TNQ Writer
Whether you’re heading for a romantic getaway or a budget family holiday, this Port Douglas accommodation guide will help you find your perfect home away from home.
When it comes to the dictionary definition of paradise, Port Douglas undoubtedly springs to mind. With palm-fringed beaches, stylish boutique and award-winning restaurants, it should come as no surprise that this barefoot paradise has attracted A-listers such as Ed Sheeran and Matthew McConaughey. Add the fact that Port Douglas is a stone’s throw away from the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and stunning tropical islands and you have a dream holiday in the making. Where to stay, you ask? From beachside hotels to boujee resorts, your perfect Port Douglas hotel awaits.
For a girls weekend
Villa San Michele
Villa San Michele
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Grab your girls, pack your swimmers and get ready for a weekend of fun in the sun. If a little bit of pampering is on the menu, Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple offers a tantalising trifecta of spa, pools and restaurants. Treat your girl gang to the Vie Clique, a spa soiree for groups of four or more guests, with offerings like facials and back massages. Float your way down to the pool for a post-spa dip and settle into a sun lounger for a poolside cocktail. If you don’t fancy leaving the comfort of the resort, you can dine on the lagoon terrace and taste Mediterranean flavours with a Tropical North Queensland flair.
Peppers Beach Club
Seas the day at Peppers Beach Club, located just a short walk away from the iconic Four Mile Beach. With the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea at your fingertips, as well as a stunning lagoon pool, there’s plenty of ways to get your mermaid on. The rooms range from spa suites to three bedroom suites with a private plunge pool – all you need to do is choose your level of luxe.
Villa San Michele
Trip to the Mediterranean calling? Before you book that flight, you might want to reconsider and simply check into Villa San Michele in the heart of Port Douglas. This boutique apartment complex is located right on bustling Macrossan Street, which means that shopping, brunch and afternoon cocktails are most certainly on the cards. If you fancy staying in rather than going out, while the day away in the heated swimming pools or fire up a poolside BBQ.
For a romantic getaway
Sheraton Grand Mirage
Sheraton Grand Mirage
Niramaya Villas & Spa
Niramaya Villas & Spa
Shantara Resort
Shantara Resort
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
If a weekend of romance is calling, check into the Peninsula Boutique Hotel, an adults-only resort just a few footsteps from the beach. You and your beau can soak up the sun in the relaxing pool or you can retreat to the private spa in your suite. The onsite restaurant, Hi Tide, is the only licensed restaurant overlooking the stunning Four Mile Beach, so sunset cocktails with a side of sea breeze are certainly on the menu. Thinking of popping the question in Port Douglas? This seaside spot offers romantic packages complete with everything from sunset picnics to scenic helicopter flights, so your engagement will be a moment straight from a movie. Permission granted to leave this page open for your partner so that they get the hint.
Sheraton Grand Mirage
Indulge in five star luxury at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, that has welcomed big shots such as Bill and Hillary Clinton through its doors. Nestled in 147 hectares of stunning tropical gardens and complete two hectares of sparkling lagoon pools, it’s no surprise that this resort is popular with the rich and famous. If your love language is food, the Sheraton is sure to tantalise your taste buds, with seven on-site bars and restaurants just steps away from your room. Indulge in the finest dining Port Douglas can offer at the award-winning Harrison’s Restaurant, run by acclaimed chef Spencer Patrick, and serves up a modern British menu utilising seasonal Australian produce.
Niramaya Villas & Spa
Sleep soundly in style at Niramaya Villas & Spa, an architectural haven with villas that seamlessly blend together elements of indoor and outdoor. The crown jewel of this sparkling resort is the Niramaya Day Spa, which incorporates the knowledge of ancient healing arts. Indulge and unwind together with the love story treatment, which takes place in a secluded couples room and is tailored to your needs. If you’re feeling more active, make your way to the resorts gym or embrace your competitive side with a game of tennis.
Shantara Resort
Romance is certainly on the cards at this 4.5 star adults-only retreat, which is a short walk away from both Four Mile Beach and Macrossan Street. Shantara Resort boasts two heated swimming pools, a gym and a day spa, so you can choose your level of chill. The signature Shantara Apartments offer the ultimate romantic escape and have a hot tub, as well as private pool access. There’s only four of these luxe apartments available – so be sure to get in quick.
For the family
Oaks Port Douglas
Oaks Port Douglas
Fun for the family is guaranteed at Oaks Port Douglas, which has everything you need right on the grounds of the resort. Kids can make a splash in the large lagoon pool or dedicated children’s pool, while mum and dad can sip on cocktails at the swim up bar. The on-site pizzeria, Little Pizza Company, will be popular with the little nippers and Oak & Vine offers a breakfast buffet that will fuel up the whole family for an adventure-packed day.
Mantra Port Sea
One word: waterslide. The Mantra Port Sea offers an abundance of splash-tastic fun with a lap pool, plunge pool and lagoon pool. Start the day together with a delicious buffet meal in the breakfast room and tuck into a light lunch poolside. The resort is a short walk to both Four Mile Beach and an array of restaurants and shops on Macrossan Street, so it’s a great walking distance for little legs.
Number 2 on the Beach
On the beach by name and on the beach by nature, Number 2 on the Beach is just 260m away from the sandy shores of Four Mile Beach. Take advantage of the complimentary beach towels, beach chairs and beach toys and enjoy the ultimate family beach day, or stay at the heated villa-side pool. Fire up the gas BBQ to cook up a family feast or stay in your villa for dinner and cook in the fully-equipped gourmet kitchen.
On a budget
Silkari Lagoons
Silkari Lagoons
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Silkari Lagoons
You don’t have to break the bank to have a luxurious holiday in Port Douglas. Exhibit A: Silkari Lagoons, a series of sparkling blue pools peppered with modern hotel rooms. With room types including lagoon swim-out rooms, spa rooms and private plunge pool rooms, the most stressful element of your relaxing trip will be choosing your room type. Wander to the iconic Four Mile Beach, just a five minute walk away, or hop onto the shuttle service to the bustling village centre.
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
This small independent hotel offers studio units for one to five guests, all of which feature a patio for alfresco dining. With free wifi, a heated saltwater pool and a tour booking service, Lazy Lizard Motor Inn offers all you need for a tropical getaway. There is also a disabled-friendly deluxe queen studio with a disabled-friendly bathroom and external charging station for electric wheelchairs.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham
Set amongst a lush melaleuca rainforest, Ramada Resort is the epitome of fantastic value. Float away the day in the lagoon pool and pull up a pew at the pool bar for tasty cocktails. Kids will love the play area and fish feeding, whilst the whole family can connect with a game of air hockey, table tennis and giant jenga.
For longer stays
Freestyle Resort
Freestyle Resort
Tropical Nites
Tropical Nites
Freestyle Resort
If you’re looking at longer term accommodation, Freestyle Resort offers self-contained one and two bedroom apartments within a convenient distance to all of Port Douglas’ amenities. The two level apartments are reminiscent of a classic Queenslander, with a lounge and dining area as well as a fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom.
Port Douglas Sands Resort
Located a few minutes from Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas Sands Resort captures the essence of a “home away from home”. All apartments are fully self-contained and are equipped with a kitchen, conventional oven and microwave, dishwasher and private laundry facilities. Embrace the tropical sunshine with the outdoor pool, seating and BBQ facilities.
Tropical Nites
Rest your head in a spacious townhouse at Tropical Nites. Choose from one, two or three bedrooms, all of which have a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, living and dining area. Fire up a BBQ next to the lagoon pool or relax with a book on one of the sun loungers.
