Summer 2018

52 being treated to a delightful breakfast courtesy of the pontoon’s staff, we took an early morning snorkel tour across the reef at dawn, when the majority of the fish were visible and we were able to see even more species than before. The return journey bought us back to shore and into a completely new kind of beauty. Transferred to the Reef House hotel, we were instantly enveloped in old fashioned hospitality and traditional glamour. There is an understated luxury about the book-lined entryway, and guests are instantly made aware that nothing is too much for the dedicated, professional staff- fishing rods, bicycles and even sketching pads are on offer to help visitors make the most of their time at the Reef House. Originally built as a private home in 1958 by a Cairns bookmaker and used as a family home, the house was later turned into a restaurant with onsite accommodation by a small syndicate, before being purchased in 1972 by Brigadier The Hon. David Thomson, MC, RL, who later became the region’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology, who operated Reef House as a private residence with visitors treated as personal guests. Today the property is part of MGallery by Sofitel, and aims to offer guests everything they could possible want from a luxury destination, with the added benefit of the traditional hospitality that the Brigadier prided himself on. The end result of this unique combination is a sight to behold. The glorious tree lined central portion of the hotel houses a vast swimming pool, giving way to the hotel’s spa, which specialises in offering luxurious French treatments which cannot be found elsewhere in Cairns, and which can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the guest. The Brigadier Bar retains the former proprietor’s penchant for offering guests a warm welcome with its nightly ‘Brigadier’s Punch’ and evening’s entertainment. For weary travellers like us the Reef House Restaurant is perfect for a refined yet filling meal, accompanied by refreshing cocktails or a selection from the magnificent wine list. After a good night’s rest in one of the Reef House’s king-sized beds, which come as standard, LUXlife was ready for our next adventure. This came in the form of an eventful and informative trip to Fitzroy Island, a unique resort providing guests with affordable 4.5-star accommodation including Ocean Suites, Resort Studios, Beach Cabins and Self-contained Apartments. Whether you fancy an overnight stay or a day trip, the resort facilities include a beachfront restaurant, large pool with swim up bar, dive shop, indoor cinema, Foxy’s bar, a general store and a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. We were privileged to enjoy a tour of the Centre, which rehabilitates a range of turtles of all breeds, genders and ages. Entirely staffed by volunteers, the Centre provides incredible care to its charges, as well as offering education to the island’s visitors so that they can understand how their use of single use plastics can impact on turtles and marine wildlife in general. Reinforcing this message, the whole island has a plastic ban, and encourages visitors not to leave litter and use ecological sunscreen.