Boutique Hotel & Spa Palm Cove
Adult & Couples Boutique Tropical Escapes A small boutique hotel by the Coral Sea for rest, revitalisation and rejuvenation Five to Seven, Night Itinerary
North Queensland is well known for its tropical wilderness, wildlife and World Heritage listed treasures. While the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest claim the limelight (deservedly so – they are both
spectacular in their own right), less known is the beachfront village of
Palm Cove. While it’s tempting to explore far and wide to see the region’s attractions, we recommend you adopt the leisurely pace that makes the palm tree-lined village a favourite with locals.
Here, we share with you the key to unlocking Palm Cove’s precious heart during your tropical sojourn.
“The Reef House provides adults and couples Boutique Tropical Escapes and bespoke service by the Coral Sea. Enjoy inclusive packages and activities curated for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation in our small hotel dedicated to house guests.” - Malcolm Bean, Director
HIGHLIGHTS of 7 days in Palm Cove Dine on the alfresco deck amidst 300-year-old paperbark trees overlooking the Coral Sea u Invigorate body & soul in a beachfront yoga class amidst a palm grove u Enjoy delicious tropical sorbet served poolside each afternoon u Sip champagne aboard a luxury catamaran on a sunset cruise u Take a vigneron journey with our Sommelier during a Wine & Digestif Tasting Class u Drive the coastal road north of Cairns where rainforest-clad mountains meet the Coral Sea u Embark upon a whole-of body sensory immersion with a Signature Spa Ritual
DAY ONE WELCOME to the special piece of paradise that is Palm Cove.
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Your unique welcome to The Reef House begins with a (optional gin-infused)
welcome drink and a cool towel as we invite you to savour our friendly, relaxed
vibe. Allow your body and soul to relax as we welcome you to your home-awayfrom-home, where tropical breezes are infused with colourful blooms from lush gardens and Palm Cove’s famed beach is but a few languid steps away.
Meanwhile, your luggage is whisked away and your room awaits, softly scented by lime and coconut essential oils.
May we suggest you slip into relaxed holiday mode poolside and become
acquainted with all The Reef House has to offer you from a sun lounge shaded by
palm trees. As you slip beneath the water allow the tranquil tropical surroundings to work its gentle magic. EVENING
Don’t miss the convivial tradition where guests gather at dusk each day for
Brigadier’s Punch and Canapes hosted by ‘Brigadier’ Norm. Share a yarn and hear
his fascinating insights into Palm Cove and learn about The Reef House’s intriguing history. Norm is also a talented woodworker and his craftwork is displayed in the boardgames dotted about the Brigadier Lounge.
Dinners on The Reef House deck are particularly special, accompanied by a
soothing soundtrack of wavelets washing ashore while trade winds waft gently
through palm fronds overhead. With the Coral Sea horizon bathed in fairly floss-
hued pink and mauve pastels, candlelight dances upon the trunks of 300-year-old melaleuca trees. Fairy lights are strung between their gnarled trunks casting a
soft glow on linen-draped tables. Executive Chef French-born Nicolas’ specialties
embrace the abundance of seafood along with fresh produce locally sourced from
the Atherton Tablelands food bowl. Your exceptional dining experience influenced by European and north Queensland flavours begins with an Amuse bouche to
cleanse the palate and provides a tantalising taste of the culinary delights to follow.
DON’T MISS
Dine on the alfresco deck amidst 300-year-old paperbark trees overlooking the Coral Sea
Exceptional “Our visit to The Reef House was exceptional. The buildings, room and grounds were spotless. All the staff encountered appeared to love their positions - and gave willingly of their time and attention. The location was excellent - quiet and peaceful.” Peter T - September 2021 lllll
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Magnificent stay in paradise
“Enjoyed every minute of our stay, nothing was too
hard, every part of our stay was accommodating right down to the last minute. Cedric the concierge was
lovely and always happy and laughing. Inclusions
were plentiful and fabulous and the adults only pool was divine Would definitely stay again ” Elke C - September 2021 lllll
DAY TWO
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MORNING
Awake to the soothing sounds of water lapping gently on the beach while
rainbow lorikeets twitter in the treetops. Take an early walk to enjoy sunrise
filtered through palm trees, feel the sand between your toes and breathe in rejuvenating frangipani-infused tropical air.
Settle onto a yoga mat amongst the lush palm grove for a Vinyasa Flow Yoga
class, allowing the serenity to enhance your yoga practice. The ancient Assyrian
people’s beliefs held that palm trees growing beside a watercourse championed the ultimate symbol of life and enriched the mind, body and soul – an apt metaphor for this tranquil beachfront enclave.
Continuing the whole-of-body rejuvenation and enrichment focus, visit the Reef House Day Spa to talk all things skincare at the Champagne Mimosa at The Day Spa gathering. Guided by the elegant hands of Swiss-born, French-trained Spa Director Isabelle Neil, gain professional advice and insightful information on therapies, massage and anti-ageing treatments. AFTERNOON
With two swimming pools - the adults only Tranquillity Pool and heated Mineral
Pool - along with two spa pools, this afternoon is all about relaxing on a poolside sun lounge. Choose a book from the library or bring your own that you’ve
longed to read. Order lunch or cocktails from the poolside butler service, enjoy
refreshing cold towels and while away a restful afternoon. Stimulate your senses as our wait staff deliver delicious sorbet delights to your sun lounge, with a different tropical flavour served each afternoon. EVENING
After the daily sundowner ritual of Punch and Canapes in the Brigadiers Lounge, enjoy Chef’s six course Degustation Menu as you’re taken on a memorable
gastronomic journey through tropical Queensland. Our Sommelier is on hand to recommend accompanying wines and aperitifs from a carefully curated wine list featuring Australian and Europe’s most awarded vineyards.
DON’T MISS
Enjoy delicious tropical sorbet served poolside each afternoon
DAY THREE
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MORNING
Today is all about whole-of-body wellness as we indulge in a decadent day of pampering.
After breakfast, settle in poolside beneath the shady pavilion for a gentle Stretch and Breathe class led by a qualified yoga instructor. Enjoy total relaxation of the
mind and body through guided breath work, meditation and gentle stretching as any lingering stresses melt away.
Then, book into the Day Spa and give yourself over to whole-of-body
rejuvenation, reinvigoration and relaxation. Immerse yourself in healing spa
rituals as you saunter softly through a sojourn ministered by skilled therapists.
Allow at least three hours for the Reef House’s Signature Spa Ritual, the ultimate
sensory immersion. Utilising marine or botanical Phytomer products, begin with
a body exfoliation and hydration massage, followed by a hair treatment and head massage. The final treatment is a replenishing and hydrating facial, guaranteed
to bring out your inner Goddess. Whether you share this rejuvenating treatment with your partner or travelling companion to create memorable moments
together, or spoil your solo self, you’re assured of an enchanting experience to lift your spirits and enhance your whole body. AFTERNOON
Rest, relax and rejuvenate amidst the afterglow of your spa treatment, either
poolside or in the comfort of your well-appointed room. Wherever you choose
to spend the afternoon, we recommend you stay hydrated with chilled water and savour the unique post-spa feeling of contentment. Help yourself to beer, wine, aperitifs or soft drinks from the Brigadier’s Honesty Bar, a tradition originating
from the early days when Brigadier Thomson and his wife Judy first welcomed friends to their guest house in the 1950’s. EVENING
Nu Nu’s Restaurant is one of Cairns’ most awarded restaurants – and is
considered a Palm Cove institution - led by Head Chef Nick Holloway. Just a short walk along the beachfront where you may dine beachside beneath the coconut palms, Nu Nu’s is highly recommended.
DON’T MISS
Embark upon a whole-of body sensory immersion with a Signature Spa Ritual
Wonderful stay “Wonderful stay Just had a fabulous 5 night stay at The Reef House and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. The staff are what makes it so special, every one of them go above and beyond to ensure your experience is so memorable. Lots of inclusions you just don’t get at other properties, a truly boutique hotel.” Bettiann G - September 2021 lllll
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Divine relaxation bliss! “Divine relaxation bliss!
Our stay at The Reef House was the most blissful relaxing week and we will definitely do it again. We took full
advantage of all the inclusions - yoga, aqua aerobics, sorbet by the pool, punch and canapés in the lounge. All meals
were delicious with prompt and friendly service. We visited
the day spa a couple of times - totally pampered and totally relaxed. All expectations exceeded!!” Kim H- September 2021 lllll
DAY FOUR
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MORNING
Explore Palm Cove on two wheels and take a complimentary cruiser bicycle for
a leisurely ride. Whether you head southwards on the path all the way to Clifton Beach or northwards, your ride follows a beachfront path winding through landscaped gardens.
Ride on Palm Cove’s famed jetty which juts out into the Coral Sea towards the island known as Scouts Hat. It’s a favourite with fishermen, dog walkers and
joggers. Looking north across the Coral Sea, Double Island dominates the view – you may be lucky enough to see Cape Tribulation in the far distance. Follow the
path adjacent to the caravan park over the boardwalk to admire tropical gardens of local residents. Take time to savour the unique sights and sounds of the
native mangrove forest, keeping an eye out for feathered inhabitants like sulphur crested cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets gorging on fruits of the forest. AFTERNOON
Learn the art of cocktail mixology at an interactive Cocktail Class led by our
talented Head Bartender. You’ll create two unique cocktails during the hour-long class which takes a fun meander through the art of cocktail creation. Channel your own inner mixologist and create your own twist on classic favourites. Exclusive to inhouse guests, you’ll get to enjoy your creations in between ‘lessons’ on the alfresco deck adjacent to the bar. EVENING
Take to the water for a leisurely sunset cruise onboard the luxuriously appointed
17m Lagoon catamaran Sailaway VI. Departing from Port Douglas Marina in time
to see the sun sink below forest-clad mountain ranges, Sailaway offers an intimate cruise for a small number of guests. Sip champagne on the foredeck or upstairs
bridge deck and feel the wind in your hair, or savour the view through panoramic views from an airconditioned saloon. Linger in Port Douglas for dinner after your
cruise, where world-class restaurants like Salsa, Watergate and Nautilus are highly recommended.
DON’T MISS
Sip champagne aboard a luxury catamaran on a sunset cruise from Port Douglas
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DAY FIVE MORNING
With most of the exercise action taking place beneath the surface, it’s easy to suppose that an Aqua Aerobics class requires little energy output. In fact the opposite is true, with an aquatic exercise class an invigorating workout. Burn
up excess calories, increase cardio-vascular fitness and enjoy a fun session with fellow guests in the Mineral Pool. A 30 minute class led by a fitness instructor is
just long enough to work off any (guilty) holiday indulgences. Allow your heart
rate to gently resume a normal pace in the spa tub as water jets caress any weary muscles. AFTERNOON
Delve deep into the art of winemaking with a Wine & Digestif Tasting class. Join our in-house Sommelier in the Brigadier Room as he takes you on a vigneron’s journey into the world of wines and digestives. With tastings of at least three
different varietals, you’ll learn to distinguish herbal from floral, spice from oak and discuss your impressions in a relaxed, convivial session with fellow guests. EVENING
Dine in style and create treasured memories over a romantic dinner for two with a
Private Dining experience on your own patio or balcony. Choose your customised menu and wine list in advance (24hr notice required), for a fine dining experience served by your own dedicated waiter.
DON’T MISS
Take a vigneron journey with our Sommelier during a Wine & Digestif Tasting class
Signature Inclusions & Experiences: COMPLEMENTARY AND EXCLUSIVE TO HOUSE GUESTS Luxury Concierge call pre arrival Gin infused welcome drink & cold towel upon arrival Concierge porterage & tour of the property Curated room arrival with music, oil burners & local chocolates Refresh with a cold towel at 11am every morning around the pools Pool Butler service from 11am Brigadier’s Lounge Honesty Bar, a tradition originating from Brigadier Thomson’s Officers Mess Brigadier’s punch & canapés served daily in the Lounge at 5pm “Reef House Mixology” interactive cocktail classes twice per week Local tropical sorbet served around the pools at 3pm Aqua aerobics in our heated mineral pool twice per week Poolside Stretch & Breathe class twice per week Beachfront yoga four times per week Mindfulness meditation session, twice per week Aboriginal interpretation & performance once per week Digestive/wine tasting experience twice per week Day Spa skin care presentation & Mimosa twice per week Relax in our adult only tranquility pool, children 12 years and above are welcome in the heated mineral pool Unlimited use of our vintage style cruiser bikes & fishing rods Exchange your book at our guest library, play board games, try our adults sketch kits, or borrow a DVD
DAY SIX MORNING
Take a leisurely beachfront walk accompanied by a soundtrack of whooshing
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palm fonds overhead and lapping waves at your feet. Early mornings are best to catch the sunrise filtered through the palm trees. Head south on the beachside
path which meanders through Palm Cove’s famed coconut palm grove, passing through Upulo Nature Reserve and beachside parklands all the way to Clifton and Kewarra Beaches.
If you’re more the hunter/gatherer type, borrow a fishing line and tackle box and join the local fisher-folk on the Palm Cove jetty to hook a prized local species.
Later, linger over a leisurely breakfast on the shady deck, starting with a fresh-
pressed seasonal juice to stimulate the palate. Feeling decadent? Why not order
a glass of French champagne, a Champagne Mimosa or a Bloody Mary to add a touch of pizazz to your day. AFTERNOON
Follow the Captain Cook Highway northwards as it winds around the coast to the beachfront village of Ellis Beach. Here, all the way to Port Douglas lay endless
kilometres of beaches where the only footprints are likely to be your own. Forest-
clad ranges tumble down to the sea where golden-sand beaches are bookended by rocky headlands. During mango season (approx. December to March) you
can pluck wild mangos from ancient mango trees lining the road at Ellis Beach.
Wedged between the mountain range and the Coral Sea, Ellis Beach is home to a caravan park, surf club and the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill where its laidback sandbetween-your-toes vibe and dreamy sea views makes it a favourite with locals.
Time your visit on a Sunday afternoon to catch live music on the beachfront deck. EVENING
On your last evening in Palm Cove there is no better way to create ever-lasting memories than feeling the gentle tropical breeze as the sun sinks below the
mountain ranges at the rear of the Reef House. Before diving into Chef’s delicious
culinary pleasures, start with a signature cocktail like a Kaffiroska, the Reef House’s special twist on the classic Capriosca, infused with tropical lime and lemongrass.
As Brigadier Thomson said in the early days of The Reef House’s evolution, ‘there cannot be good living where there is not good drinking.’ It’s hard to argue with such logic – we think the Brigadier might have been on to something!
DON’T MISS
Drive the coastal road north of Cairns where rainforest-clad mountains meet the Coral Sea
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DAY SEVEN
Channel the tranquil energy from the enchanted environment of a beachside palm grove as you move through a Yoga Slow Flow class. This class is a
meditative, rejuvenating session focusing on calming the mind through poses enhanced by lengthened breathing.
As your Palm Cove getaway comes to an end, a gentle yoga class is an
enchanting activity to impart lasting memories and a rejuvenated spirit.
As we bid you farewell, au revoir, bon voyage and wish you safe onward travels,
we thank you for choosing The Reef House. It has been our pleasure to help you create treasured memories, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
DON’T MISS
Invigorate body & soul in a beachfront yoga class amidst a palm grove
WWW.REEFHOUSE.COM.AU WWW.REEFHOUSE.COM.AU/BOUTIQUE 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879 +61 7 4080 2600
reservations@reefhouse.com.au
@reefhousepalmcove #reefhousepalmcove