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Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

Aparthotel with free parking, near Palm Cove Beach

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Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

Exterior
Indoor/outdoor pool
Front of property
Room
Dining

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Barbecue grill
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
  • Place, Vie Spa Palm Cove
  • Place, Clifton Village Shopping Centre
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)

Choose your unit

View all photos for Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

Private kitchen

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

  • 485 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Standard Spa Suite

Room

Studio Standard Spa Suite

  • 484 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Escape Package - Standard Spa

Room

Escape Package - Standard Spa

  • 484 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Townhouse

Room

3 Bedroom Townhouse

  • 1938 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment

Room

Family Apartment

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Private kitchen

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Room

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 581 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Studio

Room

Studio

  • 484 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Living area

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1281 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Room

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Suite (Spa)

Room

Superior Suite (Spa)

  • 485 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Cairns

Located in Palm Cove, a neighbourhood in Cairns, The Reef Retreat is in a rural area and near the beach. Palm Cove Beach and James Cook University are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby.
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What's nearby

  • Palm Cove Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Vie Spa Palm Cove - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Macalister Range National Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Cairns Esplanade - 24 min drive - 25.5 km

Getting around

  • Redlynch Station - 20 min drive
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Espresso&Co - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Palm Cove Tavern - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Pete's Place - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Reef Retreat

Aparthotel with free parking, near Palm Cove Beach
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free aparthotel has Access to hot tub and dry cleaning. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a library and tour/ticket assistance. Each apartment offers free WiFi, a microwave and a Smart TV with digital channels. Additional amenities include a stovetop, a ceiling fan and a hairdryer. Weekly housekeeping is available.
The Reef Retreat offers 32 air-conditioned accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. 55-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include free toiletries and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.

An outdoor pool and Access to hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 5:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (9 AM - 2:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 40.0 per day.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 27 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 14 (one-way), (from 4 to 11 years old)
  • Cleaning/housekeeping/linen are available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 40.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Reef Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Reef Retreat?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Reef Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 5:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Reef Retreat?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Does The Reef Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of AUD 27 per person applies.

Where is The Reef Retreat located?

Located in Palm Cove, this aparthotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Palm Cove Beach, and within 9 mi (15 km) of James Cook University and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station. Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos is 18.7 mi (30.1 km) away.

The Reef Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 269 out of 487 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 165 out of 487 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 487 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 487 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 487 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

8.8/10

Communication

Reviews

8/10 Good

Amanda

We had a great relaxing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, nice pool, quality fittings etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice peaceful setting with lovely cool shady garden area around the pool. We especially enjoyed the outdoors deck area in the kitchen patio of our room. Close to the beach and esplanade with the restaurants and bars. Palm cove was a great choice for our first visit to Cairns.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Delecia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful place to stay 🙏 Great position and beautiful setting.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Fantastic Accomadation in a very convenient location. Highly recommend 😊
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The hotel was in a perfect location for any restaurant or bar and everything was within walking distance
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Demi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect location and space to stay for a quick getaway. The room was set up nicely for what we needed with a bed, bathroom and convenient outdoor cooking space and area. The pool was close to the room and a lovely spot to relax
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location for people wanting to walk around shops and see what’s around
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

louise

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely beach walks
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Mostly very good stay.. though found the school holiday crowd noisy at times.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karlie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in and out, lovely setup great room. Near everything you need. Great spot and huge room.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jess

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Older rooms but great size
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Quiet and peaceful, only a minute from the beach. Will stay in Superior Spa Suite when booking again, loved the outdoor kitchen on the roomy balcony overlooking pool. Best feature was the lovely outdoor spa near the pool, absolute heaven.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Olga A

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We liked the room, spacious and comfortable, large balcony, a nice view of the tropical garden, and the swimming pool. All staff is very friendly and helpful, especially Alan.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Agota

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This place never disappoints.☀️🏝👏 This was our second stay in this tranquil retreat and definitely be back! Thank you for keeping this property in top condition!
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had the best stay at The Reef Retreat. My apartment was perfect. I'd have breakfast there that I cooked myself before exploring Palm Cove and the local attractions. Jim at reception would book anything you'd like to including transport. After exploring Palm Cove, Cairns the reef or where you went. You come home to relax before treating your self to the local restaurants. Having such prime location is amazing. After a long I'd go for a dip in the heated pool and hot tub spa. Amazing atmosphere. My favourite place, I'll be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The units are surrounded by beautiful lush tropical gardens.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a lovely stay at the Reef Retreat. The property felt like a tropical rainforest treehouse which was really fun. I was most impressed with the generous size of our apartment, central location, easy of late check-in and early check-out and overall value for money. It felt very secluded and private for a very busy holiday period!

6/10 Okay

Pritisha

Convenient location. Dated decor, pool not cleaned.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place - I would definitely stay here again, right in the heart of Palm Cove. Only downside was heater in pool was not working the second week of my stay, though I know they were trying to get it fixed - I'm sure it's good by now. Beautiful grounds, loved the balconey, the "library", laundry. Even provided a rack for drying clothes and an umbrella in my unit. Great place!
Stayed 11 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Fantastic location close to restaurants and shops and the beach. The apartment was spacious and surprisingly quiet given the location and easy to keep cool. It was a slightly dated apartment but no problem for us. The pool could have done with a clean as there was a lot of debris from trees scattered around. But only a small issue.

8/10 Good

Petah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Has a nice treehouse feel as you approach your room. Staff hardly crack a smile. The toilet is right next to the bed with only shutters between. Only good if you’re very comfortable pooping in front of your partner.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication

A place to relax

The location is easy to access and close to beach & restaurants. There was an unusually high amount of rain during our stay and the pathways quickly flooded, making it awkward to pull suitcases. The room itself was fine - no issues there. The laundry room was welcome but the washing machine and dryer only take $1 coins - a change machine would have been helpful as the office is not open 24/7.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023