If you look up “high achiever” in the dictionary, you’ll find a simple three-word definition; The Fireplace Restaurant. This award-winning wood-fire dining experience showcases the finest Australian produce infused with smoky flavour from the exclusive wood-fire oven. Garnished with seasoning from the restaurant’s herb garden and expertly paired with a world-class wine library, it’s pure happiness on a plate…and in a glass.

In addition to its endless five-star reviews, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s signature dining destination has two major coups to celebrate. Cue the applause, nods of approval, and the sound of people furiously dialling their posse to lock in a Fireplace dinner, because this year is shaping up to be even more impressive than the last.

2022 was undeniably a memorable year for this fine dining power player. Firstly, let’s start with the resort’s appointment of the Dom Perignon of Executive Chefs, Mr Hamish Watt. Joining fellow culinary master, Head Chef Randy Tablan, Hamish’s extensive high-brow experience made The Fireplace truly ‘ignite’ (pun intended). With fanfare and hype galore, absolutely nobody was surprised when the prestigious accolades ensued.  Speaking of new recruits, InterContinental also welcomed a new Pastry Chef, Dee Hettiarachchi, whose pastry prowess and creativity in the kitchen is second-to-none.

With the A-Team fully assembled, naturally The Fireplace took out the top gong at the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association 2022 Awards for Excellence – South East Queensland, named the Best Restaurant in a Hotel/Resort. But that’s not all because in addition to claiming the gold in our region, The Fireplace was also a finalist in the national awards #bravo.

Don’t roll up the red carpet yet though, because more congratulations are in order. Yet again, this fine dining heavyweight was awarded a Two-Glass accolade in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, thanks to the carefully curated 200-strong wine library. This marks the sixth consecutive year of holding such a hotly contended title, and we’ll cheers to that. On repeat….

Looking into 2023, the culinary team are upping the ante even more to keep things exciting and enticing, just the way we like it. They’ve hit reset on the menu to align with the new season and we can already taste the wow-factor. To give your tastebuds a hint of what’s in store, let’s unpack the signature items – hot off the press.

Starting with entrées, the Charred Field Mushrooms with lentils, sauteed spinach and sherry vinegar dressing is simply unmissable. Then, who could resist a main of Barramundi with warrigal, baby corn, sugar snaps, heirloom tomato and salsa Verde and certainly not us. Or, if you’re partial to the grill, the 250g Milly Hill Lamb Rump with a selection of accompaniments and sides is a meat-eater’s dream dish.

Sweet tooths, you haven’t been forgotten with Dee Hettiarachchi’s newest dessert menu including his signature dish: Native Flavours. Featuring fresh Kakadu plum parfait, macadamia nougatine crunch, lemon myrtle sable, Bundaberg infused wild peach marmalade, dry mandarin and fresh berries, there’ll be no sharing because you won’t want to part with a single morsel.

Wine enthusiasts will be tickled pink (red and/or white) to discover that The Fireplace is sharing the  stories of their wine library with a collated series of producer profiles, including Henschke, Bouchard Pere et Fils and Barossa Valley Shiraz. Great news for non-wine drinkers too, because these stories aren’t limited purely to the wine list, with tailored choices across the entire range of beverages, particularly the incredible selection of whiskeys.

The year ahead will also see seasonal menu changes and highly curated special events come to life. Specialist wine dinners, signature dining events and Chef-led experiences are just a taste of what’s to come. Or if you have a special event on the horizon, why not host it in The Fireplace’s intimate Private Dining Room? Seating up to 18 guests, your soiree will be remembered for all the right reasons.

For more information and to keep abreast of The Fireplace’s latest news and gourmet offerings, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Lower Level, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: 5.30pm – 9pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT

Summer is well and truly in full swing and us Gold Coasters live for this time of year. The sun stays out longer, social engagements quadruple, our skin is dewier, and we have an excuse to buy new clothes coz we can’t possibly be seen in last year’s summer duds #CrimesOfFaarshion.

One destination always at the top of our summer hit list is Sanctuary Cove. Forever brimming with life’s greatest pleasures (eating, sipping, shopping, beautifying, cruising, and people watching – not necessarily in that order), this luxe oasis truly comes to life during the warmer months.

Here are six reasons why you’ll find us soaking up the good life at Sanctuary Cove this season.

Update your wardrobe
I mean, #obviously. If designer threads from Europe and Australia and the latest summer looks are on your radar, Sanctuary Cove’s diverse range of boutiques have you covered. Pop into Calypso Resort & Swimwear for a new swimsuit and stock up on cutting edge Australian labels at Soho Girl. Shop designer shades, always on-trend denim looks and more at Harry’s Emporium, bespoke handcrafted jewels at Amore Fine Jewellery, and quality organic garments for your mini-me’s at Cabana Kids….and that’s just the tip of the ice block!

Sip on a cocktail
You don’t have to ask us twice! You can’t go past the #trending Palm Springs vibes at Destino Wine & Cocktail Bar. The sun-filled space casts beautiful, dreamy shadows through the garden of greenery, setting the perfect backdrop for your afternoon tipple or date night. Or, sip on Mexico’s finest tequila-based beverages at Pablito’s Mexican & Tequilaria. With a cactus in every corner, terracotta and venetian walls and exposed concrete, you won’t want to miss this ‘Juan’.

Restyle your abode
Keep up with The Jones’ and source new season furniture and homewares from Cabana to create a relaxed, coastal haven. Shop all things Hamptons at Hamptons Style, discover unique treasures from the souks of Morocco to the laneways of India at Theo & Joe, and find the perfect contemporary art print at Fineprintco #HiSlimAarons.

Dine by the water
Nothing says summer like a relaxed, waterside meal. Pop into Anchor Buoy for a casual sunlit brunch or seafood-infused long lunch. Newbie Chim Thai is the perfect spot for epic views and the best of modern and traditional Thai flavours. George’s Paragon is a long-standing fave with locals, serving up mouth-watering seafood, meat, pasta and more with a nod to Greek inspired fare. And for the perfect bougee date night, Ioesco Café and Cucina’s fresh Napoli cuisine and stunning marina views will woo that someone special.

Enjoy an unforgettable sailing cruise
All aboard Gold Coast Sail’s beautiful 45-foot Hunter Sailing Yacht, Sol Cazador. Known as the largest and best-appointed sailing vessel on the GC, this is THE way to see our beautiful local waters. Book a morning, lunch, sunset, premium, or adventure day cruise. With all the bells and whistles, this luxurious yacht has even featured on the likes of The Bachelor and yes, we’ll totally accept this rose.

Get beautified by the best
Pamper and beautify till your heart’s content with the crème da le crème of beauty services and retailers. Let Elite Skin tailor a skin treatment program to treat your concerns with a holistic approach. Experience massages and facials merging the best of modern clinical treatments and product ingredients at Vault Skin Lab. While you’re at it, give your smile the Hollywood treatment at Enhanced Dental, and swing into Studio Eclettico Hair & Co for all your hair and beauty needs #NewHairDontCare.

Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Hours vary. Visit www.sanctuarycove.com for more information

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE

If you’re planning on getting hitched in the future, the Gold Coast is certainly a good place to do so. With many a delightful location on offer, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to your big day.

From the beach to the hinterland, or the hinterland with views of the beach, the Coast is your oyster.

Here’s a few we think might tickle your fancy, probably get in quite early though because they seem to tickle everyone’s fancy.

The Bower Estate
The newest of the bunch, The Bower Estate is set upon 120 acres of stunning land in the Gold Coast hinterland. Surrounded by national parks, the full-service wedding venue offers onsite catering, event coordination and accommodation and as a family-owned business, you can expect the utmost care to go into your big day. It’s a mind-blowing venue and one that would be absolutely perfect for any style of wedding.
Where: 3165 Nerang Murwillumbah Road, Natural Bridge

*Mavis’s Kitchen
There aren’t enough words in the world to describe the magic of Mavis’s Kitchen. Technically it’s in Northern NSW but that’s never stopped us before. There are mountain views for days, from the hinterland to Mt Warning and food direct from the organic garden and the perfect spot to marry your love. It’s an intimate space but if stunning outdoor scenery is your thing, this one is a must-see.
Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Uki

Heritage Wines
Another hinterland gem, Heritage Wines is, you guessed it a wedding venue at a winery and those are the perfect combination if you ask us. The rustic style venue boasts some absolutely magical views and there’s a separate little section for the actual getting married part. Guests can mingle on the greenest lawn in the world whilst enjoying wines from their cellar door. The food is a delight there too.
Where: Bartle Road, Tamborine Mountain 

*Summergrove Estate
Greenery abounds at Summergrove Estate, making it the perfect place for a spectacular wedding day no one will ever forget. Having won many awards in the past few years, it’s no wonder this place is much-loved by everyone who has ever laid eyes on it. Found in the hinterland, they boast a little weatherboard chapel, and the option of a reception either indoors or outside under the stars.
Where: 363 Carool Road, Carool

Ancora
Found riverside in Tweed Heads, Ancora is an absolutely stunning venue offering garden ceremonies and a perfect reception space with 180 degree water views plus a balcony boasting salty breezes and the perfect viewing platform for one of the those magical Gold Coast sunsets. We’ve been to many a ceremony here and each has been more beautiful than the last. Good vibes too. Make sure you check Ancora out.
Where: 118 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Cowbell Creek
With three ceremony areas, Cowbell Creek will have you spoilt for choice on your big day. There’s a retracting roof pergola, giant hilltop fig tree and an creekside verandah and each offers magical views of the surrounding property including 200 acres of rolling hills, creeks, lookouts and fields along with Clydesdales, friendly dairy cows, Alpacas and cheeky chooks. How good. It’s just 15 minutes from Robina Town Centre so practically on your doorstep.
Where: 390 Austinville Road, Austinville

Boomerang Farm
Getting hitched in a 100 year old barn seems like a good time. Even better when it’s surrounded by lush green lawns, big old trees and an actual rainforest chapel. You’ll no doubt spy a local wallaby or two and with the babbling Mudgeeraba Creek running through the property, what’s not to love. We highly recommend including lawn games on the agenda and a wheelbarrow full of beverages to set the mood. Plus, its just 10 minutes from Robina Town Centre.
Where: 55 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba 

Crystal Blue Yacht Cruises
If an intimate wedding on the water is more your style, why not gather the gang and go all out on a Crystal Blue yacht. It’s quite the romantic experience to be cruising along with the sun setting in the distance, a glass of champagne in hand having just wed your beloved (or so we hear). And imagine the incredible photos you’ll get! Definitely get on board with this idea for something quite unique but also very lovely.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Words by Kirra Smith