Keeping it casual at Sanctuary Cove

Back in 1988, when I was working for the US news agency Associated Press, I was given the assignment of covering the opening of a swish new resort on the Gold Coast.

It was no ordinary opening.

Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston headed an entertainment line-up that also included Peter Allen, while Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert played some tennis for the invitees and there was Arnold Palmer, who designed the golf course, enjoying the ambience. 

It was dubbed "The Ultimate Event". Anyone who was anyone was there and developer Mike Gore earned worldwide publicity. 

Sanctuary Cove has been through some ups and downs over the 35 subsequent years, but new owners Mulpha Group are betting it will bounce back again. 

The latest addition to the Cove line-up is Waterfront restaurant Anchor Buoy, which has been has been refurbished and reopened with a new menu following its acquisition last year by Mulpha. 

The new menu from chef Mike Marshall includes crumbed snapper schnitzel; roast scallops with chorizo crumble and garlic butter, and cold smoked chicken salad, and local favourite fish and chips.

“Our aim is to reflect the spirit of Sanctuary Cove, providing great food and service at unpretentious prices for locals, boaties and tourists alike, whether they are popping in for a quick bite or relaxing in the sea breeze with a nice cool drink,” said Marshall.

Sean Robertson, Mulpha’s Regional General Manager for Queensland, is overseeing the launch. 

“We know how important great food and drink venues are for Sanctuary Cove residents, visitors and other local businesses, and we wanted to create a venue that is open for lunch as well as dinner that showcases exceptional food and service," he said.

“Anchor Buoy joins our Ioesco restaurant, and the Sanctuary Cove Tavern, as iconic local venues we are investing in to create a contemporary food and beverage scene that helps make Sanctuary Cove a great place to live and international tourist destination.”

Mulpha's hospitality portfolio includes Bimbadgen winery and Esca restaurant, wedding venue Palmers Lane and Emma’s Cottage Vineyard in the Hunter Valley as well as InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, InterContinental Sydney, and InterContinental Hayman Island.