Mini breaks Cairns and Port Douglas: Thala Beach Lodge and Treetops

A glorious day, we drove up to Port Douglas for an impromptu locals mini break. We arranged to meet travel business friends at the luxurious Thala Beach Lodge for a high tea before booking into Port Douglas Treetops Resort and Spa for the night.

The drive north, up the magnificent Cairns beaches coast line, was like a lovers hand snaking its way up the inside of my leg:  sensuous, breath taking and left me weak kneed at anticipation of what was about to occur. Perfect weather and vivid blues of sky and ocean spoke to my soul and calmed my madding high blood pressure from far too much child protection work. Looking out onto the ocean views I wondered why on earth I work south of cairns when I could very easily enjoy a drive north every day instead!!!!

As the rainforest met the ocean and forced me to my knees, a huge polished timber slab sign enticed my yearning up the long rainforest covered drive into Thala Beach Lodge. It was like driving into paradise lost. Far out – this is what the rich do and I like it!

OMG - Fantastic from the first point of entry to the “Goodbye, I love you,” kiss and promise farewell. There was no way I was going to keep this little rendezvous a secret, though. I just couldn’t wait to get back here and tell you all.

Thala Beach Lodge is a privately owned five star luxury beach resort, situated 38 kilometres North of the city of Cairns and 16 kilometres South of the village of Port Douglas. Timber bungalows are scattered amongst a hundred and forty five acres of wooded headland, coconut plantations and secluded beaches. It is the world’s most beautiful private beach location and I am in love with her.

Day visitors are welcome for morning/afternoon tea, lunch or just for a private little loving (I couldn’t keep my hands off all the big, bulging, timber poles). The lodge is built atop a hill, overlooking beach on three sides and rainforest on the other. Naturally, parking space is premium so do ensure you clean your car lest you be very embarrassed when the valet greets you to park the car for you while you seek the ambiance inside (my car was clean ).

We knew about the Tea for Two. Four of us ordered one Tea for Two with two extra coffee’s! They are HUGE. For $25.00 it is by far the best value tea snack I have ever had, anywhere in the world. The breath taking Coral Sea scenery from the circular guest lounge perched high amongst the Popular Gums and the sheer luxury of the resort was free for us day trippers. The company wasn’t too bad either  I might add, but even if I was with someone I cared not to be with, against the surroundings and the elegance of the Lodge I couldn’t have cared less. I was in orgasmic heaven – the most superb point of attraction I could ever hope to find.

Hours after arriving, many coffees and TWO plates of morning tea goodies later, we explored bungalows, scenery, flora and fauna. All staff that interacted with us treated us a special guests, like VIPs, and provided us what ever information we requested about the Lodge and surrounding area. They had no idea that we were locals or that I am a top 50 Australian blogger (currently 36) and that my friends are in the travel industry. Thala had no idea that I LOVE THEM and that I am going to tell everyone!

The total tab was worth so much more than the $33.00 that we paid. Yes, $33.00 bought us the most magnificent visit I have ever had to a resort, motel or get away accommodation. Will I go back and stay? Oh YES. Although out of the budget I would normally look at, the experience, the humble gratitude, and the customer service we received for a lousy $33.00 has bought Thala Beach Lodge my custom and my citizen journalism praise.

Visit Thala Beach Lodge for an unforgettable tropical experience and the best morning tea you can get anywhere.

From Thala we went straight to the refurbished Treetops Resort and Spa at Port Douglas. A locals special for $99.00 ( King room) including a continental breakfast was our choosing guide. Beautiful to walk into, I was once again entertaining the idea that I was naturally born to a life of exotic accommodation and wealth beyond my imagination. The welcoming Cockatoo, the friendly staff, the trees growing through the open plan timber architecture, the smell of frangipanis, a swim up to Cocktail bar and the promise of an idyllic night away were real. It was beautiful….until I settled into my room.

Locals are obviously given the budget rooms.…even though the resort was not at capacity and there appeared to be far nicer rooms. At one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, our room looked out onto the….car park – no porch, nothing! One wall (and anything touching that wall) were wet from air conditioning and we had no table. I would have liked crockery and cutlery because I took antipasto for an in-room meal but it was my mistake not not checking that the room contained no utensils of self contained at all.

However, we slept well. The room was quiet, dark and the bed very comfortable. Breakfast was beautiful and ample: toast, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, hash browns, muffins, danishes, etc. An upgrade to a cooked breakfast was only another $10.00. None of us needed the upgrade though and we all agreed that the open dining room beside the pool, and the beautiful breakfast, made up for the room let downs.

Analysis: It may be beneficial for resorts to offer locals deals with the very best they have to offer on display. Locals talk. Locals know what to expect from a tropical life style, and locals bring repeat business by recommending to friends and family from afar.

Thala Beach Lodge treated us like royalty even though we spent a meagre amount at their facility. Treetops Resort and Spa treated us as they did every other person there: nothing special but certainly not badly either.

I will again pay a reduced price to go to Treetops Resort and Spa for a mini break and I have no difficulty recommending it to the budget minded local.

I would not hesitate to pay Locals rates at the exquisite Thala Beach Lodge (currently just $180.00 p/n). In fact, I have a wedding anniversary coming up in March. I’ll be booking at my precious, Thala Beach Lodge.