Planning a summer holiday in the tropics should involve three things: somewhere beautiful to stay; the taste of fresh summer flavours; and definitely some pampering. At Palm Cove (just north of Cairns) all three are within an easy stroll of each other.
Let’s start with a pamper. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore is right on the beach. In fact, nothing separates the resort from the sand but a coconut grove and a lush strip of lawn.
Clients of the Alamanda Spa have a view of all that.
The award-winning spa menu favours tropical fruit and coconut scrubs and allows for everything from simple massages to five-hour top-to-toe treatments. The deluxe packages include access to a private pool and treats from neighbouring Nu Nu Restaurant.
Towards the northern end of the same esplanade is Reef House Palm Cove. Its rooms and suites are gorgeous, with generous and well-equipped verandahs, that take advantage of summer breezes.
Reef House embraces a colonial feel that is linked to its heritage as a private home. There are so many ways that guests are made to feel special, and that includes a gin cocktail at check-in, complimentary sorbets by the pool at 3 pm, and rum punch and canapes in the Brigadier’s Bar at 5 pm. That daily event is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other holidaymakers.
For a more intimate culinary experience, you can’t go past Temple of Tastes, at Pullman Palm Cove Resort.
Executive Chef Anthony Smith creates seasonal menus with Australian/Southeast Asian flavours that are perfect for the tropics.
Most of his ingredients are locally sourced, including baby barramundi from the Daintree and award-winning cheese from Gallo Dairy in the tablelands behind Cairns.
Spoil yourself a little and experience summer in the tropics. For more good reasons to explore Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, check out www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com
