Luxury Honeymoons – Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas

Soaking up some beautiful landscapes while escaping the monotony of 9-5… yep, sometimes an island getaway is exactly what you need. Australia’s been blessed with some stunning locations, and Port Douglas is no exception.

Naturally, you want to stay somewhere that only enhances the beauty of your surroundings – and you’ll find that at Thala Beach Lodge. An eco resort situated on a 2-kilometre stretch of pristine, untouched coastline, Thala Beach Lodge is just the secluded, tranquil place for you to unwind.

The resort is made up of timber bungalows tucked away in Port Douglas’s natural forests, close to beautiful secluded beaches. Every building takes advantage of the balmy tropical weather the island is blessed with (any summer heat is combated with refreshing coastal breezes!), and you’ll wake up to the lovely sounds of native lorikeets, sun birds and honey birds. You’ll also have panoramic views – at Thala Beach Lodge, you can see from Double Island to Cape Tribulation, even getting views of the Great Barrier Reef’s glittering waters.

The resort offers four different accommodation options. The Jungle Walk Bungalows are nestled deep in the woodland forest, furthest from the main lodge area. Intimate, natural and unique, the rooms accommodate two people.

In the Eucalypt Bungalows you’ll certainly remember you’re in a tropical forest! Tropical birds rest in the surrounding treetops and your room is the perfect location to watch the birds and butterflies that call the forest home. Each bungalow is individually placed and rises up the headland through Eucalpyt forest.

Closer to the ocean, the Coral Sea Bungalows are for those who want to see all that Thala has on display. Following the ridges of the headland, the fringes of the forest canopy give way to stunning ocean views. You may even see a pod of dolphins swimming – all from the comfort of your own private verandah. On the headland lies the Sandpiper Suite, offering privacy and romance with unmatched views of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. With a private verandah, lounge and spacious bedroom, it’s luxury at its finest.

Want to make the most of your honeymoon? Thala has plenty of options. Take a walk through some native Australian flora guided by experts (Brett and his team love sharing their passion for the environment!), or perhaps you can take a guided bird and butterfly tour with David, Thala’s expert in these winged beauties. City couples, if you’ve always wanted to see the stars without city lights getting in the way, now’s your chance. Thala’s guides will explain the constellations lighting up the night skies – and there’s millions of stars for you to see!

The resort also has a pool you can splash around in, but it’s not like any average pool – here, it’s hidden away in the picturesque garden and surrounded by spas, waterfalls and grottos.

Delicious food is definitely something I look forward to on a getaway, and getting some relaxation in is another. Thala’s got guests covered on both! After a day of exploring, indulge in a treatment at Thala’s Beauty and Wellness Studio. A variety of wraps, massages and facials are available for guests, all rejuvenating, soothing and relaxing.

At Ospreys, modern Australian cuisine combines with uninterrupted views to give you a completely unique dining experience. Its seasonal menu focused on fresh local produce makes it a popular choice not only for resort guests, but for locals too! You can also grab a delicious cocktail at the nearby Masked Plover Cocktail Bar, which overlooks Thala’s pool, coast and rainforests.

If you want to take a memento home as a reminder of your honeymoon, I’m convinced Thala has one of the prettiest options there could be. Thala has a little boutique selling Australian Opals and handcrafted jewellery, perfect for anyone who loves something a little bit gorgeous!

Complete luxury, am I right? I love the idea of being completely secluded, under a canopy of shimmering stars and with ocean sounds drifting me to sleep. Check out Thala Beach Lodge online, on Facebook or on Twitter for more information and pictures!

Pictures courtesy of Thala Beach Lodge