The Marine Village will transform into a Christmas Wonderland when Sanctuary Cove hosts its Christmas Carnival. Expect an array of Christmas-themed workshops and activities during the day, including photos with Santa in Santa’s Grotto for children and pets. Then – on Thursday, December 20 – the Village Green will come to life with Christmas Carols and the highly anticipated Buggy Parade.
Nothing ruins summer like a sunburn. The pain and redness may only last a few days, but a bad sunburn can have long-term effects that will leave you wishing you’d lathered up better. Try these tips for avoiding harmful sun exposure this summer.
While it’s certainly true that you can get sunburnt all year ‘round – especially when you’re in the snow, thanks to its propensity for UV reflection – here in Queensland, we tend to spend a lot more time out in the sun during the summer months, meaning we seriously increase our chances of getting burned. That’s why it’s so important to keep those five sun safety secrets that the Cancer Council recommends – ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’ – front of mind whenever we’re exposed to the sun’s rays.
SLIP…
on some clothing that protects your skin from the sun. Whether it’s a sun shirt in the water or a long- sleeve top on the shore, making sure that your skin isn’t exposed to the UV rays is a sure-fire way to prevent sunburn. Keep the fabric lightweight to stay nice and cool, too.
SLOP…
on a protective sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher. The Cancer Council recommends reapplying your sunscreen every two hours, particularly when you’re sweating, swimming or towel drying, while also following their other sun safety tips.
SLAP…
on a hat – the broader the brim, the better! While you should generally try to stay out of the sun as much as possible, wearing a protective hat when you do have to spend time outdoors is a great way to protect not just your face and neck, but your scalp too (an easily forgotten area where melanomas are reportedly more lethal).
SEEK…
a shady spot if you’re planning on spending the day outside! Whether it’s under one of the enormous pine trees that are common on the southern end of the Gold Coast or your own beach umbrella, having a shady spot to relax in is a great way to reduce your risk of sunburn and overheating.
SLIDE…
on some sunnies, but make sure they meet Australian standards – the sunglasses must have, at minimum, good UV protection and protection against sun glare. Consult the Cancer Council website for a full description of the Australian Standard for protective eyewear before you make any purchases.
When in doubt, refer to the handy SunSmart app! It will tell you what the UV index – the ultraviolet radiation, said to be the invisible killer that you won’t see or feel – is like for the day and how much sun protection you should use.
WANTING TO KNOW WHAT WINES YOU SHOULD BE SLURPING IN THE HEAT? READ ON…
When it comes down to grabbing a bottle of wine for any occasion, we certainly have a plentiful choice here in the lucky country. You can go to lengths to find some top international drops but why would you when Australia is producing some really stellar wines that should certainly be on your radar this summer.
Riesling is definitely one of these and is perfect drinking as the weather begins to warm up. Often mistaken as a purely sweet wine, there are some great examples of dry and fresh styles from the Clare and Eden Valleys in South Australia. These areas both have altitude and come summer usually have really warm days, yet relatively cool nights. Great conditions that bring on complexity and flavours within the grapes Thinking of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc? Trust me, do yourself a favour and dip your toe into this aromatic grape variety. In general, young Riesling is moderately citrus driven with apricot, nectarine and honey crisp apple aromas. Working fantastically with most spiced food.
Top 3 picks for Australian Riesling this summer:
2018 Reislingfreak no.4 – Eden Valley Riesling- Average $22 a bottle
great freshness and acidity- flavours of bruised lime and sweet spice.
2017 Mountadam – Eden Valley Riesling- Average $20 a bottle
Aromas of citrus and blossom, underlying herb character make a great complex wine.
2017 O’Leary Walker – Polish Hill River Riesling- Average $25 a bottle
Bright and floral wine with a great lemon and lime crispness
Is it even a summer vacay if you don’t have a cocktail in hand? We’ve got the low-down on the best bevs around town, so consider this list of the best Gold Coast cocktails a roadmap for your next bar crawl. Just add friends and good times!
Mr Miyaga Margarita: Ume infused Blanco tequila, lime and shichimi infused agave nectar with a salt rim on the rocks.
Barbershop Espresso Martini: Barbershop Coffee Liqueur shaken & served on ice with coconut & eucalyptus.
Pandora’s Martini: Strawberry and dill infused vodka, elderflower, watermelon, cucumber and lime.
Spicy Tom: Cazadores Tequila, lime, agave, jalapeno, salt rim.
Day Becomes Night: Bombay Sunset, St. Germain Liqueur, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup
WHAT’S THE PERFECT WAY TO SPEND A SUMMER? WINING AND DINING AT A WATERFRONT PARADISE SOUNDS PRETTY GOOD TO US, AND WE’RE LOVING WHAT’S ON THE MENU AT SANCTUARY COVE.
Esco
The little sister of renowned Sanctuary Cove staple Ioesco Restaurant has arrived at The Marine Village, boasting an impressive modern Italian and Mediterranean menu of breakfast and lunch offerings – with the quality coffee to match.
Esco is on track to become Sanctuary Cove’s mid-morning hotspot, with the poached eggs, asparagus, vine-ripened tomatoes served with toast and extra virgin olive oil already one of the most popular menu items. Bellies full, but still not sick of the picturesque harbour view, customers are sure to dive into the extensive drinks menu and indulge all afternoon long.
“Overlooking one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, Esco is the perfect place to start the day, soaking up the serenity for breakfast, to enjoy lunch alfresco in the sunshine or to meet up with friends for a drink as the sun sets,” says restaurant owner and chef Max Alfieri.
Extending the opening times of the popular Ioesco, Esco will make the most of the warmer months by giving Sanctuary Cove visitors and residents alike the perfect place to relax waterside.With a focus on simple, perfectly cooked ingredients and quality service, there’s no better place to celebrate summer.
Arnie’s Café and Bar
There’s no meal of the day that you can’t enjoy at Arnie’s. Breakfast? Sorted, with a fresh cold-pressed juice or a steaming coffee – best enjoyed whilst also drinking in the stunning scenery. For lunch, tuck into a classic Arnie’s Parmy or any other hearty, wholesome menu item, all while keeping watch for the kangaroos, kookaburras and other wildlife that have been known to frequent the nearby green. For a before dinner treat, a crisp glass of wine and a share plate on the outdoor patio makes for the perfect sundowner – then duck inside for a barramundi or a burger. And, if you’re looking to host the perfect summer soiree, Arnie’s is also available for private hire, and is perfect for cocktail receptions, launches, meetings or social gatherings.
Cove Tavern
If it’s hearty food and good vibes you’re after, there’s no place like the Cove Tavern. Serving up lunch and dinner from a seasonally changing menu – this summer, we’re eyeing off the seafood pasta – the Cove Tavern promises quality food and quality service, as well as mouth-watering daily specials that will have you coming back night after night. Whether it’s a lunch in the sunshine or an intimate dinner with friends – or, dare we say, some late-night grub to fuel your night – you’ll find something to whet your appetite on the Cove Tavern’s extensive menu. Then, before you go, be sure to wash it all down with an ice-cold schooner or a wine from their selection.
