| Palm Cove Sebel Reef House |
We arrive at The Sebel Reef House & Spa right on the foreshore of the forever beautiful Palm Cove beach. You truly know why the Cairns bookmaker in 1958 (the original owner) chose such a superb location for the original Reef House.
Yet the bar just behind the reception is not called the “Bookmakers Bar” after the original owner. Instead named in honor of the more charming in statue, Brigadier The Hon. David Thomson (The Brigadier owned this wonderful establishment during 1970’s) Guests helped themselves to drinks from the bar, and in the true tradition of an officer's mess, signed chits on an honesty system…….so obviously Brigadier’s Bar is our first stop. We watch our luggage be transported by trolley up to what we later discover to be our most enchanting Verandah room facing the pool. High enough that you can see the palm trees, beach and sunset, perfect for a relaxing stay. Our room opens onto a wide verandah and has a spacious open plan that allows the tropical garden to be enjoyed from every part of our room. We find that the Verandah was the perfect space to sit with a great book in one hand and cool drink before getting ready for dinner. The main feature is the gorgeous Muslin netting that falls perfectly over the sides of the king size luxurious bed.
We popped on our togs and robes and trotted downstairs to enjoy the Sebel Reef House’s oh so glamorous swimming pools and spa. We felt like we could have been any exotic island overseas, yet we were only 3 hours from Melbourne by plane. Easy.
Later in the night we dolled up to enjoy a beautiful dinning experience in the Sebel Reef House’s restaurant, the atmosphere and décor prepares you for a sumptuous evening with warm and friendly service and a divine selection of wines and cocktails to enjoy.
The next morning we woke to a gorgeous sunrise, which inspired us to go for a morning walk to enjoy our surrounds. We came across the Sebel Reef House Spa and booked in for one of their famous massages that included the LiTya spa products specifically designed for your body, mind and spirit. This is a must while staying at the Sebel Reef House, and a perfect way to regretfully end our too shorter stay at one of my favorite places in tropical north Queensland.
As I sigh into my cup of tea listening to the news reader announce a week of weather ranging from a freezing 1 to 15 degrees each day, I cling onto the lovely memories of staying in such a warm, beautifully styled and yet extremely welcoming Sebel Reef House, which I will hope to return to some day soon.
Written by: Anita Phelan
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