The Reef House: The unassuming Aussie hideaway named BEST luxury hotel in the country for 2025
The Reef House, an adults-only retreat in North Queensland, has been a go-to for those in the know for 47 years - yet many still walk right past, unaware of its existence.
Beloved for its outstanding customer service and down to earth yet high-end hospitality, it came as no surprise when it was named Australia's best five star luxury accommodation.
The latest accolade comes after a very successful 2024 for the hotel, which won number one luxury hotel on TripAdvisor, number one hotel in the South Pacific and Australia and North Queensland Restaurant of the Year.
The Reef House Director, Malcolm Bean, congratulated the hotel's team, led by General Manager Wayne Harris, for their commitment to customer service.
'It is an honour to have The Reef House Adults Retreat recognised by the tourism industry as the best five-star luxury accommodation in Australia for the second year in a row after entering the Hall of Fame at the Queensland Tourism Awards in November for three consecutive wins,' he said.
'Our vision for an adults-only wellness resort that delivers remarkable customer service with more than 28 complimentary Signature Inclusions is resounding with travellers who return again and again.
'Returns continue to grow with 36 per cent of our guests repeat visitors.'
Among the inclusions he mentioned are a pool butler serving cold towels and tropical sorbets and the General Manager hosting punch and canapes each evening at the Brigadier's Honesty Bar.
There are also interactive cocktail classes twice per week, a bottle of sparkling in every room, a sommelier wine appreciation experience, escape planning specialists, a dedicated wine room, a curated room arrival with music and oil burners and countless activities like yoga, aqua aerobics and breathing classes.
Rich in history, the hotel was built in 1958 and one of the first Palm Cove properties.
It was operated by Brigadier David Thomson as a private residence where visitors were treated as personal guests; guests include countless Aussie celebrities and politicians.
The hotel's accommodation options cover a broad range of rooms, suites and apartments suiting couples, singles or small groups of every size and interest.
Of the 67 rooms and suites (starting at $623 a night depending on the time of year), guest favourites include the Verandah King Spa Suite, Ocean View King Room and Melaleuca King Spa Room.
There are also two swimming pools, the tranquility pool and heated mineral pool, the award-winning Reef House Restaurant and Day Spa, a personal concierge service and unlimited use of vintage cruiser bikes and fishing rods.
'Over the past 15 years we have continued to develop The Reef House Adults Retreat business model and create a new category of a "Full Service Adults Retreat" that is unique in Australia,' Mr Bean continued.
'Investment in traditional customer service is the primary focus, with multiple in-house experiences included to offer guests value, and an adults-only policy to ensure rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.'
And the reviews speak for themselves, with hundreds of delighted guests rating their experience an 'easy five stars'.
'The service was impeccable at the resort. The staff were super friendly and the facilities were phenomenal,' a recent guest gushed.
'This place is amazing,' another echoed.
'We are locals and have always wanted to stay. When a special came up we jumped at the chance and we were not disappointed. The service is like no where else I have ever visited and is the stand out.
'We felt like VIPs and are so sad that we didn't stay longer. The food was amazing, drinks were amazing, bed was amazing, pools amazing. Can't stop thinking about our stay and cannot wait to go back.'
One more added: 'This was our second time at the reef house after two years and that was far too long without the rest, rejuvenation, and relaxation that The Reef House has to offer.
'Our stay would not be the same without the amazing staff that go above and beyond for us every time. We can't wait to come back to our little slice of paradise that is The Reef House.
'Words can not describe the love we have for the team, they make us feel like family.'
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