A holiday to Tropical North Queensland is going to be pretty jampacked with adventure and experiences.
This is, after all, where you will find two of the world’s most amazing natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics – each of which provides you with a whole host of tour options and experiences that no matter your interest, there is going to be something incredible for you to do.
However, while Tropical North Queensland has so much to see and do, when you stay at the Reef House, spending a day on the beachfront colonial-style property is just as rewarding and entertaining.
Let us tell you how you can spend the perfect day without having to leave the Reef House grounds, but first, here’s what you need to know about the Reef House.
The Reef House
Back in 1958, the Reef House was first constructed as the family home of a Cairns bookmaker and just so happened to have the best swimming pool in North Queensland. In 1970, the house was purchased by a syndicate and opened as a restaurant that also offered three accommodation suites. Shortly after this, in 1972, the property was acquired by the Brigadier David Thomson, who used the Reef House as a private residence with many distinguished guests enjoying the wonders and hospitality of the property.
The hospitality shown to guests during this time is something that still stands at this now 5-star beachfront hotel. Many traditions from the 1970s are still practiced daily, such as an honesty bar and drinks at twilight. And it’s these personal touches that makes the Reef House a truly special place to stay.
Combining the luxuries that you would expect from any 5-star hotel with signature traditions makes your time at the Reef House memorable and just a little different to anything else you would have experienced.
A Beautiful Day at the Reef House
Morning
For us, one of the best ways to start the day is to get the body moving with an early morning workout – not too early though, you’re on holidays after all.
The Reef House offers guests a weekly schedule of inclusive activities that you can participate in at your leisure. To get the blood pumping, activities like beachfront morning yoga, stretch and breathe classes, and aqua aerobic sessions are on offer.
Whether you want to salute the sun or get the day started with a morning dip, you’re bound to work up an appetite – which you can satisfy at our onsite restaurant.
Between 6:30am and 10am you can enjoy the a la carte breakfast menu of the Reef House Restaurant and the spectacular ocean view. A leisurely breakfast where you can savour not only the delicious fare but also the incredible sights around you, is going to set you up for the perfect day.
Mid-morning
After breakfast, we suggest making your way to your room or suite to freshen up before the ultimate morning of indulgence at the Reef House Day Spa.
The Reef House Day Spa opens from 10am and offers many rituals and treatments which can be tailored to suit your body and your needs. Whether you’re looking for total body relaxation or some indulgent pampering, you’re in the most capable hands of the Day Spa team.
The Reef House Day Spa is one of the premier day spas in the Queensland, quite often being a destination in itself for visitors to this part of Australia. After your session at the spa, you’ll see why. The skills of the team, the ambiance and the exclusive Phytomer treatments are the perfect combination to create the most indulgent experience.
Lunch time
The Reef House offers guests the chance to book picnic experiences where you can choose to have your picnic packed up and ready for you to take away or have it set up with chairs and umbrellas by the beach.
We suggest taking it easy and getting your picnic set up in time for lunch on Palm Cove beach. That way you don’t have to wander too far, and you can enjoy the gentle rolling waves of the Coral Sea and the beautiful warm ocean breeze.
Try not to fill up too much on your picnic though, because you’ve got an afternoon of Reef House activities and inclusions to enjoy.
Early Afternoon
Three times a week, from 2:30-3:15, you can take part in a cocktail and mixology class led by one of our highly experienced bartenders. You will learn how to make two of the finest tasting cocktails you’ve ever had during this class. While this experience is open to all guests, you must book because it’s a popular activity.
Once you finish up at your cocktail class, you may need to hotfoot it to the pool for one of our most popular signature traditions, our poolside sorbet service. Between 3-3:30pm, homemade tropical sorbet is available to guests and is one of the best ways to relax and cool down in the early afternoon sun.
After the sorbet, we suggest taking some time out to laze by the pool and soak in the warm sun and tranquil environment. Poolside butler service is available between 11am and 4pm at both of the property’s pools, so you can also grab a cocktail or two while you read a book and take some time out for yourself.
Twilight
Guests can enjoy complimentary punch and canapes in the Brigadier’s Lounge. Hosted by the General Manager, you can learn more about the fascinating history of the Reef House and meet fellow guests, all while sipping on our famous Brigadier’s punch.
Make sure you save some room though because dinner time isn’t too far away.
Dinner
At breakfast you will have seen the beautiful views from the Reef House Restaurant, and while these early morning views are stunning, at night, dining under the stars on the deck of the restaurant is truly spectacular.
Spoil yourself with the degustation experience as you dine under the canopy of the palm tress and melaleucas. By candlelight, you can indulge in several courses of delectable dishes made from local fare, including fresh seafood. Paired with matching wines, the degustation is unmissable, especially if you consider yourself somewhat of a foodie.
After Dinner
Wind down from your dining experience with an evening walk along the Palm Cove beach just in front of the property. Let the soundtrack of the gentle rolling waves lull you into total relaxation.
And as you retire to your room, why not end your day with a nightcap on your own private patio love swing?
We couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day.
Stay at the Reef House
Our adult’s only boutique hotel is the ideal holiday destination for couples and groups of friends with a wide range of accommodation options, special holiday packages and amazing experiences available.
Plan your ideal tropical holiday at the Reef House today.
