Pullman Palm Cove
Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest anyone?
In partnership with 
Overview
The tropics of North Queensland are a beautiful part of the world in themselves, but there's nothing wrong with amping up your experience to the nth degree – and the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa is the right place to do just that. Especially after you've had a very long week/month/year at work, or when the dreary winter in Australia's major cities is dragging you down (that's dry season up here — i.e., the best time to visit).
The resort stands in the beachside village of Palm Cove and is close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as Cairns (hint: crocodile adventures). You can head out onto the reef on one of the many snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and seaplane tours that set off from here, or venture into the forest on horseback, 4WD, zipline or on your own two feet (the Daintree comes with a bounty of treks for all experience levels).
Alternatively, stay in town and appreciate a slower pace of life. A walk along the palm tree-lined esplanade will not only make the reason for the town's name abundantly clear, it will bring you to cafes serving that perfect eggs and avocado breakfast you need to nourish you in the morning and restaurants with inventive tasting menus that transform dinner into an event.
The hotel itself has accommodation from studio spa rooms ranging through to apartments with private rooftop spas and plunge pools. If you don't want to spring for your own private body of water, there are three more pools in the resort, and two spas – bring your bathers and goggles.
Resident restaurant Temple of Tastes will serve up modern Australian cuisine with a bit of a South East Asian twist; or, if you're in full bathrobe and slippers mode from a day at the on-site Vie Spa you can order from the full in room dining menu.
