CANALSIDE GETAWAY

Stay

2052 The Circle

4 bedrooms; sleeps 10 | $$ From $4700 per week (minimum seven nights) | rwsp.net/640128

Did you know the Gold Coast has nine times more canals than Venice? While there are no historic bridges or serenading gondoliers, there’s something marvellous about a boat ride on these winding waterways. Set on one such canal in Sanctuary Cove – a gated community in Hope Island, about 30 minutes from the city – is 2052 The Circle, a four-bedroom house with water features and its own jetty. Gordon Ramsay was once a guest here and every imaginable device can be found in the cutting-edge kitchen. A pool wraps around the alfresco area and the upstairs master bedroom has canal views and a spa bath in the ensuite.

Do

Two golf courses (sanctuarycove golfclub.com.au) are within teeing distance: the 18-hole Pines and the Ross Watson-designed Palms (above), which offers access to non-members. Hop into a buggy – there are two parked in the garage – and make your way past immaculate lawns and charming villas until you reach the lakedotted greens. Even the nearby shopping precinct of Marine Village (sanctuarycove.com) is accessible via buggy. Soho Girl (sohogirl.com.au) is ideal for relaxed resort wear and dresses, while Latitude Clothing Co. (41c Quay Street; 07 5577 9555) is the place to go for men’s fitted shirts in vibrant prints.

Eat

Marine Village offers a multitude of dining options, from the twicecooked pork-belly burgers at Anchor Buoy Cafe & Bar (anchor buoy.com.au) to the woodfired wheels topped with mozzarella and pepperoni at George’s Paragon Pizza Wine Bar (georgesparagon. com). But nothing beats the casual elegance and vibe of Jonez on Food (jonezonfood.com.au), where the walls are lined with books and the smoked salmon is paired with yuzu mayonnaise.