Luxury places to rest your head

It’s the Hollywood picture of a tropical island retreat; private free-standing villas set in lush green rainforest, each overlooking the pristine turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort has a maximum of 20 guests at any given time making Bedarra Island the pinnacle of seclusion and relaxation. And when they say all-inclusive, they really mean it. Fancy a romantic candlelit dinner on your own private beach? Done. What about a gourmet picnic on a nearby deserted island? They’ll take you there. From fishing gear and kayaks to cocktails and meals, the staff at Bedarra Island go above and beyond to ensure your luxury escape is unforgettable. A leisurely lunch awaits you as you arrive in style via helicopter from either Cairns or Mission Beach or by boat charter from South Mission Beach. Pop the champagne bottle and you are officially on island time.

The Daintree Rainforest, a prehistoric masterpiece where nature is king. Be greeted by a chorus of birdsong and the gentle sounds of the Mossman River at Silky Oaks Lodge, where even the name of this boutique retreat evokes a sense of calmness and tranquillity. Your treehouse or suite blends seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest featuring polished wood floors throughout. The eco lodge focuses on wellness so enjoy a morning yoga session during your stay and a relaxing pamper at Healing Waters Spa.

The Ultimate Silky Indulgence package will ensure you don’t have to think about anything for your five night stay with everything from a three course à la carte dinner each evening, a 2.5hr spa treatment per couple and rainforest helicopter tour all included. The only decision you will have to make is whether you’d rather relax on your own personal hammock or take a dip in the cool waters of the Mossman River.

Stay on a private peninsula in a bungalow nestled amongst the trees at the deluxe eco-retreat located along the Great Barrier Reef Drive near Port Douglas. Upon arrival venture upstairs to Osprey’s Restaurant to see the expansive views over the Coral Sea unfold in front of your eyes before feasting on the menu focussing on local seasonal produce.

Awarded the highest Ecotourism accreditation for maximising informative and meaningful experiences, Thala Beach provides complimentary tours to guests. View the Milkyway and planets through the lens of a telescope stargazing with an experienced guide, learn the surprising properties of the coconut on Australia’s only coconut tour or join local Aboriginal elders as they share their stories passed through generations of Kuku Yalanji people.

One could call Crystalbrook masters in luxury. Indulge with a clean conscious at Cairns’ first five-star hotel in over 20 years at Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort. From the paperless check-in, recycled wooden room key and absence of plastic drinking bottles and straws at the resort’s three on-site restaurants, the subtle touch points of sustainability woven through the property is refreshing.

Spend your days lounging in a cabana by the pool sipping on a signature cocktail and book in for some me-time at Eléme Day Spa where the therapists will personalise your experience to suit your desires. Wind down the day overlooking the ocean at Rocco, Cairns’ only rooftop bar.

Luxury and rustic come together to at the super exclusive Gilberton Outback Retreat. A maximum of two guests can enjoy the private cabin offering the quintessential Aussie outback experience with a modern twist on the iconic tin shed. Perched on a hill with uninterrupted views over the Gilbert River, use this digital detox as an escape from the outside world and immerse yourself in the rugged landscape and station life. Visit ancient Aboriginal art sites, test your luck at fossicking, take a 4WD tour or venture out for a bushwalk. Wash off the days’ dust in your bath as the sunsets with panoramic views over the arid bushland.