Sea Temple Palm Cove

We stayed at the sea temple for 3 nights. The rooms are gorgeous as is the entire hotel. the staff was very helpful although a few of them could have been a little more knowledgeable. the location is a 10-15 minute walk to the main area of palm cove which was not to bad as it gave a chance to walk off dinner.

I woould stay there again if i ever go back.

Stayed for 5 days in Feb, thought it was a fabulous spot to relax, yes the sea is unswimable, yes palm cove is sleepy, however the staff were very friendly and helpful, the penthouse apartment was spacious and well equiped. Had a quick look at the angsana and the outrigger resorts and thought the sea temple far superior. Breakfast was very good, did'nt have dinner in the restaurent. Would go back in the area again.

Have just spent a couple of nights here in a 2-bedroom apartment. Whilst the ambience within the hotel is pretty nice (very Bali-look with lots of natural stone and wood) and the pools pretty pleasant, the general attitude of the staff is not as friendly as in most Australian resorts (with the exception of the very pleasant barman). There are some very sour faces at reception.

It is a bit away from the centre of Palm Cove, meaning a 10-15 minute walk to any other restaurant either along the beach or along a fairly unattractive back street.

I don't think Sea Temple consitutes good value for money unless you're getting a deal for about $350 per 2-bed apartment or less.

The comments about the beach by other reviewers are a tad unfair. All of Far North Queensland's beaches are affected by stingers for part of the year and almost all of Australia's beaches have a small shark risk (as do those in the USA). The beach at Palm Cove is long, clean and very attractive. Even in stinger season it is a pleasant walk.

I'd be happy to go back if there were more smiling faces and the deal was good.

We were staying for 5 nights in the Sea Temple and wouldn't book again.

We met the owner of teh Sea Temple Penthouse and he showed us around the Penthouse. Wow! What a mind blowing place. He spent Millions of Dollars on teh interior so if you plan your trip to stay in the Sea Temple, book directly with him since he is much cheaper than the booking through the Sea Temple. We will keep his card. His website address is palmavilla.

Booked three nights at this "new" resort, which has apparently been open for a few months now. The apartment we rented was supposed to be one of the "upscale" units, however the poor construction and cheap fittings were evident thruout. Noisy plumbing and 4 AM jet traffic into the airport made sleeping impossible. The worst thing was the horrible beach area; falling down trees and narrow, beach with an ocean that CAN'T be used for months at a time, due to killer jellyfish and sharks.

"Service" at this supposed five-star resort was miserable, with lazy and rude staff everywhere on the property.

Who needs this? Guam is better!

Stayed seven days, everything is wonderful. Get a one-bedroom suite, much bigger than the efficiency. Have absolutely no complaints: grounds, service, room, all amazing--and this from a fussy traveler who doesn't hesitate to give bad reviews!

I thought this place average. Four star at best. Yes it is designed well with its use of wood and stone. But that doesn't make a good hotel. I found the service typical for Australia, not a lot of it and when there was, it was all attitude. For the most part this hotel is for families, there were a lot of them there. The atmosphere was not geared for a quiet relaxing retreat, with babies, kids and parents carrying on. There were some couples and some singles, but dont expect to sit around the pool to enjoy some quiet reading and sleep, becuase you will not get it. The u shape design of the hotel complex helps confin most of the noise and it doesn't escape.

Food was good though, the chief prepares are great baramundi dish. Though the restaurant is a drawcard for locals who like to take photos and make a fuss while eating. Be prepared for the price of food and drinks here, they are very much Sydney and Melbourne prices. Breakfast was expensive but adequate. I have had better breakfast experiences in Asia though. The variety of food available at the breakfast buffet was limited, and not woth the cost (or time) really.

The room was good, a quiet retreat. Funny though, there was no chair to sit on either inside the room or on the patio. For $300+ per night you would expect something else to sit on besides the bed. Yet, the room was stylish.

Overall, I would give this place a miss. There are better in Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Yes it does look stylish, but you would expect the price you pay to reflect something more, like above average service. With its faux Asian asthetics this place is aimed at the Australian domestic market, better still if you are a couple with a new born baby in tow.

We stayed in the Sea Temple for 2 weeks right after it opened in the middle of August. The location is amazing right on the beach at Palm Cove and it is actually one of the only resorts in Palm Cove that is directly positioned on the beach. We stayed in a 2-bedroom suite and the appartments are gorgeously outfitted with all the latest amenities and equipment. We loved the jacuzzi bath. Also the Spa was excellent. They use Comfort Zone products from Italy, which apparently will only be used at the Sea Temple resorts in North Queensland. And then the cuisine, it was absolutely fabulous. Great chef and great service, very personable and after our 2 weeks we knew most of the staff by name and they certainly knew ours. We cannot wait to be back at the Sea Temple, certainly again in 2005.

As Americans living in Australia for a year, we are fortunate to be close to many vacation destinations most people can only dream about. Add the Sea Temple at Palm Cove to the list! If you find yourself in north QLD, my advice would be to leave Cairns airport and drive north not to return until your flight departs. Although Palm Cove is only 30 minutes away it feels like much more when you leave the crowds, strip malls and traffic behind. Cairns did nothing for us.The Sea Temple, however, ranks right up there with the top hotels we've ever stayed. The suites are roomy with top of the line everything, from kitchen appliances to bedding. I can't say enough good things about the resort. It is BRAND new so a few things (like concierge knowledge) have room for improvement, but you really have to look hard for something to complain about. Palm Cove is an ideal place from which to explore all the area has to offer (rainforest, cape tribulation, barrier reef, Port Douglas, etc.). My only regret was only having 5 days to work with, but hey, the Whitsundays beckoned.......

The latest 5* hotel to open in Palm Cove says Opulence all the way.

A mixture of Sandstone-work, Slate, Granite and wooden textures greet you in the foyer and instantly make you feel warm and welcome. An outlook across the Pool areas and through the tropical gardens and Mellaleuca trees to the beach and you know your in a beautiful private resort.

Dining is very fine dining indeed, with crisp white linen on the tables for Dinner and fine stemmed glassware. Complimentary appertisers surprise you after the order is taken and service is friendly and unobtusive, The dining is outdoors on a poolside terrace, or indoors if you prefer. Food is slightly Asian influenced at affordable prices. Families usually dine early, so book for a later timeslot if you have no young family. Winelist was very nice with an array of unusual 'not every day' wines on the list.