InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort's Lagoon Beach Club Is Your New Spot for a Poolside Bite and Sip 

If you still have a big case of European summer envy as Australia's warm weather hits, here's one way to cure it: hanging out poolside at a northern Gold Coast beach club that takes its cues from the other side of the world. Opening at the exact right time of year, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort's latest addition is all about waterside sipping and eating with a cruisy atmosphere (and, of course, without the expensive across-the-globe airfare).

Officially welcoming in patrons on from Friday, December 1, the $2.5-million Lagoon Beach Club is the result of four months of renovations, and an eagerness to tick two boxes: giving this part of the Goldie something that it doesn't already have and lapping up those European vibes that've become the recent travel obsession.

Patrons can enjoy a view over the one-acre lagoon beach with their drinks and food, with the menu heroing cocktails, seafood, pizzas and share platters. While a splash isn't on offer just for showing up, you can also grab a limited $30-per-person resort pass to use the lagoon and pool facilities, but only if you book in advance and subject to availability.

"As the northern Gold Coast becomes more populated, there is a gap in the market for a destination-inspired venue that brings the 'beach' to this part of the coast," said InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort's General Manager Matt Rippin.

"The Lagoon Beach Club celebrates the resort's iconic lagoon pool, adding a beach club influenced by European summers and grounded by its Australian home. It puts Sanctuary Cove on the map in a bigger way than ever before. We anticipate high demand over the summer months for a space that brings together residents, locals and visitors with an experience we know they will love."

Menu highlights include oysters; prawns by the bucket, on rolls and atop pizzas; both charcuterie and cheese platters; beer-battered barramundi; and passionfruit cheesecake for dessert. If that culinary lineup makes you feel like you're on holidays, that's the point.

The drinks range spans share cocktails — both red and white sangria jugs among them — as well as classic and house concoctions, plus mocktails, wine, beer and cider. The Limoncello spritz will help transport your tastebuds, as will the Sunset Colada (made with pineapple rum, lychee liqueur, strawberry purée, guava juice and coconut cream) and Chilli Sunset (featuring mango chilli gin, Aperol, pineapple juice and passionfruit pulp).

Dining takes place on a sprawling deck, which can also host events. For hotel guests — and resort pass holders — three cabanas and double daybeds await, plus access to the marina. Via QR code ordering if you're making a day of it, you can also get your meal and beverages brought to your seat.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort's Lagoon Beach Club opens on Friday, December 1, operating 10am–5pm Sunday–Thursday and 10am–9pm Friday–Saturday.