The Sebel Reef House & Spa is a truly unique establishment of the highest calibre. It boasts a rich and remarkable history, while maintaining a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Located in the heart of Palm Cove village, directly opposite the white sandy palm fringed beach, this is the perfect retreat. Here are 8 reasons to stay at The Sebel Reef House & Spa…

Beautiful location: The Sebel Reef House & Spa is 25 minutes north of Cairns at the region's premier beach, Palm Cove. Palm Cove is held in such high regard that it was voted Australia's Cleanest Beach 2002 and 2003. A magnificent achievement considering that there are (as per Surf Life Saving Australia) 11,011 beaches in Australia!
Palm Cove is a cosmopolitan village where no building is higher than the surrounding coconut palms, and you'll find an exciting array of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques and galleries to suit all tastes. Natural beauties abound in this special place – the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and world heritage rainforest are right on your doorstep. Whether you do it all, or simply relax under a palm tree, indulgence is the only compulsory activity...

Best of Both Worlds: The Sebel Reef House & Spa is a charming boutique resort with a sophisticated yet easy going atmosphere – a unique combination of casual ambiance and world-class facilities is what makes The Sebel Reef House & Spa distinctly different to other hotels. The Sebel Reef House & Spa is a place where romance and relaxation go hand in hand. The resort is all this and more. Much more…

History & Character: Unique history is reflected throughout the resort and is a real selling point. The Sebel Reef House & Spa was built in 1958 by a local bookmaker before being acquired in 1970 by Army Brigadier David Thompson (who went on to become the Federal Minister of Science and Technology) and was used as a VIP beachside residence for his distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister and more recently, celebrities such as Bob Dylan and Bill Bryson.
The history is reflected all over the resort:
- The Brigadier's Bar works on an honour system similar to an Officer's Mess
- Candles are lit around the Resort at Twilight Hour, and guests gather to share their stories over a complimentary glass of Brigadier's Punch
- Collection of artefacts from the Brigadier's travels
- Very first visitors Books from the 1970's

Facilities & Surroundings: Picture a place where warm, unhurried days blend into balmy tropical nights. That place is The Sebel Reef House & Spa, Palm Cove. Nestled among private tranquil tropical gardens and ancient towering Paper Bark (Melaleuca) trees that Capt. James Cook sighted as he navigated North Eastern Australia, the architecture reflects and captures the romance of the tropics and the colonial splendour of a bygone era. The Mediterranean-style buildings with long candle-lit corridors and impressive white wash walls frame shaded pathways and vibrant, lush tropical flora. Majestic rainforest clad mountains are a stunning backdrop to the three pristine pools, two Jacuzzis, and the cascading waterfall.

We provide an EXPERIENCE, not just a hotel room: 69 stunning rooms that are light, airy and spacious. White wash walls, large comfortable beds draped in light netting, hand crafted artefacts and a variety of teak furniture welcome guests to their idyllic room. There are many configurations, with something for everyone (from rooms to suites), catering mainly for couples and singles of all ages. All rooms have wide, open verandahs, some with private spas.

The food is amazing: Overlooking the award winning Palm Cove beach, the ‘Reef House Restaurant' has a menu that showcases only the best quality produce sourced from the local area. It is continually recognised in the Australian Gourmet Traveller's ‘Best Restaurants' Guide. The experienced service team provides attentive yet unobtrusive assistance. Our cuisine is a vital part of the ‘Reef House Experience'.

Reef House Spa is NUMBER 1: The purpose-built Health Spa at The Sebel Reef House was voted the Number 1 Spa (2005) in Australia / South Pacific, and also voted in the Top 10 Spa's in the World by readers of the prestigious ‘Conde Nast Traveller' UK magazine! The results speak for themselves….
Featuring Australian indigenous techniques, the Spa offers a luxurious range of treatments designed to cleanse the body, clear the mind, and soothe the soul.

Personalised Service: Last, but certainly not least, another feature that makes us stand out from the rest! Personalised, unobtrusive service is our specialty, and an integral part of the ‘Reef House Experience'. Every guest is treated as an individual and enjoys VIP treatment from the moment they arrive, until they depart. As a result, we have a high number of loyal guests that return regularly.

Guest Rooms

Brigadier Rooms
Elegantly designed to capture the charm of the original Brigadier's house, these studio-style rooms feature a balcony or terrace with a romantic double lounge swing, and overlook pools and tropical gardens. Available as double (1 x king bed) or twin (2 x single beds), the bathroom has a shower only.

Brigadier Beachfront Spa Rooms
Similar in design to the elegant Brigadier Rooms, these rooms feature a magnificent beachfront outlook and an oversized spa for that decadent touch. Available only as a double (1 x king bed), they are suited to single or double occupancy only.

Verandah Rooms
These pool or garden view rooms open onto a wide verandah that captures the stylish elegance of tropical living. A spacious open plan room perfect for relaxing with cocktail in hand after a busy day sightseeing. Available as Double (1 x King Bed) or Twin (2 x Single Beds), there is room for a rollaway bed at an additional cost. A Special Access room is also available on the ground floor with 2 x Single Beds or 1 x King Bed.

Verandah Spa Rooms
Perfect for honeymooners or a romantic escape, these spacious rooms are similar to the Verandah Rooms, with the luxurious addition of a private double spa bath on the Verandah. Available as Double (1 x King Bed) only.

Suites

Our suites are the epitome of tropical style. All suites are spacious and airy with large balconies offering panoramic views of the beach or resort. A variety of bedding configurations are available to suit your requirements.

Family Rooms
Ideal for groups of up to 4-5 people where parents don't require the privacy of their own bedroom. These rooms consist of a main living area with king size bed, and a separate bedroom with two single beds. Bedding configuration is 1 x King Bed and 2 x Single Beds. There is room for a rollaway bed at an additional cost.

Endeavour Suite
Perfect for families who prefer two separate bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathroom. A separate living area features comfortable furnishings, and opens onto a elevated terrace area with wooden furniture overlooking the pools and gardens. Bedding configuration is 1 x King Bed and 2 x Single Beds or 2 x King Beds. There is room for a rollaway bed at an additional cost. This suite is also ideal for two couples travelling together.

Beachfront Suites
Directly overlooking beautiful Palm Cove beach, these suites enjoy breathtaking panoramic views with Dougle Island as a stunning backdrop. A separate bedroom also looks directly over the beach, and has an ensuite bathroom. Bedding configuration is 1 x King Bed. There is room in the living area for a rollaway bed at an additional cost.

The Reef Suite
Our premier suite offers commanding views over beautiful Palm Cove beach and out to the sparkling Coral Sea. There are 2 separate bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. A central living area is located between the bedrooms, opening onto a large beach-facing balcony. Bedding configuration is 1 x King Bed and 2 x Single Beds or 2 x King Beds. There is room in the living area for a rollaway bed at an additional cost.