Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas

The spectacular coast-hugging journey from Cairns airport to Port Douglas contains more than its fair share of breathtaking beaches and encroaching tropical vegetation, so when our arrival at Peppers Beach Club and Resort still managed to elicit a multitude of breathy ‘wows’ from our fellow passengers I suspected we were on to a winner. Set in one of Queensland’s most desirable and upmarket holiday destinations, Peppers is a haven of sleek and modern design within classic Mediterranean villa stylings. The open-air reception area, resplendent with slowly revolving ceiling fans, white pillars and glass barriers overlooking the lagoon-like pool, sets the minimalist-luxe tone that unites the range of accommodation available. We stayed in one of the spa suites (around £180 per room per night in high season) which immediately impressed with its sharp decor and own outdoor private spa, with ample room for two to soak up the tropical weather from its bubbling depths. Pricier double rooms are also on offer, with a spacious apartment layout and in some cases their own swim-up pool deck.

Private rooms aside, however, the undoubted highlight of the resort is the stunning, sand-rimmed pool at its centre. The meticulously kept mock beach boasts curtained, sofa-like areas alongside loungers, lush greenery and even gigantic stone heads, and make it a highly tempting alternative for those not wishing to brave the stingray-infested sea of the nearest beach! Despite the erratic tropical climate, the heated water makes floating along in pounding rainfall whilst watching huge flying fox bats swoop overhead a spine-tingling experience, and all within proximity of the hotel’s excellent bar and restaurant.

For when you can bear to tear yourself away from the pool, the area contains some of Australia’s most exciting and unforgettable attractions. The Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and of course the Great Barrier Reef offer some of the world’s most stunning natural scenery, all of which can be visited through local tour operators or the hotel concierge. Helicopter and balloon rides, white water rafting, cable cars above the forest canopy and visits to crocodile farms can all be arranged via Peppers’ helpful and charming staff; we loved the 4WD rainforest tour culminating in a trip to the unreal, mangrove-swamped shores of Stingray Bay.

Closer to home, the resort is a short walk away from the beautiful Four Mile Beach, best in the mornings when you can share the endless coastline with just a few intrepid joggers. A ten minute stroll down the road brings you to Port Douglas’s harbour where you can eat fresh calamari whilst watching the sunset, and further along the main street boasts some fantastic bars and restaurants – to dine like a President try Salsa, recommended by Clinton, for the best of Australian fusion cuisine.

When the time came for us to depart Queensland, it was not only the awe-inspiring landscape, adventurous range of activities and fabulous food that stood out but also the pleasure of returning in the evening to an indulgent glass of wine in our spa, overlooking the torch-surrounded pool beyond. For sheer luxurious enjoyment, Peppers deserves to be considered alongside the region’s more recognised highlights.