Shangri-La Cairns

Flee from the mainland to an utterly isolated and private island resort, fringed by coral reefs and shrouded by jungle, and an undeniable air of magic. The journey to this remote part of the world sets the tone for your stay and entails a private charter from either Cairns or Weipa.

Five carefully handcrafted huts are fronted by the beach, with kitchenettes, thatched roofs, driftwood furnishings, and airy open-plan designs. Arched doorways, bare stone or teak floors and gaping windows create a soothing sense of coolness, while earthy tones and textured fabrics add warming pops of colour. Private decks jut out over tropical foliage, while boardwalks lead to open showers, with huddles of palm trees serving as a backdrop.

After the sun has dipped behind the ocean, a heavenly feast of freshly caught seafood and produce from the resort’s orchard is served in the main dining room, under the light of flickering candles. Breakfast is a spread of fruit and homemade muesli, with eggs from the free-roaming chickens on the island, and lunch might even feature your own catch from the surrounding waters.

Adventure is a promise at this dreamy destination, with jet-skiing, beachcombing, snorkelling, spearfishing and boat excursions, being some popular picks on the menu of experiences. With a whole island at your doorstep, you’re encouraged to take your time to explore the beaches, venture into the jungle, or set off in a helicopter to hover over hidden waterfalls, before concluding with champagne atop a sand dune.

Set beside a palm-fringed beach, this boutique property offers guests the best of peaceful beach house life in a stunning tropical setting. The hotel’s colonial style with South Pacific decor reflects its history and makes the most of its plantation-style ambience.

There are 67 rooms offering a choice of ocean, tropical garden or pool views. Some boast kitchen facilities, spacious outdoor entertainment areas or balconies.

Enjoy a light meal out at the pool, or take a table beneath the Melaleuca trees and palms at Reef House Restaurant and enjoy the ocean views as you dine on dishes created using the finest fresh produce from around North Queensland. At twilight enjoy a glass of tropical punch and selection of canapés at Brigadier’s Bar and Lounge. The elegant space is given a colonial feel with a collection of original artefacts displayed on the walls.

When not out lazing on the sun-drenched beach, you can make use of the exclusive day spa which boasts five treatment rooms, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and outdoor heated spa.

Opened in November 2018, the Riley is an elegant city hotel ideally located on the waterfront in the heart of Cairns.

There are 311 rooms and suites with views of either the city skyline or the Coral Sea. Some of the suites feature private balconies, the perfect place to enjoy the views with a morning coffee or glass of wine at the end of the day.

Eating is a real treat at Riley. Savour the flavours of the Mediterranean at Rocco, or head east and enjoy modern Asian cuisine at Paper Crane. The fresh healthy menu at Greenfields is perfect for those looking to keep it light – think salads, grain bowls and cold pressed juices.

There is an outdoor swimming pool and a spa for when guests want to simply relax and unwind.