Ref: Family Getaways Can Do Wonders for Weary Parents
Family getaways with newborn babies can be a touchy subject and one that is most often avoided until toddler years have passed. However, if attempted with careful planning and the right attitude (humour – a must), can work wonders for weary parents.
With four children aged between seven and thirteen years and a newborn to boot (who arrived some 8 weeks ago) we succumbed to lust like cravings for rest and relaxation by booking a resort break in Port Douglas.
‘Port’ (as it is lovingly referred to by locals) is the perfect getaway town for north Queenslanders, interstate Aussies and overseas visitors. Not to mention, destination of choice for US Presidents, Hollywood a-listers and rock royalty. Connected to Cairns by the picturesque Captain Cook Highway (notably the shortest highway in Australia), Port Douglas is an easy 50 minutes drive north of Cairns taking in the most stunning views of beach and rainforest fringed coastline. It just so happened that on the day we drove to Port, the Coral Sea shimmered like silk from shore to horizon.
Where to stay? There is plenty of great accommodation in Port Douglas, however we decided to try the best of the best at hot new address, Coconut Grove. And aren’t we glad we did!
Just 400 metres from Four Mile Beach, the palm edged Coconut Grove sits pretty in bustling Macrossan Street – home to a fabulous selection of restaurants, bars and funky boutiques. The wonderful Zinc Restaurant is smack bang across the road and self-caterer’s take note, there’s also a Food Works and Coles supermarket in cooee. And girls, you will love the fact north Queensland’s only Witchery boutique is part of Coconut Grove’s street level retail strip.
While Juniper’s latest apartment development remains a tightly kept secret (being a relative newcomer to Port’s Macrossan Street), it really is somewhere to write home about. Apart from the opulent luxury of wanting for nothing during one’s stay – thanks to gourmet kitchen appliances and a long list of resort facilities – it was the sheer practicality of our apartment layout that won me over.
Coconut Grove Port Douglas comprises 33, three bedroom apartments situated on three levels in a choice of terrace, balcony or penthouse configurations. Both terrace and penthouse styles comprise the added indulgence of their own entertaining terrace complete with private pool, spa and outdoor entertaining area.
On arrival, we are blessed, by managers Warwick and Ros Bourguignon who have provided us with a divine terrace apartment. Three gorgeous bedrooms – with the master provoking a gasp of air at its sheer divinity…..think walk in wardrobe that you can actually walk around in with as many drawers and pigeonholes and shelves to unpack Paris Hilton’s luggage…and there is still room to spare….with an enormous day-spa like bathroom complete with free standing, glossy white spa bath inviting liberal use of the L’Occitane bath gel provided.
The interiors are pleasing to the eye and cool underfoot in their calming blend of sandstone, white and creamy hues highlighted with stainless appliances, metallic artworks, cool cottons, gauzy drapes, glossy white surfaces and leather furniture.
On arrival, our kid’s obvious delight was torn between the living room’s 50 inch plasma television and kitchen’s two door fridge that did everything but make tea. Chilled water and ice on tap…oh, and inside, the most delicious looking platter of cheeses, pate and chocolates….suddenly life is very good….can we stay forever?
With bags unpacked – unnecessary for two days – but what the hell…we ‘cozzied’ up and took to our entertaining terrace while the baby slept soundly – in the serenity of the supplied travel cot in our master bedroom. With the terrace and its wet facilities a seamless transition from the living areas and bedroom, parents can relax inside and out with a complete uninterrupted view of the kids or baby.
The terrace is divine as the sun goes down and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the balmy breeze scented by mature frangipanis boxed along the front of the apartment building. We basically spent our two days ‘at home’ in the haven of our apartment and its recreation terrace – venturing out briefly for food and a browse through the famous Sunday morning markets.
For families choosing a break at Coconut Grove, level one terrace apartments are ideal. Level one is also home to a beautifully landscaped lap-style pool and yet another entertaining domain with the biggest, shiniest barbecue I’ve ever seen.
For visiting rock stars, sporting heroes and romantics, the penthouse apartments are more than worthy. The pool, spa and entertaining terrace connected to these apartments is located on the rooftop for guests to kick back in privacy while feasting on delicious views of Mowbray valley, rainforest mountains and Four Mile beach.
Coconut Grove’s entertaining terraces on level one and three are magnificent and such a rare treat in a built-up world where apartments are becoming smaller and smaller. Be it the seamless indoor-outdoor transition of the level one terrace apartment or the roof top panache of the penthouse, it is easy to imagine guests taking in the breeze at a glamorous party or wedding celebration.
While Coconut Grove Port Douglas provides a heavenly haven for couples and the most discerning of visitors, the thoughtfully designed layout of its terrace apartments make it equally suited to families and by all accounts, contributed largely to the success of our family getaway. Returning home like a new person, we’ve already booked our next escape – and this time we’re going the whole hog with a full five days.
Coconut Grove Port Douglas is situated at 56 Macrossan Street. Valid until March 31, 09, guests who book a minimum two night stay will receive a $100 dining voucher to enjoy at Zinc Restaurant. Prices start from $590 in a balcony apartment.
To book, tel: 4099 0600 email luxury@coconutgroveportdouglas.com.au or visit the website for further information www.coconutgroveportdouglas.com.au
ends