Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Privately nestled at the bottom of Palm Cove’s quaint restaurant-lined Esplanade, lush tropical gardens and lofty palm trees veil Alamanda’s understated entrance with an air of exclusivity. Welcome Champagne, beer, or punch is offered to guests on arrival in the air-conditioned reception area, right opposite the open-air lobby lounge -- a rustic-chic tent pavilion, enveloped by more lush gardens, with suspended egg chairs and lounge settings scattered about on polished wood floors. From here, a boardwalk dissects the property with pools on either side. On the beach side, the rock pool, surrounded by a natural rocky landscape, neighbors the Alamanda Spa. The main family-friendly pool centers the property on the other side. It’s surrounded by lawns and gardens and overlooked by many rooms residing in four-story, white-rendered buildings with slate-floored corridors.Narrow stone pathways meander the property, connecting rooms with the palm-fringed beachfront, where the adult-only pool and all-white wedding chapel also reside. At night, tall flaming torches help guide the way. The hotel stretches along the beachfront, separated from the water only by lush lawns, gently sloping palm trees, and the sandy shore. The indoor/outdoor restaurant, Nu Nu, takes on its own decor vibe. Inside, it’s airy, relaxed, modern, and decorated with overflowing baskets of ferns. Outside, white- and yellow-striped umbrellas shade neatly dressed tables on the al fresco beachfront deck. Alamanda is a magnet for well-to-do young families, so babies and toddlers in the main pool are a common site. However, romantic ambience is plentiful, which draws in plenty of couples. 

Palm Cove is considered a fairly central base for those exploring this region of Far North Queensland. Alamanda is located right next to the beach in Palm Cove, which sits about 30 minutes north of Cairns and 40 minutes south of Port Douglas -- the two main gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Alamanda resides at the southern end of the beachfront esplanade, where a long, picturesque parade of restaurants, bars, and cafes spoil guests for choice. Palm Cove Shopping Village is also nestled on this stretch, about an eight-minute walk. While most of the beach isn't swimmable during stingray season (Australia’s summer months), there is a netted area further up the beach where beachgoers can safely swim most of the time. Worthwhile highlights in this region include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (15-minute drive) and picturesque Kuranda (28 minutes). Expect a 25-minute drive from Cairns International Airport.

Available in One-, Two-, Three-, and Four-Bedroom categories, Suites are fully self-contained, beautifully decorated with a chic coastal flavor, and equipped with plenty of thoughtful features for a long-term stay. The abundance of space offered by layouts is luxe in itself -- starting at 915 square feet for a One-Bedroom Suite and ranging up to 2,700 square feet for the Four-Bedroom Alamanda Suite. Some Suites unfold over two floors while others are same-level.Expansive, separate open plan living areas feature big L-shaped built-in sofas made for lounging and proper dining tables. Master bedrooms are huge, with super comfy king-size platform beds, ensuite bathrooms, and walk-in closets. Additional bedrooms offer king or twin bed configurations. All Suites feature separate laundries with washers, dryers, irons, and ironing boards. Split system air conditioning and ceiling fans are provided in each room. Additional amenities include flat-screen TVs with movies on demand, DVD players, safes, pool towels, and free Wi-Fi. Wall-to-wall glass sliders open onto spacious balconies furnished with comfortable wood deck chairs and side tables. Most suites have pool views, while beachfront rooms have mesmerizing, palm-treed views of Palm Cove Beach. Kitchens are a treat for entertainers, with huge granite breakfast bars, Nespresso coffeemakers, and Miele appliances, including microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, and large integrated refrigerators. Minibars are stocked with good quality snacks and booze, such Mumm Champagne and premium Australian wine, and prices are fair. Bathrooms, all generously sized, feature big wood and black-granite vanities with floating basins and large mirrors. Some bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, while others have frameless glass showers. A generous selection of aromatic Appelles Apothecary toiletries are also provided in each bathroom. Plush bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided. Alamanda also offers guests a home delivery groceries service through the local Coles supermarket, so the Suite can be stocked with necessities on arrival.  

Alamanda packs in a solid array of features which begin with a free, ice-cold welcome drink on arrival. The property is home to one of Queensland’s star restaurants, Nu Nu. Offering indoor and al fresco deck dining just off the beach, Nu Nu serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a modern Australian menu that’s revered for its gourmet creativity. Alamanda guests have access to a special breakfast deal that just needs to be arranged with reception the day before dining.There are three pools and each has its own vibe. The main (largest pool) is family-friendly; the rock pool is surrounded by a nature-inspired rock landscape; and the third pool is adult-only, sharing its gated beachfront setting with barbecues and outdoor dining tables for guests to enjoy at their leisure. The adult-only pool is a rare treat for kid-free travelers and couples in an area that’s becoming increasingly popular with parents… and their little ones. Poolside drink service is available. The Alamanda Spa features a menu of various face, body, and massage treatments which may either take place inside traditional treatment rooms, or in one of several open-air spa pavilions -- of which each has its own private plunge pool looking right over the beach. There’s a fitness center, and while adequate for a workout, it’s on the small side and may not satisfy fitness fanatics. Reception offers a free tour booking service. Concierge staff will happily assist with just about anything, and custom grocery packages can be arranged. A choice of off-street and secure undercover parking is provided free of charge. Free Wi-Fi is also provided throughout, and it was the most reliable we experienced in the area, which is renowned for spotty service. Alamanda is a popular spot for weddings, thanks to its romantic ambience and gorgeous chapel which looks toward the beach. Events of all kinds can be arranged to capitalize on the beautiful beachfront setting. Long-table lunch and dinner parties under the palms are a frequent event, while the open-air lobby lounge and choice of meeting rooms are also available for functions.A game room for kids, featuring billiards and video games, is also on offer. Kid-friendly offerings like beach toys, strollers, and baby baths are available free of charge.