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The sleepy hamlet of Palm Cove, just 20 minutes north of Cairns, has been the quiet achiever in Tropical North Queensland, attracting a greater share of conference and incentive business than ever before. And once you visit this stunning destination it is not hard to understand why.
Turning into Palm Cove off the main highway that links Cairns to the Daintree, Port Douglas and Mossman in the north, and you begin to feel as if you are miles away from everything. And, once you arrive a few minutes later, with the soft golden sands and sparkling blue water ahead, palm trees and melaleucas lining the one road that cuts through the village, those cares you may have had are all forgotten.
It is true that visitors immediately feel at home. Check into your hotel and take a stroll along the beach, window shop in the collection of boutique outlets, wander up to the jetty to see if the fish are biting, or dangle a line in yourself.
It is a destination made for relaxation and unwinding. And the number of spas and spa treatments now available in Palm Cove takes the level of relaxation to a completely new level.
Palm Cove tourism operators – hotels, resorts, restaurants and spas – must have thought long and hard about what their visitors want in a tropical destination, and they have delivered without question.
One of the keys to its success, now and ongoing, is that they have brought the outside in, and the inside out. For example, if you want a spa treatment you don’t have to have one inside. At the Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef you can enjoy a massage on the rooftop of the resort. Relax as the breeze gently sways the palm trees in front of you, and watch the sun reflecting on the blue water just metres from where you are laying.
Dining in many resorts is al fresco at its finest. The Sebel Reef House and Spa Palm Cove, for example, offers a wonderful restaurant under tall trees and directly opposite the golden sands and inviting water of the Coral Sea.
And it isn’t just these two resorts that bring the outside in and the inside out. The majority of properties take full advantage of not only the spectacular setting of the destination but the warm year-round weather. Even when it rains the ability to enjoy the great outdoors is still there. Is there anything nicer than watching the rain fall metres from where you are sitting as you sip a glass of wine on a nice warm day or night?
Indeed, the beautiful balmy weather during winter in tropical North Queensland is often the best time for outdoor functions. The Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort, like many resorts in Palm Cove, is developing a reputation for special events in the great outdoors. Picture yourself in a tropical garden setting as the sun sets behind the Kuranda Ranges. Imagine being guided along a torch-lit path by exotic fire twirlers under the tropical moonlight. Taste a glass of crisp sparkling wine decorated with a star fruit. Experience a welcome ceremony performed by Aboriginal dancers leading you into a ballroom covered with dazzling stars. Tantalize your tastebuds with a three course meal showcasing the very best of fresh local tropical produce and select range of Australian wines. Dance the night away with live music under the stars.
With so many high quality resorts to choose from, Palm Cove is a wonderful destination for meetings of all shapes and sizes. It works especially well for groups who may be seeking a more intimate setting than the larger city of Cairns. There is certainly enough to do in Palm Cove for groups, and its location means that it is only a short drive away from some of tropical north Queensland’s key tourist attractions such as Skyrail and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Palm Cove’s conference venues perfectly accommodate small to medium-sized groups and are a popular choice for events and meetings. Just two minutes from Palm Cove jetty is the exclusive venue of Double Island, described as being a private hideaway for the ultimate incentive. So many choices, in one stunning destination.
Palm Cove has done exceptionally well in marketing itself as the “spa capital of Australia”. And for good reason. Every venue you stay in, every corner you turn – and there aren’t many corners in Palm Cove – and you can be pretty much guaranteed of running smack-bang into a spa.
Spas in Palm Cove offer a huge variety of treatments and cater equally as much for the male population as they do for females. Indeed, the number of men now spending time and money on spa treatments is most probably one of the fastest growing segments of the entire “wellness” industry.
On a recent trip to Palm Cove I was fortunate enough to receive a spa treatment at Angsana. I was surprised to learn that they were hard-pressed to fit me in for a massage such is their popularity. And my trip was certainly not in peak season so I can only imagine how difficult it would be if you were in Palm Cove during the height of the busy period.
But I made it and yes, I was pampered to within an inch of my life. There is nothing like a great massage to help you de-stress, unwind and start to slow down to a less than frenetic pace than how many of us live day to day.
Angsana has a fantastic roof-top spa area that has you sprawled out with the beach and water just below. The swaying palm trees add to the overall effect of the entire experience.
But it’s not just Angsana that has spa treatments. The Sea Temple Resort & Spa, The Sebel Reef House & Spa, Peppers Beach Club & Spa, and The Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa each offer unique and different spa experiences.
Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove
The Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove is said to offer guests total indulgence combined with the exotic surrounds of this prestigious, tropical destination. The property unites Asian inspired design with tropical ease. Its restaurants, bars and apartments are all positioned to take full advantage of views of the grand lagoon and surrounding melaleucas. The resort has 126 accommodation rooms in studio, one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses; two and three bedroom plunge pool apartments, two bedroom swim-out apartments and three bedroom villas with private plunge pools. It has exceptional meetings facilities including four meeting rooms, the largest of which can seat up to 135 delegates. All rooms are pillarless and offer natural light. The resort spa uses the exclusive UK Elemis Spa Therapy products, a unique skincare line with advanced research and a holistic and sensory approach. The journey at Sea Temple’s exquisite spa starts from the moment you enter the lightly frosted double doors into a reception area of tranquillity and aromatheraphy oils and lotions, complemented by lush furniture, intimate lighting, soul restoring music and hints of floral arrangements. All treatments begin with “The Welcome Touch” - a foot-cleansing ritual combining the use of warm compressions and infused with essential oils. For further details telephone (07) 4059 9600, email reservations@strspc.mirvac.com.au or visit www.seatemple.com.au.
The Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove
The Sebel Reef House & Spa is a beautiful boutique resort with a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Located on the beachfront in Palm Cove the property offers luxurious accommodation architecturally designed to reflect the romance of a bygone era. The property is best suited for small to medium-sized conferences or executive retreats. It has 69 stylishly appointed accommodation rooms, and one meeting room with a capacity to seat up to 45 delegates. The property is known locally for its exceptional cuisine available in the Reef House Restaurant which takes full advantage of the resort’s position in Palm Cove, offering inside and outside dining. Brigadier’s Bar and Lounge operates on a unique honour system similar to an officer’s mess in the army. Candles lit at twilight indicate complimentary punch is being served where guests can gather to share stories surrounded by artefacts and books of the Brigadier’s travels. Two freshwater pools and one saltwater pool and an indulgent spa combine with the stunning location, exceptional tropical north Queensland weather to help create a resort and destination that will help revive the senses of the world-weary traveler. For further details telephone (07) 4055 3633, email info@reefhouse.com.au or visit www.reefhouse.com.au.
Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef
Angsana Resort & Spa is the only five-star resort in Palm Cove to boast absolute beach frontage to the Coral Sea. The 67-room property has recently undergone a refurbishment of its spa facilities. Shades of deep purple and cool lime are balanced with cool cream marble floor tiles. In addition to lovely new surfaces the bathrooms have been refurbished and are completely modern in appearance. In conjunction with the new look spa Angsana has also launched a sparkling new treatment menu. The new menu introduces a number of inviting and indulgent treatments guaranteed to sooth the mind, body and soul. The increased popularity in male visitation has seen the creation of an entire menu dedicated to special treatments “just for him”, complete with a special “men’s facial”, “paraffin treatment” & “foot therapy” - just the thing for any man who knows the benefits of the spa. Similarly the spa has introduced tantalising new treatments for ladies which lavish supreme attention to the body, face, hands and feet. The property has two meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 120 delegates. Its Far Horizons Restaurant is a Palm Cove institution, set right on the beach. For details telephone (07) 4055 3000, email reservations-cairns@angsana.com or visit www.angsana.com/gbr
Double Island – Tropical North Queensland
When you are looking for a sole-use venue that will really ensure your conference delegates will focus on the job at hand, or an incentive destination that oozes prestige and style look no further than Double Island just off Palm Cove. Double Island, just 10 minutes by boat from Palm Cove, is available to just one group at a time, offering exclusive use of the entire island and its facilities. The property has 20 accommodation rooms – 10 one-bedroom garden view rooms, each with marble bathrooms and private balconies, and 10 one-bedroom apartments, each with open-plan lounge and dining rooms, fully equipped kitchenettes, and either a private plunge pool or outdoor spa. Double Island’s recreational facilities convert into venues for business meetings, conferences or incentive programs. The games room becomes an ideal conference room for up to 40 delegates, the indoor cinema accommodates up to 20 for audiovisual presentations, and the library serves as a break-out room for smaller groups. Sole use occupants can also use the Long Room restaurant, with its high ceiling and open sides, for cocktail parties, banquets or open-air presentations. According to the resort, sole occupants are ensured the tranquility, seclusion and absence of distractions that enables greater productivity and accomplishment. For details telephone (02) 8307 8800, email info@doubleisland.com.au or visit www.doubleisland.com.au.
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove
One of the newest additions to the Peppers portfolio is Peppers Beach Club & Spa in Palm Cove. Stately melaleuca trees shade the resort’s porte cochere, welcoming guests into a private world where the air is scented by fragrant gardenia and cooled by gentle ocean breezes. Bearing all the luxuries you would expect at one of Australia’s leading resorts, Peppers Beach Club & Spa offers a range of accommodation choices – 200 rooms - from elegant suites and spa rooms to one and two bedroom penthouses complete with private rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and plunge pools or jacuzzis. Guest suites are designed for the senses, with contemporary furnishings in natural fabrics and subdued tones. The Serenity Wing offers visitors a selection of suites featuring family entertainment areas with gas barbecues, flat-screen televisions and a private rainforest pool, while the impressive two-level penthouses feature rooftop jacuzzi spas. Food lovers can delight in the delicate flavours of the tropics at Tamara’s At The Beach restaurant where seafood is a specialty, or indulge the taste buds at any of the resort’s three other onsite restaurants, all offering water views. For total indulgence, the Sanctum Spa is a haven for rejuvenating body and spirit with signature massages, revitalizing facial treatments and soothing body wraps. Conference groups are well catered for, with the resort offering two meeting rooms, the largest of which can seat up to 120 delegates. For further information telephone (07) 4059 9200, email palmcove@peppers.com.au or visit www.peppers.com.au.
Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort
Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort is a popular location for business groups, especially after its multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2006 which has resulted in spacious and contemporary styled resort rooms and suites. The property’s transformation means guest rooms now offer light, spacious and contemporary accommodation where guests can relax and indulge themselves. The rooms are cool and breezy with smooth tiles underfoot which compliment the modern room furnishings. The Palm Cove Conference and Function Centre located at the venue features wireless broadband connection and is equipped to cater for up to 500 guests in theatre style. Contained within the conference centre is the new Barramundi Room. This new addition is located next door to the hotel lobby. This versatile room features natural light and can seat 120 guests in theatre style or up to 180 guests for dinner. The room can also be subdivided for a more intimate meeting or a smaller corporate dinner. Novotel Rockford Palm Cove’s professional staff can create your day or night to remember. Speak with the events team today regarding your special event on (07) 4059 1234, email events-palmcove@rockfordhotels.com.au, or visit www.rockfordhotels.com.au.
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Apartments Palm Cove
The Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Apartments Palm Cove is the latest accommodation addition to Palm Cove, opening in March this year, and has been described as offering a quintessential Palm Cove experience of the highest standard. With spectacular views of the Coral Sea and Kuranda Ranges, the property is located right on the beachfront of Palm Cove, only a short stroll from the buzz of Palm Cove Village. Consisting of 129 ocean and mountain-view studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, the architectural building lines merge seamlessly with the natural rainforest setting. Rooms have been finished to the highest standards with stone bench tops, private balcony or pergola areas, spacious living areas, modern kitchens and internal laundries. Quality fittings including solid beech timber furniture and patented Accor bedding ensure guests feel at home. Landscape design has been created with a range of spaces for guests to enjoy including a large winding, freeform pool, “peace” zones, plus an outdoor plaza and boutique retail area. Function facilities cater from 10 to 120 guests, and new all-inclusive daily conference packages are available from only $58 per person including arrival coffee/tea, morning and afternoon teas, lunches on the terrace and a range of the latest audio visual equipment. For further details telephone (07) 4059 1234, email events-palmcove@rockfordhotels.com.au or visit www.rockfordhotels.com.au.
 Angsana Resort & Spa has come up with a team-building activity that should whet the appetite of delegates before, during and after the event.
The day begins with an early transfer to Rusty’s Markets – an institution for local residents in tropical north Queensland - where your small group is escorted by the resort’s executive chef. The chef will take the group around the market explaining some of the more unusual items and shopping along the way in preparation for the day’s events.
Once chef has sourced the best possible produce the group will head back to the resort where they will participate in a hands on cooking class using the produce they helped to select from the markets earlier.
Participants work in small teams to produce each course of the lunch. As an additional option, the resort can arrange for the class to be filmed either professionally or in-house, with the footage used for further training and development at a later stage.
Following the class the group will take a private table on the front deck of Far Horizons Restaurant enjoying a wonderful gourmet lunch that every delegate has helped to prepare.
All delegates will receive a certificate, an apron and recipes from the day. Price is from $120 per person, which includes transfers to and from Rusty’s Markets in Cairns, the cooking class, and a three course lunch. A minimum number of 12 participants are required.
Contact Angsana Resort & Spa for bookings and further enquiries.
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