3 Best Hotels in Palm Cove, Great Barrier Reef

This beachfront property just south of Palm Cove has its priorities right: Kewarra's sensitively designed bungalows and restored pioneer's cottage overlook rain forests teeming with wildlife, free-form pools, or a private white-sand beach. The eco-friendly lodgings bring comfort with their silky wood floors, custom furnishings, high-tech appointments, and simply furnished balconies or terraces. There's a glorious restaurant, bar, and airy lobby; a beach shack; and a lovely day spa, and there are various on-site activities such as guided morning nature walks, sunrise yoga, and tai chi sessions. Browse the boutiques, book a spa treatment, take a dip, go sea kayaking, or do some serious lounging. If you must venture off-site, the helpful concierge and Adventure Desk can arrange customized excursions and transfers via car or helicopter to Cairns, Palm Cove, and the airport. The resort also offers good-value multiday packages, some including dinners with wine, spa treatments, and reef, rain-forest, and tablelands tours.

The well-appointed studio rooms and apartments at Pullman’s gorgeous Palm Cove property have private balcony or terrace areas, high-definition flat-screen TVs, and comfortable beds with memory-foam pillows. Those who have business to do will appreciate the in-room work desk, ergonomic rolling chair, and free Wi-Fi access. The resort has a state-of-the-art business lounge, a well-equipped gym, and day spa, and there's a golf course and the beach nearby. You can rent bicycles from reception for A$20 for two hours. 

Its beachfront location, excellent on-site dining, and tropical suites make this laid-back resort popular with city dwellers seeking upscale relaxation. With three magnificent lagoon pools and a day spa, it's not hard to find a spot to relax. The open-air lobby opens onto compact but well-landscaped grounds and the largest of the Club's three pools, with a soothing waterfall nearby. All rooms and suites have contemporary furnishings, flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, minibars and/or fridges, and large balconies or courtyards; spa rooms have balcony two-person spa baths, and deluxe rooms have rooftop Jacuzzis. You can rent a quad bike, chill out with a cocktail at the swim-up bar, or receive a treatment at the Day Spa, which does everything from detoxifying body treatments to Vichy showers and massage.