Sanctuary Retreat - Mission Beach

10 MINUTE WALK THROUGH THE RAINFOREST 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 set on 18 hectares of lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea. Designed to minimally impact the surrounding rainforest, Sanctuary Retreat provides a haven for the traveller as well as for native wildlife.  

Sanctuary is a unique experience from the moment you arrive. Sitting high on a hill to catch cool breezes with breathtaking views to the Coral Sea, the Retreat is accessed via a steep walking track through the rainforest, where magnificent cassowaries reside.

Constructed from timbers, utilising the talents of local craftsmen to create exquisite natural furniture, the spacious retreat offers an in-house restaurant which specialises in locally-grown fresh foods and excellent coffee. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for. In the evening, dining on the balcony under a brilliant canopy of stars is quite amazing.

The bar will tend to your spiritual needs and for those who prefer to look after themselves, well equiped self-catering facilities are available.

Internet facilities provide a link to the rest of the world for those who can't totally escape it and there is a shop selling the necessities along with locally produced works of art and handicrafts. A comprehensive rainforest reference library and book exchange are in the lounge and you can while away an afternoon in chair hammocks. 

Accommodation 
Accommodation is in elevated secluded forest huts nestled in the rainforest canopy. Each hut sleeps two in either double or twin occupancy. A minimalist design maximises the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest whilst keeping out those creatures you may prefer not to sleep with.

In keeping with the Sanctuary low-impact philosophy, buildings are designed and constructed to ensure that the vegetation and bird life is disturbed as little as possible. Adjoining huts are connected by boardwalks to protect the forest floor.
     
For those interested more in creature comforts, then the deluxe canopy cabins may be for you. Larger than the rainforest huts, these cabins are comfortably appointed with wooden floors, handmade natural timber furniture and charming bathrooms looking out high into the trees. With twin or queen bed options, the canopy cabins offer superior accommodation in an entirely natural environment.   
                  
Sleeping in the rainforest is a unique experience because it is really at night that the rainforest comes alive. Gentle trilling from an orchestra of insects interspersed with the croaking of frogs and the occasional haunting cries of owls is a soothing symphony to fall asleep to.

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.

Massage & Spa 
Apart from the natural beauty of the rainforest, Sanctuary also offers massage therapy and yoga classes. Sanctuary's experienced masseuses provide a range of massage styles from Deep Tissue to Swedish massage. Or treat yourself to the ultimate in bodily pampering with an aromatherapy massage using pure essential oils.  

Yoga
Sanctuary hosts the area's only yoga school, so aside from improving your body and minds strength and flexibility, you have the opportunity to meet a few of the locals doing the same. Relax with them afterwards over freshly squeezed juice and Sanctuary baked muffins.
Sanctuary yoga is inspired by  the Iyengar and Ashtanga teachings with regular workshops catering for beginners to advanced students.

Please note: the resort is closed 24th. Dec.'08 - 2nd. Jan.'09 and 1st. Feb.'09 - 15th.March '09

GOOD NEWS: All bookings made through Travstar do not incur a credit card surcharge.