Review: The Sea Temple Palm Cove, An Oasis Of Tranquility

During my road trip around Australia, I stayed up in Palm Cove, around 30 minutes north of Cairns for a one week getaway of tranquility, relaxation and seclusion. If you’re looking for this, there was no better place than The Sea Temple Palm Cove.

The minute I stepped into the open air tropical lobby area I could relax and enjoy the stunning surrounds Palm Cove and the Sea Temple had to offer. It was so peaceful and tranquil, the perfect tropical getaway, with all activities and attractions within an arms reach.

There are a number of reasons why this hotel has stood out to me, firstly the overall design of the buildings. With palm trees around the resort, water features and three swimming pools (a large lagoon pool, a lap-style pool, and a children’s lagoon pool). Secondly the wide choice of rooms/apartments, from studio rooms all the way up to plunge pool apartment and even a penthouse apartment with a roof top jacuzzi and BBQ (which I had!).

Here is a bit of background information on the resort itself.

Location & How To Get To The Sea Temple Palm Cove

The Sea Temple Palm Cove is located in Far North Queensland, Australia. Roughly a 30 minute drive north of Cairns by the coast. Perfectly situated between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove is a stunning destination for families, couples or holiday makers. Below shows where the Sea Temple is in relation to Cairns and other nearby towns.

Getting to Palm Cove is not difficult at all, with a few international flights to Cairns and many flights a day from the major cities around Australia like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Gold Coast. In fact, Cairns is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, so make sure to book in advance if you’re travelling here in high season.

There are a few options to get to the Sea Temple Palm Cove, the first is by hire car. As there is so much to see and do in the area with Cairns and Port Douglas only a 30 minute drive away and other attractions, hiring a car is a great way to go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery around Far North Queensland. I highly recommend using Rentalcars.com, they compare prices to find you the cheapest.

The second option is booking direct with the hotel airport transfer, although this can be fairly pricey and sometimes taxis or Uber will be cheaper.

Pool and Beach Area

As previously mentioned there are three swimming pools. A large lagoon pool with sun-loungers dotted around, a lap-style pool for those wanting to keep in shape, and a children’s lagoon pool perfect for families. Each pool is great in size, and accommodates the number of guests well without feeling too crowded.

You may be thinking, surely the Sea Temple Palm Cove is located by the beach? It sure is! This was a must have for me, especially staying in Tropical North Queensland being near a beach is a must. Although, please watch out for crocodiles and if the signs are up stating a crocodile has been sighted recently they aren’t joking, trust me!

The only thing separating the hotel from the beach is a short 50m walk over the boardwalk across the lagoon.

Rooms/Apartments

There is a large range of room types at the Pullman Sea Temple Palm Cove, ranging from a studio room all the way to the Penthouse apartment. Here is a run down of the different room types, so you can decide which best suites your needs:

Studio Room: these room types are perfect for couples on a weekend getaway, with spacious in-room spa baths, complimentary robes and slippers and a balcony looking out over the hotels tropical gardens.

One Bedroom Apartment: these rooms are larger than the studio, and still great for couples and those wanting a little more space to relax and unwind. With a full king size bed, fully equipped kitchen so you can be as self sufficient as you would like, and a balcony similar to the studio room.

Two Bedroom Apartment: Perfect for small families and groups of friends. With a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and a large open balcony with outdoor furniture and seating. Each bedroom has a king size bed with an ensuite bathroom, with the master having an over-sized spa bath.

Three Bedroom Apartment: Very similar to the two bedroom apartment, however more suited to larger families and groups of friends.

Plunge Pool Apartment: Located on the ground floor, each room has a private plunge pool, courtyard to relax in serenity and a courtyard for entertaining.

Penthouse Apartment: This is the room I stayed in when I visited the Sea Temple Palm Cove. Located on the top floor, each apartment has it’s own private rooftop, with access via spiral stairs from the balcony. These are available as one, two and three bedroom apartments. The rooftop area includes a spa hot-tub, BBQ and outdoor seating. Watching the sunrise and sunset from up here was incredible! If you’re wanting something special I cannot recommend this room type enough, it certainly lived up to all expectations.

Restaurants

There is one main restaurants at the Sea Temple Palm Cove and one lagoon bar, as well as 24 hour in room dining. The first restaurant, Temple of Tastes is open for breakfast and dinner serving an a la carte menu with local and fresh produce. It is a fairly smart restaurant, and prices range between $15-$38.

The lagoon bar is perfect for a quick drink or snack during the day. Lounge by pool and choose between an array of cocktails and drinks. Lunch varies between tapas, healthy options, and a few classic favourites. Prices range between $10-$24. I had numerous cocktails during my stay here, and highly recommend the chocolate cocktail, it was delicious! Although I can’t remember the name of it, it’s hard to miss! The waiters are also very accommodating and friendly, so if you have any requests or questions they will be happy to accommodate your needs.

Attractions/Activities

Within the resort itself, they have a fully equipped gym, and an award-winning day spa which I wish I went to as it looked divine and so calming!

Outside of the resort, make sure to wake up for sunrise one morning and head down to the beach, the setting is absolutely breathtaking. You don’t even have to get dressed, just head down in your bathrobe with a cup of coffee, sit on the sand and relax. If this doesn’t let you forget your worries, nothing will!

Just a short walk from the hotel is the town centre, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars if you’re wanting a more lively and bustling vibe.

If you’re heading further afield outside of Palm Cove, here are a number of attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

Port Douglas: gorgeous seaside town with upmarket shops, cafes and stunning beaches including four mile beach!
Cairns: the largest city in Far North Queensland, great for an awesome night out, for getting a day tour onto the Great Barrier Reef and just walking around a city.
Kuranda Sky-rail and Train: we haven’t been yet, but in May when we’re back in Cairns it’s top of our list.
Mossman Gorge: located in the Daintree National Park, a stunning rainforest with waterfalls, beautiful flowers and wildlife.

Cape Tribulation: If you’re after an adventure, this is the one for you. Where rainforest meets the ocean, with stunning scenery and beaches, just watch out for the crocs!
The Great Barrier Reef: The most popular tourist attraction in the area and the largest coral reef in the world cannot be missed!

My Highly Recommended Activities In Cairns

Sea Temple Palm Cove: Overall

The Pullman Sea Temple Palm Cove is the perfect tropical getaway if you’re wanting relaxation, tranquility and seclusion. With all the amenities one could ask for. From a fully equipped gym to an award winning spa and with the beach just a 50m walk over a lagoon away you won’t want to leave, just like I didn’t!

As always, my reviews are personal and honest and I’d never recommend anything I personally haven’t tried or believe isn’t of a certain standard to my audience.

Want more luxurious hotels in Australia? Check out our bucket-list hotels in Australia blog post!