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.

Port Douglas wouldn’t be the place you know and love without Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, credited for transforming the sleepy village to a tropical playground for the rich and famous, whilst maintaining the town’s relaxed coastal charm. Recently undergoing a makeover, the iconic resort boasts over two hectares of shimmering lagoon pools, complete with private cabanas, a swim up bar and sandy beaches. If you’d prefer the real deal, it’s conveniently located along the famous Four Mile Beach.

While the pinnacle of luxury might be their presidential suite, each one of their 295 beautifully appointed rooms, will be sure to impress from tropical garden views, swim-out rooms to balconies capturing the cool sea breeze. You’ll also find the award-winning Harrisons by Spencer Patrick restaurant positioned along the lagoon pool, and an 18-hole golf course complete with an aquatic driving range and views to the Daintree Rainforest.

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.

In the back-country 150kms north-west of Cairns, rugged outback meets luxury at all-inclusive Mount Mulligan Lodge. An 18km escarpment dominates the landscape with the lodge perfectly positioned to enjoy views over their weir towards the sandstone range. Set on a 28,000-hectare cattle station, the property is rich in history and features the remains of the Mount Mulligan township, coal mine and Tyrconnel gold mine which can be explored by foot or ATV.

Corrugated iron outdoor baths, spotted gum timber cladding, natural textures and earth-toned finishings pay homage to the surrounding landscape and pastoral heritage of the property. Each room is provided with a personal electric buggy for guests to zip between their room, Main Pavilion and Sunset Bar. The weir provides a spectacular vista towards the towering range of Mount Mulligan where guests can choose to paddleboard, kayak or fish for a prized barramundi.

One could call Crystalbrook masters in luxury. Indulge with a clean conscious at Cairns’ first five-star hotel in over 20 years at Crystalbrook Riley. 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.

You might laugh at first when you hear that some properties in Tropical North Queensland come complete with a fireplace, but a trip to the Atherton Tablelands during winter will have you reassessing. Located in the cool highlands of Cairns, Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is a romantic and haven set within the lush tropical rainforest. Your log treehouse blends in with the environment each featuring a private balcony and spa bath with stunning rainforest or mountain views, and, of course, a wood-burning fireplace.

Set on 93 hectares, you can explore 9km of walking trails on the property, home to over 160 bird species including the cassowary, platypus, wallabies and the most primitive and smallest species of kangaroo, the musky rat-kangaroo. While you might never want to leave, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Atherton Tablelands, located only 15 minutes from popular swimming hole Lake Eacham or 20 minutes from the charming country town of Yungaburra.