Palm Cove is a popular sophisticated beach suburb in the north of Cairns with majestic melaleuca trees overlooking chic restaurants and boutiques. Most of Palm Cove’s accommodation is in the 4-5 star range with plenty of luxury self-catering apartments.
We’ve chosen our five favourite self-catering apartments to stay in Palm Cove. They are all top-end but they’re quite different and appeal to different types of travellers so we’ve compared them starting with the ones that offer the most ‘resort-like’ experience.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]1. peppers palm cove (beach club)[/headline]
When I think of Peppers Beach Club I think ‘fun’ and ‘relaxed’ but that might just be because I stayed here as part of a wedding party!
Peppers have a combination of standard rooms and apartments, many even come with rooftop decks. All are extremely comfortable and feature luxury resort amenities including a fully equipped kitchen.
The accommodation is built around a beautiful lagoon pool with a beach (great for kids) and a really awesome pool bar that serves delicious strawberry mojitos.
When it comes to dining, you can order lunchtime snacks at the pool bar or visit one of the three popular Palm Cove restaurants located at the front of the resort, so you don’t need to walk far.
Overall, Peppers has a real beachy resort vibe so take your fancy kaftan and sunscreen, grab a sunlounger by the pool and order your cocktail from the swim-up bar.
Oh, did I mention the strawberry mojitos? Just saying!
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]2. sea temple palm cove[/headline]
Tucked away down the southern end of the beach away from the main street is the beautiful Sea Temple Palm Cove. It has an exclusive ‘away-from-the-crowds’ type feel and is perfect for travellers who love the peace and quiet.
On the slight downside there’s a bit more of a walk to the Esplanade if you want to dine out in one of Palm Cove’s restaurants but it gives you an excuse to go for a romantic evening stroll along the beach.
Sea Temple is definitely popular and attracts a loyal following of guests who return here year after year. While some feel it could do with an update, others love it. It does cater for families but I would be more inclined to choose Sea Temple for a romantic couple’s break.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]3. alamanda palm cove[/headline]
Location, location, location!
The Alamanda by Lancemore is not quite as plush as the others but it occupies a fantastic prime location right on the beachfront.
The apartments are spacious and modern with great views and all are built around a pool, although there’s no pool bar.
As far as dining is concerned, there are several great restaurants in Palm Cove and one of the best happens to be right on the doorstep of the Alamanda.
NuNu’s Palm Cove is an award-winning restaurant with a beautiful spot overlooking the beach so you should definitely eat here at least once.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]4. sanctuary palm cove[/headline]
The words that spring to mind when thinking of Sanctuary Palm Cove are ‘private’ and ‘tranquil’ and I have to admit this is my personal favourite for a stay in Palm Cove.
Hidden behind electronic gates that open out onto three acres of lush tropical gardens, beautiful melaleuca trees and a huge lily pond, Sanctuary is a beautifully relaxing place to stay.
There are 21 luxury, architecturally-designed apartments in total.
We have stayed in a two-bedroom apartment and also a three-bedroom apartment, both of which are extremely spacious. They have two bathrooms, a gorgeous kitchen, nice big table opening out onto a balcony with bi-fold doors and wonderful views.
Within the grounds there is also a 25 metre heated lap pool, spa, children’s pool and BBQ facilities.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]5. island views palm cove[/headline]
After million dollar views? The Island Views are located right in the middle of the Esplanade with the best views in Palm Cove.
The apartments are also the most impressive and spacious in Palm Cove with very luxurious decor and premium fittings.
And, to make sure you make the most of its prime position, they have enormous balconies with BBQ’s for lazy afternoons and entertaining.
The accommodation at Island Views is more residential than a resort, although it does have a pool. If you’re not bothered about resort facilities and you like being amongst the action watching the world go by, you will probably enjoy Island Views.
Everything is close by, you can easily walk to any of the restaurants and the views of the ocean are definitely worth staying here for.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]travel nq fast facts:[/headline]
- There is a small supermarket in Palm Cove but if you’re renting a car there are larger supermarkets at Clifton Beach (5 mins away) or Smithfield (10 mins away)
- Palm Cove is approximately 20 minutes away from Cairns International Airport
- Most reef and rainforest tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation
- Travel NQ is an affiliate of booking.com and we personally like their service so we’ve included direct links so you can book any of these properties
