2 Best Hotels in Palm Cove, Great Barrier Reef

Fine landscaping, pools, barbecues, and sunny areas for relaxation enhance this classy colonial-style vacation complex fronting a palm-shaded white-sand beach. The resort's vast apartment-style suites have large verandas, comfortable lounging and dining areas, large flat-screen TVs, and up to four capacious bedrooms. There are also full kitchens and laundry facilities. The spa's open-air and indoor pavilions offer several soothing treatments. Nu Nu Restaurant serves fine modern international cuisine, excellent wines, and tropical cocktails.

This centrally located boutique hotel, once a private residence, feels positively quaint, and that's a good thing when you're looking for a low-key escape in this resort area. Rooms have expansive terraces or private patios (some with large spa tubs), large flat-screen LCD TVs, and minibars; some have separate lounge rooms and small kitchenettes. The well-regarded on-site restaurant predates the hotel and serves modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences and big buffet breakfasts. Light lunches are served poolside, and gelato offered to sunbathers at 3 pm. There's a tranquil guest lounge, and Brigadier's Bar, operated on an honor system (you sign for the drinks you pour yourself). There's also a lovely beach just across the street, but if the ocean doesn't call you or it's stinger season, there are two pools, including a heated mineral pool.