Thala Beach Resort Port Douglas

After 45 minutes of driving from Cairns the Lobby was something to behold - probably the most intricate example of wood carving and asthetic we've seen in a hotel. This place is as plush as one could hope and we saw that on reaching the open air second level with a window-less view directly to the sea over the rainforest. The arrival cocktail was a lovely touch. The pool is awesome - a multi-tiered rock pool with several waterfalls to paddle behind.

All in all I couldn't fault the Thala - the service was exceptional and the isolation is incomparable especially with an entire beach dedicated to the resort. While not a budget destination the experience was so unique that we are short-listing this for our honeymoon. Very special.

This a wonderful, romantic place to stay. Very private and secluded treehouse bungalows sit up on stilts. We felt surrounded by nature: colorful birds, dense tropical rainforest flora, beautiful views of the ocean, and loads of geckos and toads at night! Thala seems very eco-friendly, committed to nature, etc but we absolutely felt like we were at a luxury hotel. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The staff would greet us by name if we were passing reception or going into the shop! Stunning restaurant and lounge area high up in the trees. A choice of nature walks (there are fountains with ice-cold spring water to drink on the way) wander through the resort. Or call reception and someone will come to your room and drive you to the main reception area. The pools are pretty small, and in shady areas. But we actually found so many activites to do around Port Douglas & Kurunda, that we only made to the pool once. We would love to go back again some day.

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Although the staff were a little too "fake" nice at the front counter, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay in December 2004. We had a "eucalypt" room which was spacious, and nicely decorated. The pool is fantastic, and it is only a short walk to the beach which was often deserted while we were there. The only downside was the cost of the dinner when we ate there. Besides that everything was perfect - we got our room on one of those last minute websites (wotif) for a lot less than their normal rate. The best resort in port douglas by far, and we wished we had stayed there for our whole holiday. Nothing else compared.

We arrived at Thala beach last May havnig flown direct from London straight after our wedding. Tired, jet lagged yet excited we arrived in the early hours, went straight to bed for a few hours sleep and then drew back the curtains to look at the sea view. Mmm, well, if I squinted, I could just about make out the sea! Slightly disappointed that the description did not live up to the reality, we started to explore the rest of the resort. The 2 beaches are absolutely beautiful - there didn't appear to be many other guests when we were there, so we had the beach to ourselves for 2 days. The hotel organised a picnic on one occasion which was delicious. It should be noted that in order to get anywhere within the hotel vicinity, you do have to walk on small gravel paths with an abundance of wildlife surrounding you....the frogs at night were cute, but the huge spider (size of a man's hand!) in it's web over the only path to the restaurant certainly gave me a crash course in aversion theraoy. The restaurant was lovely, if a little pricey. Location is great and the hotel easily organises trips to Kuranda (go hold a koala there!!), but avoid Cairns. I agree with other reviewers that the decor could be updated, but all in all, this is a great hotel.

Hmm, not quite what we were expecting..

While you could not argue about its location with reference to the rain forest to describe it as a beach lodge is pushing this too far. Sure there is access to a nice beach, however there are no facilites whatsoever (e.g parasols, loungers) provided. Also it is impossible to swim there for parts of the year due to the lack of a jellyfish protecting net. The swimming pools and tiny, no more than plunge pools.

The rooms were nicely private however the decor and condition were very very out dated and of poor standard for this type of price. The (essential) air con was so incredibly old and nosiy I could have been back in Africa!! Note at night the place comes alive with wildlife, on the poorly lit tracks expect many friends coming along for the walk!! If you are nervous about such things it will be interesting.. There is a theme thoughout the resort of conservation and widlife appreciation. Fine, but it takes precendent over guest comfort in my view. Having an artist in residence is just pretentious.

The restaurant was very good if very pricey for this part of the world. Eating here for several nights would eat into the largest of budgets. The staff were very good thoughout though.

All in all there is much better on offer 15mins away in Port Douglas, keep driving if I were you..

We were able to secure a special rate and stayed in their "Ecalyptus" rooms. The lodge is fantastic, great bird life and fantastic empty beaches. Extremely good service, the decor in the room could do with an upgrade a bit 1990's bamboo meets toucan bird like. We ate at the restaurant one evening, and the food was excellent too. The hightlight of our trip was ordering a picnic (which was delivered to us at the beach) and after sipping on Sparkling Wine being joined by what at first we thought were sharks but on closer inspection realised were 3 large manta Rays, it was very special. I would stay at Thala Beach Lodge again.

We stayed for only 2 nights as part of their Tropical Daze package with their sister resort - Kewarra Beach. We loved it, our 'moud' had a superb sea view with the accompanying soothing sound of the waves breaking on the beach. The walk to the chalet was through quite a steep 'forest' track but the exercise helped to increase your appetite for the food which was superb. The reception area and restaurant are stunning with views across the rainforest and the ocean - all open- no windows - with shining polished floors - one day we will return.......

A wonderful and charming hotel. Each room is its own cottage and nestled in the woods. Our cottage had its own balcony facing a gorgeous ocean view. The walk to the main lobby and restaurant is through beautifully landscaped grounds - at night it looks like a fairy tale. Great service and the restaurant is amazing food. You can ask to dine by the pool surrounded by trees - very romantic. We spent 4 days there on our honeymoon and had an amazing time.

Stayed 5 nights at Thala. Dinner in restaurant is excellent, breakfast also very good. Service is good and helpful, everyone very friendly.

Beautiful situation, cabins in woods, some with view of sea, others surrounded by trees. Beach a somewhat steep walk down from reception area, takes about 5 minutes. Cabins comfortable but sliding doors don't have screens to keep out mosquitoes, could not use balcony as got bitten all the time. Bathroom very good. Helpful at arranging tours, lots of information. Bed not very comfortable and air conditioner very noisy - at these prices would expect dual system air conditioning which would be quieter.