Imagine waking up in a four-poster bed, flicking a switch to make the floor to ceiling blinds lift up and then being greeted by 180-degree views of hills and tropical rainforest as you enjoy your morning cuppa. The lifestyle that comes with a stay at The Cassowary is an absolute treat.
Luxurious resorts are ten a penny in Port Douglas but if you’re travelling with a group of friends, family or a wedding party, renting a large luxury house is a practical alternative that can work out to be both cheaper and a lot more private.
And when you are splitting the cost between a group the standard of accommodation that you can afford can often be spectacular.
the cassowary
We recently joined another family for a weekend’s stay at The Cassowary, a large modern architecturally designed house about 15 minutes north of Port Douglas.
It was already dark by the time we arrived but we instantly knew that this place was something special.
We were welcomed by the sound of water trickling down a large water feature wall, and drawn inwards towards the fantastic open plan living space with high ceilings, which opens out onto a balcony overlooking the lap pool.
First impressions are stunning. Wow!
Of course, the first thing you always have to do first on these occasions is go on a thorough guided tour and absorb all the design ideas that you’d like to install in your own house back at home.
the accommodation
The Cassowary has been designed to optimise the elevated views from every bedroom in the house, so each one faces out across the valley at the front of the property.
This means that the house effectively has two ‘wings’ with 5 bedrooms flowing along the balcony from the main hub of the living area.
There are two master suites at each end of the balcony plus an additional 3 double suites inbetween so it would accommodate five couples really well too.
With two families the accommodation was perfect for us because the parents could occupy the two main master suites at each end of the balcony while the children could occupy the other double suites in the middle.
And, as the house is so spacious that we never felt like we were encroaching on each other.
kitchens and bathrooms
You know how they always say that houses are bought and sold on the kitchen and bathroom? The Cassowary scores big points on both.
The kitchen is the kind that every house should have and makes you want to move in immediately.
Modern, state-of-the-art and streamlined, with lots of wide bench space and storage, a double-fridge and all the equipment and facilities you could ever need, including very important champagne flutes, obviously.
The ensuite bathrooms in the master suites are divine marble affairs with floor to ceiling views of the rainforest (with louvres for those who still feel the need for a little modesty).
The main ‘Honeymoon’ suite also has an outdoor rain shower and a spa bath for those who wish to indulge in even more luxury (and who doesn’t?).
eco designed
The Cassowary has been so cleverly designed that it makes an imposing statement as a building and yet it is still sensitive to the surrounding environment.
It was specifically designed along eco principles and even has a five star energy efficiency rating.
a blissful weekend
We spent an idyllic weekend at the Cassowary – relaxing, swimming, reading, chatting, admiring the views and just generally enjoying the facilities.
And, as if it could get any better, on the second night two ladies also turned up from Mai Thai Massage in Port Douglas to give us an in-house massage. Ah, what a blissful way to live.
travel nq fast facts:
- The Cassowary is available for private rentals as well as weddings, corporate getaways and wellness retreats.
