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Global Tourism > Destinations > Lodge, Motel, Resort
Sanctuary Retreat
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 Yoga Holiday Retreat or Rainforest Cabins Sanctuary at Mission Beach is an affordable accredited rainforest eco-lodge at Mission Beach, North Queensland, Australia, half way between Townsville and Cairns. Set on 18 hectares of lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea, Sanctuary is as much a refuge for travellers as it is for wildlife Sanctuary is one of those special places in the world where you realise you are in for a unique experience from the moment you arrive. As you are transported up the steep access track, like a green tunnel, through the rainforest, you might feel you are being carried back in time. To a simpler age where the cares and worries of the modern world are without meaning. And then you will have found Sanctuary. Sitting high on a hill to catch the cooling breezes and breathtaking views across the emerald forest to the Coral Sea beyond, the long house provides all the necessary creature comforts of life. Constructed of natural timbers and utilising the talents of local craftsmen to create exquisite natural furniture, the roomy stylish area offers an in-house restaurant specialising in locally grown fresh foods and excellent coffee to satisfy your base desires. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for. And in the evening, dining on the balcony under a brilliant canopy of stars with the moon rising is very fine dining indeed. The bar can tend to your spiritual needs and for those who who prefer to look after themselves, well equiped self-catering facilities are available. Internet facilities provide a link to the rest of the world for those who can't totally escape it and there is a shop selling the necessities of life along with locally produced works of art and handicrafts. A comprehensive rainforest reference library and book exchange are in the lounge and you can while away an afternoon in chair hammocks or on the lounges. The tour desk will assist you with expert local knowledge in arranging tours of the region Sleeping in the rainforest is a unique experience because it's at night when the rainforest comes alive. The gentle trilling from an orchestra of insects interspersed with the croaking of frogs and the occasional haunting cries of owls is a soothing and entirely natural symphony to fall asleep to. Walking tracks wind through the forest, providing views of majestic rainforest trees and rare ferns. In a terraced garden surrounded by towering trees, a tranquil pool awaits for that refreshing plunge or sunbathe on the timber deck. A short walk away, lies a beautiful, secluded and near private rainforest fringed beach Sanctuary's experienced masseur and masseuse provide a range of massage styles from the vigorous Deep Tissue Massage with no muscular knot unattended to a relaxing Swedish massage. Or treat yourself to the ultimate in bodily pampering with an Aromatherapy massage using pure essential oils leaving you floating and totally relaxed. Sanctuary hosts the area's only yoga school, so aside from improving your body and minds strength and flexibility, you have the opportunity to meet a few of the locals doing the same. Relax with them afterwards over a freshly squeezed juice and a Sanctuary baked muffin Q:Is there a fridge and tea making facilities in the room? What about a TV and hairdryer? A:There are no fridges or tea & coffee making facilities in any of the rooms at Sanctuary, although there are communal fridges for guest food and all necessary equipment for cooking and hot drinks located in the self-catering kitchen on the lower floor of the Longhouse. We encourage guests to refrain from keeping any food in their rooms as the nocturnal forest dwellers love nothing more than a midnight feast and will eat through most things (including hut walls and rucksacks) to get one! Without food as a temptation of course, they have no intention of sharing your room. A:Hairdryers are not provided though there are plenty of power points in the bathrooms if you want to bring your own. There is no television at Sanctuary (apart from the odd occasion of a World Cup and under some pretty serious duress) and generally guests appreciate the chance to unwind and get away from the rest of the world for a bit. Come and rediscover the art of conversation! Luxuriate in the opportunity to curl up on the sofa and read a book in peace for once, or if you really do crave excitement, we have a solid collection of board games to tax the intellect and feed the competitive spirit (no Twister though - itīs banned). Q:What's the difference between the rainforest huts and the canopy cabins A:The Rainforest Huts offer a close experience of nature. Built on stilts in the heart of the forest, with a boardwalk seating area, they are simple yet comfortable, with a bed(s), light, ceiling fan, screened walls and weather-proof curtains. These have shared showers and toilets in the Longhouse between 10 and 70 metres away. A:The Canopy Cabins are a more deluxe experience. Again on stilts, but with solid walls and glass, they have queen beds in the studio style bedroom and lounge, polished wooden floors and hand-crafted furniture. The en-suite has a stunning view from the shower, with the exterior wall made from clear glass. A private veranadah has a table and chairs looking out to the forest. Q:Is there a bar or should I bring my own drinks? A:There is a bar and it is well stocked! The entire Sanctuary longhouse, including the self-catering area is a licensed premises and therefore not BYO, though you may consume your own alcohol anywhere else on the premises including your room Q:Do you recommend self-catering (where are the nearest shops ?) or not (what do most people do) ? A:We recommend that you experience dining in our in-house restaurant at a hand-crafted timber table, inside or under the stars outside on the deck. We offer a reasonably priced delicious food available from 7.30am until 8pm daily. As with all food at Sanctuary our daily changing menu offers a selection to suit all and is cooked fresh to order. (a sample menu can be found here) Of course, you are welcome to self-cater in our well-equipped communal kitchen. There is a small supermarket and a delightful healthfood shop in Mission Beach. Q:Do the cabins have baths or spas? A:The cabins do not have baths or spas, but have lovely showers with big glass windows looking out onto the rainforest. Q:Do I get an ocean view from my room? A: No - but you get beautiful rainforest views! All the huts and cabins are in the heart of the rainforest and even though high up on a hill, the canopy is too dense for a view to the sea. A stunning view of the Coral Sea over the rainforest canopy is from the Longhouse deck where we recommend relaxing at a table with a coffee and muffin at any time of the day. We have more Q: and A: on our web site. Sanctuary Retreat at Mission Beach Street Address: 72 Holt Rd Bingil Bay Postal Address: P.O. Box 398 Mission Beach QLD 4852 AUSTRALIA Phone (Toll-Free): 1800 777 012 (within Australia) Phone: + 61 (0)7 4088 6064 Facsimile: + 61 (0)7 4088 6071 Bingil Bay - Mission Beach, Map E-mail for more details or prices |
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