Queensland Tourism Awards
2025, 2024, 2023 & 2022
5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner
Australian Tourism Awards
2024 & 2023
5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner
TripAdvisor #1 Luxury Hotel & #1 Hotel All Categories – Australia and South Pacific 2025 & 2024
North Queensland
Restaurant Winner of the Year 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020
- Guest Rest & Rejuvenation Score: 196%
- Departing guests report feeling 196% more rested, rejuvenated, and rebalanced after their stay — a true testament to the restorative essence of The Reef House.
"The Reef House provides Adults Only Relaxation Escapes and personalised service by the Coral Sea. Enjoy inclusive packages and activities curated for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation in our small hotel dedicated to house guests."
– David Horbelt and Malcolm Bean, Current Custodians
Enjoy, it's all included
- Escape Planning Specialist: curate your personalised itinerary before you arrive, with our Luxury Concierge available throughout your stay.
- Arrival Experience: gin-infused welcome drink and refreshing cold towel on arrival.
- Luxury Concierge: porterage service and guided property tour.
- Curated Arrival: music, oil burners and a chilled bottle of Australian sparkling wine awaiting your arrival.
- Sleep Easy Guide: relaxation guide, sleep playlist, podcasts and wellbeing resources.
- Pool Butler: refreshing cold towels served daily at 11am.
- Poolside Sorbet: locally made tropical sorbet served daily at 3pm.
- Brigadier's Lounge Honesty Bar, a tradition originating from Brigadier Thomson's Officers Mess
- Brigadier's Punch & Canapés: served in the lounge each evening at twilight.
- Our gift to you: the Reef House History Book and water bottles to take home.
- Rejuvenate: in two pools, the tranquillity & heated mineral pool.
- Every Escape Includes: 28+ Signature Inclusions & Experiences, including Mixology and Wine Appreciation.
- Botanical Drawing: guided workshops inspired by the beauty of Tropical North Queensland.
- Culture Connection: expert talks on indigenous culture.
- Handwritten Postcards: send to loved ones via our complimentary Reef House mail service.
- Vintage Photo Booth: capture a timeless keepsake.
- Wellness: beachfront yoga, aqua aerobics, stretch & breath and personal training sessions*.
- Explore & Unwind: with cruiser bikes, puzzles, chess sets, guest library, fishing rods and sketch pads.
- Tranquil Palm Cove Beach: 25 minutes, drive north from Cairns international airport.
- *Fees apply.
The Reef House is proudly Australian owned and operated
Experience so much more...
Festive Dining at The Reef House Restaurant
Christmas Day & New Year Menus
Celebrate this festive season with us by the Coral Sea. Enjoy a decadent seafood or meat menu, complimented by a bottle of premium wine or Champagne, under the shade of the swaying Melaleuca trees or by the pool, the choice is up to you! Bookings are essential—reserve your table today and make this festive season unforgettable.
Need help planning your next Relaxation Escape to Palm Cove?
Simply book an appointment and one of our Escape Planning Specialists will call you to assist with your holiday planning to Tropical North Queensland. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Need help planning your next Relaxation Escape to Palm Cove?
Simply book an appointment and one of our Escape Planning Specialists will call you to assist with your holiday planning to Tropical North Queensland. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Testimonials
Exceptional. Better than described.
The signature inclusions elevate your stay to a state of bliss.
However, these are just things, materials, purchased items.
Where The Reef House excels and sets itself apart is the humanity and engagement of their staff. There is an honesty of expression and desire to delight that permeates every interaction. This is culture. It made our stay unforgettable. Thank you Reef House family."
Adam
"Above expectation. Would recommend to anyone wanting a luxury tropical holiday. Amazing food. Lots of interesting and fun activities going on. Wonderful staff, experienced and engaging. One of the best holidays we’ve had."
Julie
"Iconic Venue in iconic Palm Cove. Brilliant place to stay, the staff really make it a most enjoyable. Rooms are light airey and comfortable. The pools are awesome and the food excellent. An iconic venue on an iconic beach, highly recommended."
Phil
"Wonderful experience, relaxing and friendly.
This is a wonderful hotel, luxurious and indulgent. I felt very special, the staff in all areas are so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend. So many lovely experiences including making cocktails, wine tasting, beautifully prepared meals. Seafood experience was a standout including champagne, even for one! Location is perfect, beach across the road and shops all close by."
Davina
"Little slice of paradise with great beach views
The best hotel and dining in Palm Cove! My husband and I went for our honeymoon in 2022 and fell in love with everything about our stay at the Reef House; the pool and the poolside service, the rooms, the amenities and the service. Even their signature smell in the lobby! We went back again this year for our 1st anniversary and it was like we never left. We wouldn't stay anywhere else. The on-site spa is fantastic also! Highly recommend for adults wanting to relax and be pampered."
Andrea