Blue Lagoon Resort

Referencing the actual lagoon it backs onto, the Blue Lagoon Resort unfolds more like a modern residential community than a resort, with two restaurants on either side of the entrance, and a wide curbed road winding through the property to access units and parking areas. Apartments reside in a series of three-story modern buildings positioned on either side of the road, which essentially creates two zones -- each with its own pool. The reception office is plonked somewhere in the middle -- beneath tall, shady Paperbark trees. Sparkling aqua pools add contrast to the tropical gardens enveloping them. The infinity pool has been designed to appear as an extension of the lagoon itself, while the shaded pool narrowly snakes between two apartment buildings, providing many apartments with pool views and units on the ground floor with direct swim-out access.

Blue Lagoon is a magnet for families, and the infinity pool can attract rowdy kids. The shaded pool, however, tends to remain calmer. The tennis court and lap pool are several minutes walk deeper into the property, and can offer peace and quiet. One restaurant was under renovation during our visit, but Blue Moon Grill took on a romantic evening ambience with outdoor seating, candle-lit tables, and calm lagoon views.  

Trinity Beach sits about 25 minutes drive north of Cairns and 12 minutes south of Palm Cove on the Far North Queensland coast. A car definitely makes sense here. Blue Lagoon Resort is a seven-minute walk to the sand and surf on Trinity Beach, where Trinity Beach Tavern is also located. This is a great locals’ spot for a drink and a pub-style meal right opposite the beach. A hub of local shops, takeaway joints, and a NightOwl supermarket is located about three minutes’ drive or a 15-minute walk up the road from the resort. A number of restaurants scatter the Trinity Beach Area, and two of them are located at Blue Lagoon’s main entrance. There's Blue Moon Grill (modern Australian), and the second restaurant was under renovation during our visit (scheduled to reopen in 2018) with a convenience store attached. There are also cafes and eateries that sprinkle the beachfront esplanade. A choice of nearby golf spots includes Paradise Palms Golf Course (eight minutes by car) and Half Moon Bay Golf Club (14 minutes). Some worthwhile highlights on this region include Kuranda (24 minutes) and Port Douglas (50 minutes). Those keen on visiting the Great Barrier Reef will need to travel to either Cairns or Port Douglas from where boats depart. It’s about 20 minutes in the car to and from Cairns International Airport. 

Blue Lagoon categories range from Studio (Standard or Deluxe), to One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Apartments. The latter combines a Two-Bedroom Apartment with a Studio. Matching rattan and dark wood furniture gives otherwise all-white rooms rich, tropical contrast. Complementing color accents move from bright coastal blues, to rain forest greens, to earthy tones and leafy nature prints on fabrics. Artworks and photography prints add more nature cues to walls. All units step onto private balconies, and most have lagoon or pool views. They also come equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, toasters, microwaves, kitchen equipment, and free Wi-Fi. Extra blankets, irons, ironing boards, brooms, mops, and safes are also provided.

Standard Studios resemble traditional hotel rooms (but with kitchenettes), while Deluxe Studios offer a step up with laundries and large refrigerators. The Apartments have separate living/dining areas with DVD players, full kitchens, laundries, and bigger balconies. Some ground floor rooms, located at the shaded pool, have direct swim-out access to the pool.

Bathrooms are modern and practical, with showers (no tubs), wall-mounted hairdryers, and a selection of toiletries. Blue Lagoon Resort is a self-catering property, which means there is no daily housekeeping service. However, for stays of seven nights or more, a mid-stay service will take place.  

Three pools are scattered throughout the property. Two are freeform lagoon-style pools and the other is a lap pool. The two main pools each offer some deck chairs, and outdoor barbecue areas for guests to use at their leisure. One pool runs between two apartment buildings, so it’s shaded and cool. The infinity is more exposed to the sun and tends to attract kids so it can be loud. There is a fitness center, though it’s pretty basic, with several pieces of cardio equipment, some free weights, and a few exercise balls. 

The individually owned Blue Moon Grill resides on one side of the main entrance to the resort. While casual, Blue Moon Grill is considered one of the area’s best. It serves all meals, with an emphasis on modern Australian dishes that showcase local seafood alongside an extensive bar menu. Free on-site parking is offered throughout the property, as is free Wi-Fi. Some guests find the Wi-Fi to be reliable, while others find the opposite -- though Wi-Fi is typically temperamental in this region.