3-minute InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort trip

Trips for me nearly always mean flights, long drives and a complete change of scenery. But I decided to buck that trend.

This was my patch of turf. I had the inside knowledge. I didn’t even really need to think about what to pack as I could duck home at any stage and grab anything I needed.

My wife was away in Scotland with her mum at a family wedding so the chance to play golf for three days – and more importantly, have someone else cook for me – was too good to pass up.

Sanctuary Cove and next-door neighbour Hope Island offer a trifecta of world-class magical golf experiences.

Choose between three great golf courses

Sanctuary Cove has The Pines and The Palms. Hope Island is pretty much a canal suburb built around the golf course Links Hope Island. Most people who live here have a golf buggy in the garage.

Getting ready to tee off.

But there’s so much more to do than play golf.

Both villages boast cosmopolitan restaurants, good pubs, lots of entertainment and water activities that are the equal of anything on offer throughout Australia.

Sanctuary Cove was built in 1986 as a private playground for the rich and famous. Singing legend Frank Sinatra did it his way as he opened the resort at a gala concert.

Today it is more relaxed than swanky. Shorts and polo shirts are the order of the day around here.

You will find Sanctuary Cove in the southeast corner of Queensland on the northern end of the Gold Coast, so it is blessed with the most beautiful winter weather imaginable.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort sits on the hill above Sanctuary Cove Village. Not that long ago it was a Hyatt Hotel. At this stage not much has changed except the name.

Chefs at work at the resort’s signature restaurant, The Fireplace.

The hotel was busy when I stayed as it was home for the Queensland Maroons during this year’s State of Origin rugby league series.

I don’t think the football posts and XXXX banners are normally on display.

From my room (125) I could look down on the lagoon pool and across the water to the marina from wide floor-to-ceiling windows. Much to my joy the bathroom had a deep stand-alone bath – something I soaked in after golf. The staff who greeted me at the top of the circular drive were friendly and efficient – quickly storing my clubs, parking my car, and escorting me to reception.

You don’t have to leave the hotel to eat and drink but there are some great options nearby worth the walk.

My favourites for breakfast are Raw Kitchen and Espresso (Sanctuary Cove Village) and the Red Rock Waterfront Bar & Grill (Hope Island). Both offer marina views of million-dollar boats so you can dream a little dream while you eat. My favourite at Raw’s are the Spanish baked beans ($18.50).

For lunch it is hard to go past the Hope Island Tavern. The tavern deck sits out over the water and the expected pub fare of pizza, steaks, burgers and fish and chips are always fresh and tasty. There is a healthy selection of beers on tap and a gambling room for those who like a punt.

There’s also live music on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. There’s a courtesy bus if you don’t fancy the 10-minute walk back to Sanctuary Cove.

For dinner, I think it is best to stick to Sanctuary Cove to try either Black Angus Steakhouse (you cook your own meat on the stone), Ioesco Cafe Cucina for quality Italian, or try the relatively Dragon Cove for Chinese.

Adam Scott calls this place home

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort offers a golf package that gives guests access to all three courses. The Pines is private and usually the domain of members so it was a real treat to play on Australia’s only Arnold Palmer signature course.

The second hole at Links Hope Island.

With a rating of 74 off the black tees (72 off the blues), it is a long course that challenges anyone like me who doesn’t hit the ball straight.

The Pines is world No. 1 golfer Adam Scott’s home course and it is not uncommon to see him on the practice area. Because it is so exclusive everything is in pristine condition from tee to green.

The Palms was renovated in 2011. It is a much tougher prospect now than it used to be with plenty of water hazards and unforgiving bunkers. It does get a lot of traffic though and can sometimes be slow-going.

The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

Five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson designed Hope Island’s resort course and it has the feeling of a traditional links course.

Thankfully it does have a lot of “bail out” areas so you can hit the odd wayward shot and not end up in too much trouble.

GO2 SANCTUARY COVE

It’s a 50-minute drive from Brisbane airport and a 45-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport. The InterContinental has golf packages on offer for play at all three local courses.