Cairns is one of the most popular tourist and retreat destinations in North Queensland, Australia, widely known for its natural attractions. The coastal city is also a major gateway to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, which is a 1.5-hour boat trip away. In this guide, we have handpicked the 7 best luxury resorts & hotels in Cairns that will give you the ultimate holiday experience.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is one of the largest luxury resorts in Cairns. The 4-star resort went through a major refurbishment in 2019 therefore the interiors look refreshed. Its design is heavily influenced by sub-tropical resorts and see will find ample use of trees, plants, and wood throughout the place.
The resort has 314 spacious guest rooms and suites that are styled brightly with clean white and wooden hues. They each feature modern furnishing, plush bedding, a TV with Chromecast, a refrigerator with a minibar, a balcony, coffee & tea making facilities, and free internet access.
The centerpiece of the resort is the beautiful central lagoon pool. You will also find a sandy beach and a swim-up bar for drinks and snacks. You can go for a swim or relax in one of the lounge chairs that surround the pool. A well-appointed 24-hour fitness center is also available on-site for guests.
A major addition during the 2019 refurbishment is MOKU Bar & Grill. The all-day tropic restaurant offers an island-inspired menu alongside a vibrant drink list. In-room dining service is also available if you want to just relax in bed.
Crystalbrook Riley
Crystalbrook Riley is one of the best-designed resorts located on the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade. The luxury 5-star resort was designed by CA Architects, which showcases a minimalistic yet sophisticated aesthetic. You will find intricate and stylish furnishing throughout the interior.
The resort boasts 311 guest rooms and suites, each styled modernly with contemporary finishes. They all feature premium bedding, a work desk, a smart TV with Chromecast, a minibar, IMMERSION bath amenities, a Nespresso coffee machine, and complimentary internet access.
A 1,000-square-meter lagoon pool with lounge chairs, cabanas, and a man-made beach is situated in the center of the resort. There is also a bar beside that serves a selection of drinks and small bites. You can also work out at the 24-hour fitness center or grab a free bike and wander around the town.
Crystalbrook Riley is meticulous about its culinary offerings. Rocco is the tallest restaurant & bar in Cairns that specializes in contemporary Middle East cuisine. You will also discover a curated selection of cocktails and champagnes inside. On the ground floor, Paper Crane showcases a modern Asian fusion menu made from fresh Queensland produce.
Pullman Cairns International
Pullman Cairns International is one of the largest luxury hotels in Cairns with 321 guest rooms and suites. The 5-star hotel just underwent a refurbishment in February last year and the new design looks elegant and grand. As you walk into the lobby, you will see marble floors, chandelier lights, and lofty ceilings.
The rejuvenated rooms have a modern design while the classic rooms have a resort-style design. They are each very spacious and feature a private balcony, sumptuous bedding, a work desk, coffee & tea facilities, and complimentary internet access. All rooms have views of either the harbor or the hinterland. Multiple accessible rooms are also available upon inquiry.
Despite being a hotel, you will still find a large resort-style pool on-site alongside ample lounge chairs, greeneries, and a pool bar. You will also have access to basic gym cardio machines and free weights. For meals, you can head to Coco’s Kitchen + Bar on the ground floor. The refined modern restaurant offers a coastal-inspired menu alongside a variety of drinks.
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Flynn is one of the newest luxury 5-star resorts in Cairns that opened in November 2020. Led by Australian firm Hunt Design, Crystalbrook Flynn showcases a contemporary take on resorts. Unlike conventional resorts that are centered around the pool, it emphasizes a lot on open and social spaces.
The resort’s 311 guest rooms and suites embrace an urban and chic design with distinct prints and modern furnishing. On the inside, you will find comfy bedding, a smart TV with Chromecast, a Nespresso coffee machine, an iPad control center, and complimentary internet access.
While there is no lagoon pool, there are two beautiful glass swimming pools located on different levels. You can also unwind at the Eléme Day Spa which offers a range of soothing treatments. For active guests, feel free to head to the 24-hour fitness center or cruise around the Esplanade with a free scooter.
There are two restaurants and a bar located inside Crystalbrook Flynn. For more sophisticated meals, head over to Flynn’s Italian, which offers different classic Italian dishes using local produce. On the other hand, Boardwalk Social is a market-style food & beverage hub with live sports and music. Make sure you try out the extensive drink list at Whiskey and Wine as well.
Hilton Cairns
Hilton Cairns is one of the classic luxury resorts with a world-renowned brand. The 5-star resort is conveniently located on a beautiful waterfront location of the Esplanade. It embraces a tropical aesthetic with ample greeneries weaved throughout the building and the surroundings.
The resort offers 263 guest rooms and suites that are designed with a bright white tone alongside black wooden furnishing . They all feature Hilton signature bedding, a writing desk, a balcony, a smart TV, a mini fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, and complimentary internet access.
The resort features an outdoor lagoon-style pool surrounded by trees and multiple lounge chairs. There is also a pool bar beside if you want to grab a drink or some snacks. If you want to work out, a gym is located on the same level with comprehensive machines and free weights. Feel free to also get a massage or treatment from the in-house Banyan Spa.
Hilton Cairns offers multiple dining and drinking options. For instance, Signature Restaurant specializes in vibrant dishes using seasonal local produce. On the other hand, the award-winning Mondo on the Waterfront presents a wonderful al fresco dining experience with a dynamic menu.
Shangri-La The Marina
Shangri-La The Marina is another one of the classic luxury resorts in Cairns. Located next to Marlin Marina, the 5-star resort is situated inside a distinct triangular building designed by Watermark Architecture.
The resort’s 255 guest rooms and suites are designed with a nautical-inspired theme. They each feature modern furnishing, premium bedding, a private balcony, a working desk, Shangri-La toiletries, a TV, a minibar, coffee & tea facilities, and complimentary internet access. Most rooms also have with a spectacular view of Trinity Bay and beyond.
In the center of the resort, you will find a beautiful outdoor pool along with a children’s pool next to it. Feel free to grab some drinks or snacks from the pool bar and relax in one of the lounge beds. Besides, you will have access to the well-appointed gym with state-of-the-art equipment. There is also a botanic garden and a table tennis table that are perfect for kids.
For meals, The Backyard by Shangri-La presents a casual waterside dining experience with a seafood and barbecue-focused menu. There is also a garden & container bar for drinks and a kiosk for coffee and tea.
Oaks Cairns Hotel
Oaks Cairns Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels located in the Esplanade. The 4-star hotel was opened just three years ago, therefore the interior looks extremely clean and modern. On the inside, you will find a monochromatic theme with tons of white and light wooden colour being used.
The hotel offers 76 guest rooms, which feature the same modern minimalistic theme. They each come with sophisticated furnishing, plush bedding, a TV, coffee & tea facilities, a mini fridge, and complimentary internet access.
For meals, Oak & Vine on the rooftop is a beautiful restaurant with a modern Australian menu curated from local produce. During nighttime, the terrace will also be transformed into a rooftop bar with stunning views. You will find a variety of drinks including signature cocktails, wines, beers, and tonics.
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