Summer 2018

LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 53 Summer 2018 Following our visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, LUXlife enjoyed exploring the island and the additional entertainments it has to offer. There is something for all the family here- from an in-water trampoline to a dive store, and even a cinema, and after a day spent paddle boarding and exploring the stunning Nudy Beach, which was recently named the best beach in Australia, we were ready to head back and explore our latest accommodation. From one beautiful habitat to another, much like walking through the Cairns Aquarium at the beginning of our trip, we were ushered to Silky Oaks, a glorious open-plan property nestled in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. Offering guests an experience that cannot be found elsewhere, the hotel has capitalised on its unique location by offering a range of unforgettable activities, including early morning yoga classes, the chance to swim in the Mossman River and the chance to take an exclusive helicopter ride through the forest. There is also an in-house spa, offering luxurious treatments, and a restaurant providing luscious meals, so that the establishment is able to satisfy mind and body. To truly understand the beauty of this majestic forest and the river that winds through it, we took a trip with the experts from Back Country Bliss Adventures. The snorkel tour of the river allowed us the chance to chill out in the tropical heat, whilst the fascinating hike allows us to learn more about the rainforest, which is older than the Amazon. The next day we were fortunate enough to take another tour, this time with Walkabout Cultural Adventures, in which we were led across the Daintree by a native guide, listening to the tales of the atrocities that his people were subjected to during the colonisation of this gloriously beautiful country. Learning about the rich culture gave us a new appreciation for the people who have lived and worked these lands for centuries, and our guide told us many stories about the region and how it was created, including the tale of the island shaped like a woman in a boat who was turned to stone after losing her lover to a shark, to the treacherous mountain where the spirits of beautiful sirens disguise themselves as animals to lure hunters to oblivion. Regaled with these fascinating tales, we returned to luxury in the form of the decedent Sheraton Grand Mirage, Port Douglas. With a renaissance themed lobby bedecked by cherubs, gold inlay and indoor waterfalls, this is the pinnacle of colonial luxury, and we are privileged to be able to use this indulgent hotel as our base for the remained of our trip, during which we explored the sights of Port Douglas. On weekends the town hosts a bustling street market, in which locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate home grown produce and local trade. Any tourists should definitely take a trip to Flames of the Forest, Australia’s only rainforest based eatery where guests can bask in the beauty of their surroundings thanks to the sumptuous décor, which includes vast strings of iridescent lights swathing the branches of the surrounding trees, as well as handmade chandeliers which hang from the canopies beneath which diners enjoy a true feast for the senses. Every event is a cultural experience, and therefore whilst they dine on succulent dishes designed to showcase the region’s best produce, guests also learn about the surrounding area and get a feel for the traditions that make Port Douglas truly special. Another of Port Douglas’ attractions is its tranquil Mariana, which is home to a selection of bars and restaurants, as well as a number of boats just waiting to take tourists on a trip to the Low Isles. This collection of islands hosts a plethora of the region’s best wildlife, and the ideal way to experience this is through a Sailaway Sunset Cruise. The boat’s crew expertly navigate their way to the islands, where they host walking and snorkelling tours which showcase the Low Isles in all their glory. Our final evening in Queensland was spent in the company of Tara Bennett, General Manager for Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree at Salsa Bar & Grill, where we luxuriated in traditional Australian hospitality and jollity while we discussed how this exquisite region and the joy it brings to its visitors. Having spent a mere week in Queensland, it is easy to see how so many visitors are drawn to stay in this sunny, welcoming state. Reflecting on our trip, it is safe to say that Queensland has something for everyone, from dense Mangroves and secluded swimming to tourist attractions and scenes of extraordinary natural beauty. Having explored the natural wonders of this glorious region, it is no wonder that David Attenborough, who has travelled the world in search of the greatest natural wonders, would be so inspired by Queensland. To find out more about this naturally stunning region and the hospitality it has to offer, visit www.queensland.com For those in search of a truly great Australian adventure, here are some of LUXlife’s top picks: Pullman Cairns International, Cairns- £109 per night http://www.pullmancairnsinternational.com.au/ Sunlover by Starlight, Moore Reef - $499 AUD per person. Helicopter ride with Nautilus Aviation over GBR with the cruise is from $364 for a 10-minute scenic flight (without Sunlover by Starlight). https:// www.sunlover.com.au/great-barrier-reef-cruises/ sunlover-by-starlight The Reef House and Spa, Palm Cove – Brigadier King Room from $249 AUD www.reefhouse.com.au Sheraton Grand Mirage, Port Douglas – rooms from $279 AUD http://www. sheratongrandmirageportdouglas.com/ Silky Oaks, Daintree – rooms from £246 per night www.silkyoakslodge.com.au Crystalbrook Collection, Riley – opening in November with rooms from $260 AUD www. crystalbrookcollection.com Singapore Airlines Flights to Cairns • Singapore Airlines first launched flights to Cairns three years ago on 30 May 2015, operated by regional sister carrier SilkAir • Singapore Airlines currently flies to Cairns five times weekly • Cairns is one of three destinations in Queensland that Singapore Airlines flies to, with Brisbane and the Gold Coast (operated by Scoot) being the other two • Journey times from London to Cairns are approx. 20hrs45 • Fares (inc taxes) currently start from: London to Cairns departures £760pp (standard economy lead in fare) Manchester to Cairns departures £745pp (standard economy lead in fare) Bookings via www.singaporeair.com