Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat

This was a good choice for a first visit to Port Douglas. Adults only meant it was super quiet (we were not on the side with the road) and it is in a great location for going to the beach, port or town - all easily walkable. We had a small studio which was a bit snug for 6 nights although the balcony was lovely and a good size. As others have noted the rooms are a bit dated and with wear and tear evident, but the grounds and gardens are immaculate. Found all the staff helpful - particularly Caitlyn who helped with transport to Palm Cove when I left booking it a bit late!

Shantari is a lovely looking modern building with many apartments. We stayed in 5A which is a one bed. It is nicely furnished and has lovely art work on the walls. A galley style kitchen that has glasses, including wine & champagne, cutlery, kettle, plates etc and a 2 burner hot plate to cook if you wish. A 4 seater table, 3 seater couch, tv mounted on the wall & 2 coffee tables. From the living room, there is a small court yard with a table & 2 chairs that has a retractable awning. Next to this is your own spa, which also has a fixed awning. Going into the bedroom from the living, there is a king size bed, side tables with 1 drawer for some clothes, shelves in the wardrobe and plenty of room for hanging. The bathroom is large with a spa bath, single vanity with cupboard underneath to put some toiletries in and a large walk in shower. The water was always hot and the water pressure is excellent. The towels are the large bath sheets with 4 in the bathroom. If you need more, they can be obtained from reception. There is another veranda which has a table, 2 chairs and a sun lounge. This sun lounge is very uncomfortable. Outside the pool fence, you have a small deck with another sun lounge, this one is comfortable. The apartment is a direct access to the pool. There are a couple of ladders into the pool, but also some large steps for access. Another great feature is the pool is heated. The pool is chlorinated. SHANTARA is close to McCrosman St where all the shops, cafes & restaurants are. It is close to the beach which is lovely to go for a walk along, or a swim. It’s an excellent location. The only thing for me that was not good was the bed. It’s a king size, fantastic, but you would roll off the side as there is a lump in the middle. It needs a new mattress and pillows. Shanatara is a great place to stay and highly recommended.

Would have been better if the pool was heated