See all properties
Save
Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

Beach nearby
View from room
Dining
Dining
Superior Suite (Spa)

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View map
10-14 Harpa Street, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Vie Spa Palm Cove
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Clifton Village Shopping Centre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

Microwave, stovetop, toaster, cookware/dishes/utensils

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Standard Spa Suite

Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Studio Standard Spa Suite

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Escape Package - Standard Spa

Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Escape Package - Standard Spa

  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Townhouse

3 Bedroom Townhouse

3 Bedroom Townhouse

  • 180 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment

Family Apartment

Family Apartment

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

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms | Private kitchen

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

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

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Studio

Studio

Studio

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 119 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed OR 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 116 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds OR 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Superior Suite (Spa)

Superior Suite (Spa)

Superior Suite (Spa)

  • Garden view
  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

You may also like

Ad
3 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Cairns North
  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
4.0 out of 5, Very good, 1,001 reviews
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

About the area

Cairns

At The Reef Retreat, you'll be 1.6 km (1 mi) from Palm Cove Beach and 12.2 km (7.6 mi) from James Cook University. Highlights at this aparthotel include an outdoor swimming pool, free self-parking and Access to hot tub. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with digital channels, and each apartment features free WiFi, a ceiling fan and a hairdryer. A microwave and a stovetop make in-room dining convenient. An iron/ironing board, free toiletries and a wardrobe or cupboard are also available. Weekly housekeeping is available. .This smoke-free aparthotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a library and a terrace. Added amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and barbecues. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4-property class Palm Cove aparthotel, you'll be 13.6 km (8.5 mi) from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station and 30.1 km (18.7 mi) from Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos.
View more Aparthotels in CairnsOpens in a new window

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 - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Cairns Esplanade - 25 min drive - 27.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Il Chiosco - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Coco Mojo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pete's Place - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Reef Retreat

The Reef Retreat offers its guests an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi is free in public spaces. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. A library, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at The Reef Retreat. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Cairns aparthotel is smoke free.

  • 32 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Built in 1997
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
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.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
Mantra Amphora
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Kids’ pool
  • Air-conditioning
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 1,000 reviews
The price is NZ$267
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Mantra Amphora

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool loungers

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Car hire
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 40 per day

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch Smart TV with digital channels
  • Library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Laundry facilities

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Blackout drapes
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local maps
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Weekly housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near the boardwalk/promenade
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 3 floors
  • 32 units
  • Built in 1997
  • Garden

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets 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

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Reef Retreat
Reef Retreat Hotel
Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment
The Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel Palm Cove

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Reef Retreat?

The Reef Retreat offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at The Reef Retreat?

Yep, The Reef Retreat has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Reef Retreat?

Yep, The Reef Retreat is a short 20-minute walk from Palm Cove Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking.

Is there a spa on site at The Reef Retreat?

No, there is no spa at this property. Vie Spa Palm Cove is a short 11-minute walk away.

Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?

Yep, and guests love it! The Reef Retreat has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Reef Retreat?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Reef Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Reef Retreat?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Reef Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 276 out of 499 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 167 out of 499 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 39 out of 499 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 499 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 499 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

siddharth

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
A lovely place to stay with beautiful surroundings. However, the service was somewhat limited — amenities such as tea, coffee, soap, and shampoo were not replenished regularly and had to be requested. Aside from that, it’s a wonderful spot for a stay
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gaylene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We absolutely loved our room on the 1st floor overlooking the pool. It was quiet, staff extremely helpful and so easy to walk everywhere
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Garrett

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly. The rooms were lovely and clean. The sound of nothing but nature throughout the night was awesom and just a 30 second walk to the esplanade where you will find something delicious to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

gregory william

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great locatiom Also very functional Very good
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Unfortunately didn't realise before was too late had no lift as stairs where an issue, in fairness was offered a ground floor studio room. Room was clean and tidy but could do with refurbishment
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Catherine Jo

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is very outdated. It is not clean. The doors and windows had cracks for critters to get in. There is no housekeeping services to clean the room after each night.Small little details, like the garbage can you had to touch to open, It definitely took away from Experience I was hoping for. In addition when I went to check in during normal office hours, the office manager came out and talk to me, but he referred me to the instructions as if I were a late check-in and I had to read how to get to my room. It was a little awkward. Also, when I had my early check out, I had to pick up the phone to call him to check out and it was very strange to me. I felt like I was bothering him. The lampshade had cobwebs. The shower was inside a jacuzzi tub, very odd. The windowsills were filthy. You can hear your neighbors. The pool and jacuzzi were very dirty as well. All that being said, Palm Cove is a very exclusive area and I would highly recommend staying in this area compared to Cairns, which is very touristy. I am guessing this property gets away with their prices since the area is so premium. In the end, I would not stay at this property. It is definitely not worth the price!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We had a lovely big room , bed , balcony with a kitchen , we didn’t have a view , we went swimming , did yoga Saturday morning on the beach and went to the Palm cove market Sunday . A lovely weekend away
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Janine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well appointed appartments- very comfortable, central to everything. Will definitely return!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and well run. Helpful staff, great location with everything you need. Would stay again and recommend to others 5*
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to relax and unwind
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This property and its sheltered garden courtyard was indeed a ‘retreat’ from the wind warning. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan Therese

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing property, loved being there. It's very beautiful & comfortable. Great pool & Spa. Easy walking. Rooms are well maintained & comfortable. I will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was in a great location, very easy walk to beach and shops. Great size rooms, very clean
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phil

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Great Motel Close to Everything

Great little motel - excellent location close to shops and restaurants. Room was very comfortable with all the necessary facilities. Awesome huge tv in room. Very comfortable bed. Great pool and bbq area. Overall really good Would definitely stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed our stay here. Comfortable beds, all mod cons, lovely outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi. Great location, would recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

John, Auckland

Travelled with partner
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

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location next to beach , pool and spa are amazing! Staff and friendly and polite. Would go again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, exceptionally well equipt room - loved the outside kitchenette and eating area. Spacious and very clean. Highly recommend this as a well priced stay for exceptional value. Only 2 small things let the place down - (1) it smelt like chlorine the bleach was so strong (it was very clean though!) and it took a bit to remove the smell and (2) the surly guy at reception who was more interested in what he couldn’t do than what he could. We still loved our stay and would definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Darren

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
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

Amanda

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