The Reef Retreat Palm Cove

Jim and Joanne are great hosts and very leafy location with outdoor pool and spa area. Easy walking distance to beach, restaurants, hotels and bars. Rooms are spacious and excellent with upstairs spa and outside balcony with kitchenette. We received a great RFPA rate for our large group.

A gem of a hotel located just back from the front at the delightful Palm Cove. The facility has everything you need as either a base to explore the local eateries or to self cater. Everything is there including hairdryers, ironing facilities and the smart tv will allow you to log in and continue watching your favourite Netflix series. Friendly and helpful staff. Palm Cove is delightful with its golden sand, safe swimming area and beach walks (award winning beach). You can’t go wrong either in Palm Cove or specifically at The Reef Retreat.

We loved our 6 night stay here! It felt like a true escape — relaxing, private, and surrounded by lush greenery. The whole place has a peaceful, sheltered feel that instantly slows you down. One of our favourite features was the pool — tucked under massive trees that gave it such a magical, resort-meets-rainforest vibe. It was clean, neat and had a constant warm temperature. They swept up the leaves each morning throughout the whole complex. Our room had everything we needed. The bed was huge and super comfy, the pillows were fresh and thick (a rare win!), and the outdoor kitchen was an absolute highlight — perfect for relaxing and cooking without filling the room with food smells and steam. It made the whole stay feel more like a laid-back retreat than just another accommodation room. What really stood out was how different this place felt from your typical "cookie-cutter" resort. No massive pools packed with people, no boxy rooms stacked side by side. We had our own private deck nestled under the trees — quiet, peaceful, and perfect for morning coffee and afternoon snooze. There were a few little quirks, like the water temperature fluctuating at times — but those were easy to work with given everything else this place offers. It’s tropical, charming, well-priced, and just a short stroll to the beach and local restaurants (with nightly ice cream runs in my case!). Can’t wait to return — it’s definitely one of my most memorable holidays.

We were on the roadside-- but still very quiet. Parking off street available but we parked on the road as it was closer to our unit. Loved the indoor/ outdoor living. Coffee on room available. 5 minute walk to the beach, cafes and restaurants. Very safe town and very friendly. We used the pool and hottub daily. Jim waa very pleasant and helped us plan our day trip up to Daintree and the young fellow that works there suggested the croc tour-- which was AMAZING!! Bed was made up 1x (we were there 5 nights) which was fine, new towels were given 2x during our stay. We also asked for new pool towels which we recieved at the front desk and also asked for an extra umbrella--just a 'little' rain fell! Loved Palm Cove and thanks ******* for the $35 gift cert. to one of the restaurants.

A lovely place to stay with beautiful surroundings. However, the service was somewhat limited — amenities such as tea, coffee, soap, and shampoo were not replenished regularly and had to be requested. Aside from that, it’s a wonderful spot for a stay

We absolutely loved our room on the 1st floor overlooking the pool. It was quiet, staff extremely helpful and so easy to walk everywhere

The staff were very friendly. The rooms were lovely and clean. The sound of nothing but nature throughout the night was awesom and just a 30 second walk to the esplanade where you will find something delicious to eat.

Unfortunately didn't realise before was too late had no lift as stairs where an issue, in fairness was offered a ground floor studio room. Room was clean and tidy but could do with refurbishment

This property is very outdated. It is not clean. The doors and windows had cracks for critters to get in. There is no housekeeping services to clean the room after each night.Small little details, like the garbage can you had to touch to open, It definitely took away from Experience I was hoping for. In addition when I went to check in during normal office hours, the office manager came out and talk to me, but he referred me to the instructions as if I were a late check-in and I had to read how to get to my room. It was a little awkward. Also, when I had my early check out, I had to pick up the phone to call him to check out and it was very strange to me. I felt like I was bothering him. The lampshade had cobwebs. The shower was inside a jacuzzi tub, very odd. The windowsills were filthy. You can hear your neighbors. The pool and jacuzzi were very dirty as well. All that being said, Palm Cove is a very exclusive area and I would highly recommend staying in this area compared to Cairns, which is very touristy. I am guessing this property gets away with their prices since the area is so premium. In the end, I would not stay at this property. It is definitely not worth the price!