close and personal with the otherwise off-limits Isoletto Pool Club.

The luxury rooftop bar will swing open its doors to the public from 15th December – 26th January, 4pm-8pm daily (excl. 31 Dec), inviting us to perch up poolside and imbibe in sips and savour snacks as the sun sinks low – an invitation we absolutely will be accepting several times over.

The stellar sun-drenched sessions keep coming, as Garden Kitchen & Bar answers our call for fun every day ending in ‘y’.. with a resounding ‘y’ the heck not?! Our beloved alfresco gem, The Lawn, is limbering up for a lit summer, backing it up every single day with live acoustic acts and DJ’s across 14th December – 14th January.

Throughout its month-long solstice marathon, the open air fave will welcome us with open arms from 5pm daily for frosty bevs and infectious tunes for guaranteed good times galore.

Another trusty spot stepping things up come summertime will be at Atrium Bar. And as one that seldom sleeps, this vibing venue is especially equipped to awaken us from the listless haze of unrelenting 40 degree daily highs.

Hosting ‘7 nights of fun’ from 18 December–9 January, like a seductive mirage Atrium Bar will welcome our weary souls with ice-cold, irresistible sips and free themed entertainment for every night of the week. We’re talking everything from jiving to live DJ’s, comedy club supplying the lols, throwback nights delivering our nostalgia fix and ‘Rockaoke’ (like karaoke, but better).

And of course, if at any point over summer you find yourself feeling both famished and parched, swing by The Star and take your pick of any of the top tier nosheries to keep the stamina up in the most satisfying of ways.

For more information on any of The Star’s Funner Summer activations, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations December 2023 – January 2024

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the Casino and Atrium Bar. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

The Northern Gold Coast officially has a brand-new chic Lagoon Beach Club now open at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove.

This $2.5 million masterpiece is the first of its kind on the GC, set to elevate its already iconic surrounds to unparalleled heights of coastal indulgence and style.

The epitome of chillaxation, get ready to bask in the breathtaking view of the resort’s stunning one-acre Lagoon Beach Pool where laid-back leisure, contemporary design, and summer fun collide. After four months of extensive renovations, you can safely cancel your Euro summer vacay, because the Euro vacay (with a quintessential GC glow up) has come to us!

Best of all, it’s not just for InterContinental guests or Sanctuary Cove residents, it’s for everyone to enjoy – and enjoy we will! Perfect for a balmy GC arvo with friends or a taste of the good life with the fam in tow, it has people talking for all the right reasons from laid-back locals to vibrance-seeking visitors.

So just what can we expect from this game-changing summery stunner? An expansive deck for events and dining – check. Direct access from the marina to the resort – double check. Three cabanas and double day beds for ultimate relaxation? Yes, they’ve got that covered too.

Watch the day unfold from under the comfort of a pool deck umbrella or the shade of a nearby palm tree, and it would be remiss of us not to mention the fresh new menu offering seafood galore, share plates, gourmet pizzas, and casual poolside fare. Wash your meal down with an extensive drinks selection showcasing a tropical holiday in a glass, including expertly crafted cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks (because someone has to drive).

We suggest a Bucket of Whole Mooloolaba Prawns accompanied by a zesty seafood sauce and fresh lemon #ShrimplyDelicious. Not a seafood fan? No worries, how about a sharing platter and we can’t go past the Fromage Extravaganza with Kingfisher double cream brie, Maffra matured cheddar and King Island blue, paired with homemade lavosh, muscatels, chutney, dried fruits, and crackers.

If you’re after a small bite, tuck into Smokey Pulled Pork Soft Shell Tacos, three tantalizing tacos with slaw, guacamole, and sriracha mayo. There are also refreshing salads, larger meals, sides, a kid’s menu, and as per our teaser, five gastronomically gratifying pizzas. Try them all but in our humble opinion, you ‘knead’ to order the Spicy Chorizo and Wood-fired Capsicum with black olives, ricotta and spinach.

Our beverage vote goes to the Chilli Sunset house cocktail, with White Oat mango chilli gin (#supportlocal), Aperol, pineapple juice, and passionfruit pulp. Feel like sharing and if so, who can go past a Pimms Jug (not us), with Pimm’s, strawberries, mint, lime, lemon, orange, and ginger ale.

How about a healthy helping of live tunes and yes, InterContinental has that covered. Live music, DJ sessions, and even some Malfy Gin magic are all part of the plan to woo us, and mission accomplished – we are officially wooed.

And here’s the kicker – if you’d like to enjoy the lagoon pool and fabulous facilities, you can purchase a Resort Pass for just $30 per person (limited availability so book ahead). Summer hangs sorted!

For more information or to book your Resort Pass, go here.

Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: 10am – 5pm Sunday to Thursday. 10am – 9pm Friday & Saturday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT