DESIRED DESTINATIONS
Connect Great , Leave Greater
Business Events Cairns , which provides fee-free advice on organising meetings , incentives and events in the region , has created some new branding that perfectly combines the region – Connect Great , Leave Greater .
hotels in the country .
It has a beautiful main thoroughfare full of stylish restaurants , bars and boutique shops , and includes a marina that allows you to quickly hop onto a vessel of your choosing and head out to the reef .
One of the most stunning resorts in the area is Silky Oaks Lodge , which underwent a $ 20 million refurbishment in 2022 . This retreat is enveloped within the rainforest and offers river drift snorkelling on the Mossman River , barefoot lunches ( dipping your toes in the pristine water is pure joy ) and cocktail parties on the spectacular outdoor Daintree Pavilion .
The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas is the grand dame of this destination . It ’ s big , beautiful and – thanks to a multi-million renovation a few years ago – the envy of all its neighbours . It fronts the sea and offers dozens of meeting and event spaces of all sizes and configurations – not to mention the pool , which provides plenty of space for stunning evening cocktail parties or gala dinners with a true tropical feel .
Another popular property is Thala Beach Nature Reserve . Here , you ’ ll feel like you are suspended in the treetops , with utmost privacy for all guests . A short walk from the main lodge will have you barefoot on the sand of a private beach where cocktails and dinner can be enjoyed under the stars with lanterns adorning swaying palm trees .
A little R & R If recharging and connection with colleagues is a must then Port Douglas is just perfect . Visitors can take a guided Dreamtime walk with an Indigenous guide through the
Mossman Gorge with a welcome smoking ceremony included . You can also view ancient rock art , learn more about traditional rainforest medicine , experience a private art session with an Indigenous artist and , if time permits , cool off in the stunning Mossman River .
A special experience for groups to Port Douglas is the award-winning Flames of the Forest dinner right in the heart of the rainforest . Guests will be enthralled as they travel into the wilderness before arriving at a clearing lit by candles and attentive staff . This venue can be hired exclusively and is sure to be a highlight of your clients ’ Port Douglas visit .
Back in town , one of the most spectacular venues for sunset cocktails is the heritage-listed Sugar Wharf , which juts out over the Coral Sea . Be sure to check out other unique experiences , too . How does a traditional dinner under the stars on a working cane farm sound ? Or breakfast on a deserted island before diving into the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef to view the colourful coral and fish life ?
Cairns captures more than the imagination Many visitors to Cairns hardly venture beyond its city limits and when you ’ re there it ’ s not hard to understand why . It ’ s a city that ’ s tailor-made for relaxing , refreshing and reconnecting . Unwinding before or after a meeting is easy , with many resorts including exclusive lounges – check out the waterside Shangri-La Horizon Club and the Hilton Executive Club .
The Crystalbrook Collection and its three centrally-located hotels have helped raise the bar of quality accommodation j
Winter Issue 2023 | Executive PA 37