Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a relaxed seaside village that also serves as a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, jetskiing: it’ s all so accessible, you’ ll need a few extra days in those day spas just to recover. Surprisingly, this little town is home to some world-class restaurants, fashionable boutiques, spas and exclusive accommodation. It’ s actually hard to believe this once sleepy fishing village has developed into the cosmopolitan seaside village it is today. Its infectious laidback charm will lure you back time and time again. Despite its relatively small population of 3000 residents, its attractions mean that at times it’ s positively heaving with tourists, all keen to experience the reef and the rainforest.
Regal Port Douglas |
1 Oaks Lagoons
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Mantra Aqueous on Port |
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You get the best of both worlds here, right at the start of the restaurant strip, Macrossan Street, but at the quieter end. Some of Port Douglas’ best dining is on your doorstep and exploring the galleries and boutiques is a breeze. A favourite weekly gathering place for locals is the nearby Sunday markets at the waterfront Anzac Park.
When you’ re in the tropics and the days are hot you need a place to cool off, and it’ s all about the water here – just a 3 minute stroll to the beach, there are also six lagoon-style pools for you to splash in. If you’ re on the ground floor you can even swim straight from your apartment’ s balcony.
Just off Macrossan Street, the hub of Port Douglas, this is a fantastic spot for a getaway or a family holiday. If you’ re after some relaxation, laze by one of the swimming pools, or wander to the beach just a couple of hundred metres away. Choose a Swim Out Room for direct access to the swimming pool, how cool is that!
Freestyle Resort |
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Mantra PortSea |
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Shantara Resort |
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Cedar timber shutters, verandahs, overhanging roofs, all surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Freestyle Resort shows the classic North Queensland style. Located in a superb spot to make the most of your Port Douglas holiday, all the apartments are crisp and fresh after a recent refurbishment.
When you first step into the lobby you’ ll immediately slip into holiday mode with the timber ceiling fans, white washed buildings and soothing sounds of cascading water. Just 100 metres from the beach, the resort is set around three swimming pools, a waterslide, spas and waterfalls all linked by a central lagoon.
If you’ re looking for a relaxed, upmarket getaway then this is a superb choice. This boutique, contemporary, adults only haven will leave you feeling totally rejuvenated after lazing around one of the two lagoon pools, or being pampered at the day spa. Explore Port Douglas easily by foot, a 5 minute walk to the famous Four Mile Beach.
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