Reef House & Spa Palm Cove
One of only a handful of stunning, one-of-a-kind boutique properties which make up the luxury MGallery Hotel Collection by Sofitel, the gorgeous Reef House & Spa Palm Cove is a destination in its own right.
Oozing character and charm, the Reef House is steeped in rich history; originally built in 1958 and becoming a private residence in 1972, where the guest list included ministers and celebrities from around Australia and overseas. Today, the Reef House is a haven for couples and adults looking to relax and unwind in absolute luxury and be treated like royalty.
A unique aspect of a stay at the Reef House is the many signature inclusions which are included with each stay. These include, but are not limited to, a gin infused welcome drink and cold towel upon arrival, concierge porterage and tour of the property, a bottle of premium sparkling wine in-room, daily Brigadier’s punch and canapés in the lounge, and curated room arrival with music, oil burners and local chocolates.
Plus, throughout your stay, beyond relaxing poolside and exploring Palm Cove you have the option of enjoying a range of regular weekly activities, such as cocktail classes, wine and digestive tastings, skincare talks at the Day Spa, aqua aerobics, beachfront yoga, mindfulness meditation, and more.
THE ROOM.
As a boutique property, the Reef House features 57 luxurious rooms, suites and apartments, located in white plantation style buildings amongst the lush gardens and emerald pools. Like the rest of the property, the spacious rooms are full of character, each fitted with stylish South Pacific decor and offering private balconies or terraces with outdoor seating or a love swing.
During our time at the Reef House we stayed in the leading room type, the Brigadier King Studio.
AMENITIES.
With the humidity of Tropical North Queensland, you’ll likely be spending plenty of time lazing poolside. You can take your pick from the hotel’s adults-only tranquility pool or the heated mineral pool. Whichever you choose, the pool butler will surely find you to take your lunch and cocktail order… and provide you with a refreshing cool towel (daily at 11am) and complimentary tropical sorbet (daily at 3pm).
DINING.
The Reef House Restaurant is the property’s signature award-winning restaurant and is nestled under the magnificent Melaleuca trees and palms positioned at the front of the hotel. The restaurant’s menu has been designed to showcase the best of North Queensland’s fresh produce and its dishes are best accompanied by the over 250 different and ever-changing selection of Australian and imported wine.
View the Reef House Restaurant’s breakfast menu, lunch menu, and dinner menu.
WHAT WAS ORDERED:
SCALLOPS & PORK BELLY Seared scallops and braised master stock pork belly, braised pineapple, candied ginger jam.
QLD TIGER PRAWNS SQUID-INK SPAGHETTI Tiger American sauce, cherry tomato, tiger prawns, Parmesan, parsley.
PANCAKES Grilled banana, maple syrup, hazelnut praline, strawberries and fresh cream.
EGGS BENEDICT Poached eggs, spinach, Vienna sourdough toast, lemon hollandaise with ham.
When the Reef House opened decades ago, guests helped themselves to drinks from the bar and in the true tradition of an officer’s mess, signed chits on an honesty charge back system. There was also a gathering at the end of the day for lively conversation and the Brigadier’s rum punch. Carrying on this tradition, today’s Reef House offers a Brigadier honesty Bar during the day, and at twilight guests gather for complimentary punch and canapés hosted by the General Manager.
POOLSIDE
Courtesy of an attentive poolside butler, you don’t need to ever leave your sun lounger if you don’t want to. Rather you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, barista-made coffee, snack or delicious lunch fresh from taking a dip.
View the Reef House’s Poolside menu.
WHAT WAS ORDERED:
BATTERED QLD BARRAMUNDI & CHIPS with coleslaw salad, nam jim dressing, fresh lime aioli, fries.
SINGAPORE NOODLES Rice noodles, Reef House signature sauce, 8 hours slow cooked pork belly, fried egg, prawns, chilli, carrots.
SINGAPORE SLING Sling Gin, Cherry Herring, Benedictine, triple sec, pineapple, lime, bitters.
MIDORI SPLICE Midori, Malibu, pineapple juice, coconut cream.
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