Escape the winter chill with a mini-break to Port Douglas! While Melbournians might be shivering through days with a top of 13 degrees, locals in Port Douglas are basking in a pleasant 26 degrees. Where would you rather be?
Just 1 hour's drive north from Cairns Airport along one of the most scenic coastal drives, you'll reach the idyllic haven of Port Douglas. Like many resorts in Port, QT Port Douglas is set back from the high street, less than 5 minutes drive from Macrossan Street. The quaint bus transfer system is still in full swing, where you can hail a ride in and out of town for $5. It's a great system that works, no Uber required here.
QT's signature fun style is evident from the moment you arrive. The open-air lobby, is light, bright and breezy and puts you instantly in holiday mode. There's the super cute mini moke parked in the porte-cochère and bikes to hire. The lobby merges effortlessly from check-in to gift shop filled with a curated selection of quirky must-haves, to games room with pool tables to bar and beyond.
The resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens with a large lagoon style swimming pool at its heart. Lazing by the pool is the order of the day here and with a swim up bar and pool service, you won't need to stray far when hunger strikes. There's plenty of pool lounges and shady reading spots while fellow guests float past sipping Rosé in the sunshine. Sound like heaven?
Rooms at QT Port Douglas
We stayed in a One Bedroom Villa and it was perfect for our 3-night escape. Our room was located away from the pool, making it a peaceful spot far from poolside shenanigans with tranquil garden views. The room décor is all white washed walls and splashes of colour courtesy of scatter cushions, pineapple and cockatoo lampshades and plenty of quirky pieces. I usually don't unpack my suitcase when travelling but the room was so inviting I unpacked fully and settled in!
Relax in tropical luxury with spacious apartment style villas complete with kitchenette, dining table, lounge area, private balcony and separate bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Additions such as quality Malin + Goetz amenities in a glass bowl with a post-it note stuck to the mirror stating "Good Morning, Geez you woke up gorgeous!" are a nice touch. The minibar is filled with unique gifts and treats and a pineapple welcome gift was certainly a first!
Dining at QT Port Douglas
The main restaurant Bazaar is open daily for breakfast and dinner for a grazing buffet style feast. While the buffet is not as extensive as it's sister restaurant on the Gold Coast, it contained a quality selection of cereals, pastries, tropical fruit, fresh juice, flavoured milks and a hot buffet plus eggs cooked to order by the friendly chefs all for an affordable price of $28 per person.
Opposite Bazaar is the equally breezy Estilo bar, a relaxed spot to enjoy a cocktail or two. Estilo is a casual lounge come sports bar decked out in beachside chic décor and a great spot to unwind day or night.
Creating Memories
Taking full advantage of the stunning tropical backdrop at QT Port Douglas, I booked a Travelshoot to capture holiday memories. Travelshoot connects travellers with professional photographers across the world. It's all about being natural (not cheesy) and enjoying the experience, a big improvement on holiday selfies or enlisting the help of random strangers to capture your holiday snaps. Port Douglas is certainly an idyllic location for a Travelshoot, don't you think? Read more about my Travelshoot experience here.
QT Port Douglas is a fun and fabulous resort and the perfect base to explore Port Douglas and Daintree. A sprawling resort with well-maintained tropical gardens and central lagoon style pool it's ideal for romantic getaways or family fun in the sun holidays.
QT Port Douglas
87-109 Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas QLD
Book QT Port Douglas here.
