Sanctuary Retreat - Mission Beach

10 MINUTE WALK THROUGH THE RAINFOREST RAINFOREST HUT RAINFOREST HUT DELUXE CANOPY CABIN ENSUITE LOUNGE AND PRIVATE DECK PRIVATE RAINFOREST DECK DINING IN THE LONG HOUSE LONG HOUSE BAR TRANSFERS TO MISSION BEACH VILLAGE TWICE DAILY SWIMMING POOL SUROUNDED BY LUSH RAINFOREST

Sanctuary Retreat is an affordable accredited rainforest eco-lodge in Mission Beach, North Queensland, Australia, half way between Townsville and Cairns.

Please note:
Sanctuary will be closed for it's annual Wet Season maintenance period from 26th November 2011 and re-opens 6th April 2012.
 
Set on 50 acres of lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea, Sanctuary is as much a refuge for travellers as it is for wildlife.
 
With its secluded beaches meeting the Great Barrier Reef, unique accommodation, yoga, massage and delicious cuisine, Sanctuary Retreat is an unspoilt paradise you have been waiting to discover for your next holiday.

Accommodation:

Sleeping in the rainforest is a unique experience because it's at night when the rainforest comes alive…

The gentle trilling from an orchestra of insects interspersed with the croaking of frogs and the occasional haunting cries of owls is a soothing and entirely natural symphony to fall asleep to. 
In keeping with the Sanctuary low impact philosophy, buildings are designed and constructed to ensure that the vegetation and birdlife is disturbed as little as possible.  Additionally to minimize ongoing greenhouse gas emissions, the natural cooling effect of the rainforest was incorporated into the designs so that air-conditioning is not required and more than adequate cooling is produced from cross ventilation and ceiling fans.  Two unique and contrasting styles of accommodation are offered at Sanctuary to suit all tastes and budgets.

Rainforest Huts
Capturing the cool, green light of the rainforest, accommodation is in secluded forest huts nestled in the rainforest canopy.  A minimalist design maximises the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest whilst giving some personal space to those creatures you may prefer not to sleep with.
Accessed by a boardwalk to protect the forest floor, the rainforest huts have no solid walls, instead the timber structure is screened on all four sides with weather proof curtains able to be drawn for privacy and protection from adverse weather.  Each hut has a small verandah, simple furnishings and sleeps two in either double or twin occupancy.

• Single / Twin / Double
• Share Bathroom (10 – 70 metres away)
• Fans / Light
• Natural Drinking Water
• Linen Provided
• Towels available for hire from Reception
• Powerpoints available for use in communal area

Deluxe Canopy Cabins
For those interested in more creature comforts, then the deluxe canopy cabins may be for you.
Of solid wooden construction, with ample, screened glass windows, the canopy cabins offer maximum protection from the elements, while still offering a close connection to the sights and sounds of the forest.
Larger than the rainforest huts, these cabins are stylishly appointed with polished wooden floors, handmade natural timber furniture and spectacular glass-walled bathrooms looking out high in the trees. 
With a studio-style lounge and bedroom and a private, furnished verandah, the canopy cabins offer superior accommodation in an entirely natural environment.

• Single / Twin / Double / Triple
• Tea & Coffee Facilities
• Mini Bar / Fridge
• Lights / Fans
• Powerpoints
• Ensuite with glass walled shower
• Linen & Towels 

Walking tracks wind through the forest, providing views of majestic flora and rare ferns. There is a pool for that refreshing plunge, or sunbathe on the timber deck.  A short walk away lies a secluded and private rainforest-fringed beach.

Dining at Sanctuary:

The Sanctuary Longhouse Restaurant and Bar captures the essence of the tropics with polished hardwood floors, high ceilings with fans lazily shifting the balmy air and a balcony situated perfectly to watch the sunrise heralded by a dawn chorus or a full moon appear out of the sea at sunset. 
Specialising in locally grown fresh foods and excellent coffee to satisfy your base desires, Sanctuary cuisine caters to all taste buds, carnivores and vegetarians alike.  For those who can resist, well-equipped self-catering facilities are available.
With the juice bar, fresh muffins and bar snacks available in addition to Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, the relaxed atmosphere and home-made, delicious flavours can be enjoyed all day.

Retreat Centre:

A treat for all the senses..
Apart from the natural beauty of the rainforest, Sanctuary also offers massage therapy and yoga classes.
Nestled in the shade and shelter of a nearby rainforest gully, the Retreat Centre provides a therapeutic haven in a setting of breathtaking beauty.   The perfect place to relax with a massage or rejuvenate in a yoga class to the natural rhythm of the forest.

Massage
Sanctuary's experienced masseur and masseuse provide a range of massage styles from the vigorous Deep Tissue Massage with no muscular knot unattended to a relaxing Swedish massage. Or treat yourself to the ultimate in bodily pampering with an Aromatherapy massage using pure essential oils leaving you floating and totally relaxed..

Sanctuary Yoga
The purpose-built yoga room with its polished timber floors, exposed beams and high ceilings combine to provide a wonderful space for yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation to the natural rhythm of the forest. With regular classes and private classes available for beginners to advanced students you have the perfect opportunity to improve your body and mind's strength and flexibility in the ideal environment.
 
If you wish to make yoga the main focus of your holiday then a yoga retreat may be for you. A variety of yoga retreats with teachers from all round Australia and the rest of the world, are scheduled throughout the year. With an option to bring your partner for a small extra fee (with no yoga) you can find a relaxing, affordable holiday to suit you both.

Location:
 
Sanctuary can be found at Bingil Bay, Mission Beach in tropical North Queensland, about 2 hours south of Cairns and 3 hours north of Townsville.

Arrival
To help ensure the serenity of Sanctuary is preserved, no private vehicles are allowed beyond the carpark.
The Sanctuary 4WD vehicle transports guests and their luggage from the car park to the main building as well as providing a courtesy transfer for arriving coach connections between 9.15am and 5.15pm to and from the Connors Corner bus stop.

There is a direct shuttle from Cairns and Cairns Airport at 11.30am and 2.00pm daily with SunPalm Transport.
Alternatively the Greyhound or Premier coaches will arrive at Wongaling Beach (also know as Mission Beach Central) from here you will need to connect to the local Beach Bus and travel northbound to Connors Corner. 

Sanctuary is located on the top of a steep hill giving wonderful views. However, the steep terrain means that to make the most out of Sanctuary, intending guests should be reasonably fit and physically active.

Sanctuary regrets that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 11 years old.