My ears were filled with the sound of flowing water as I sat on a little beach scanning the sea for any movement that may be the elusive platypus. I was sitting on the brink of a river, the air sticky and quiet, in the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.
The next morning, I explored the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater world before travelling a little distance inland to check into the Silky Oaks Lodge, which made this year’s editor-selected It List for Travel + Leisure. I entered an entirely other universe at this point as I made my way up a wooden walkway to the outdoor lobby, which was surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Although the hotel was just a short distance from the coast and the busier towns that serve as launching pads for the reef, as I listened to the rain forest’s chirping sounds, I couldn’t think of a more tranquil retreat to serve as a base for exploring Australia’s tropical north.
“Most visitors are awestruck by this location. The lodge’s manager, Sonya Boaden, said to me as we toured the grounds, “It’s just so different. And since they kind of are, people truly do feel as though they are completely submerged in the rainforest.
After a thorough makeover, the hotel, which is now a part of the Australian hotel chain Baillie Lodges, reopened in December 2021. It now invites visitors to a cutting-edge resort that highlights the beauty of its natural surroundings. Each accommodation has a terrace with views of the stunning surroundings, and the majority also has an outdoor tub so visitors may relax in the tranquil atmosphere.
The Daintree Pavilion, where I stayed, was a very other tale. The two-bedroom apartment, which is the biggest on the property, offers luxury and seclusion with a private pool overlooking the forest and a gorgeous outdoor living and eating area. The outdoor shower and big soaking tub in the bathroom elevate the concept of ‘forest bathing’, while floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom let in plenty of natural light.
I returned to my hotel and jumped in the pool after spending the day exploring the neighbourhood while savouring some handmade coconut ice cream that had been left in my kitchen. It’s difficult to leave the room because it comes with a fully equipped mini bar, much like all of the lodge’s accommodations.
Nature was practically all around me, from the trails I could take to the opportunity to cool off in the river without worrying about crocodiles.
With treatments that use plant essences, river stones, and woodland bathing, even the hotel’s spa welcomes nature to be a part of the experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows and dark wood combine in the treatment rooms to bring in the views and provide a relaxing mood. I chose the Sunshine State procedure, which gave me radiant skin and peace of mind as I watched the rain fall outside.
The sounds of the rainforest washed over me as I ate avocado toast for breakfast on my last morning in Australia. I was at ease and feeling renewed, and I wasn’t quite ready to leave this tranquil haven. I turned and took one final look, but as I made my way back down the twisting wooden path towards the car, I made a mental note that it wouldn’t be the last.
