Oaks Resort Port Douglas

Like many resort properties on the main drag into Port Douglas, the Oaks Resort (formerly the QT Port Douglas) is set back from the road, behind lush gardens and lofty palm trees. Cute vintage bikes in peppermint-green, a white Mini Moke, and a cart of self-serve lemonade set a quirky retro tone at the entrance. This kitsch tropical theme is carried throughout the resort’s big, open common spaces that unfold like a giant, breezy beach house with soaring pavilion ceilings overhead. Giant lily pads and fuchsia lotus flowers blanket a huge koi pond dividing the lobby and cocktail bar from the restaurant. Deck chairs surround the lagoon-style pool, and rooms fan out either side, in all-white, two-story buildings set among beautiful tropical gardens. While the Oaks’ decor and layout channel barefoot chic, other elements let this place down, including minimal staffing and general wear. The new management -- in place since December 2018 -- has already announced plans to renovate the property, though.

The Oaks Resort is located in a quiet, resort-filled part of southern Port Douglas. While there are a couple of eateries within walking distance, most are in the heart of the city, located about a five-minute drive away. A regular shuttle service is available for an extra cost. The resort is a 10-minute walk from the nearest beach, and Four Mile Beach is four minutes’ drive away. Unless guests are planning to stay on-site or use the shuttle to get around, a car makes sense here, and there’s plenty of free parking on-site. Port Douglas is one of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, and less-crowded boats are known to depart from here. They also tend to visit deeper, better, and less busy reef spots than boats departing from the tourist hub of Cairns. The Oaks Resort is about an hour’s drive from the Cairns CBD, and 55 minutes from Cairns Airport.

The hotel has 160 rooms, all decorated in a contemporary, fresh style. Crisp white walls and bedding are offset with blond-wood headboards and black-striped bed skirts. Pineapple-print lampshades add a tropical retro factor. However, beyond the fun touches, signs of wear let rooms down, and some furnishings -- such as coffee tables and desks -- look extremely basic. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs and work desks, along with electric kettles, minibars, crockery, silverware, and glassware (wine and water glasses). One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments add separate living areas, basic kitchenettes with dishwashers, cooktops, and microwaves, plus dining tables and washer/dryers. 

Bathrooms are modern, with floating rectangular basins, glass showers (no tubs), hairdryers, and fishbowl vases filled with Malin + Goetz toiletries. All categories have balconies and come with a choice of garden or pool views, but those near the pool can encounter music from loudspeakers and noise from loud kids. While Wi-Fi is offered free of charge, it simply doesn’t work in many rooms. 

The freeform lagoon pool at the center of the property is surrounded by deck chairs, though they can fill up when it’s busy. Cocktails and daytime snacks can be ordered from the swim-up bar. However, the process can take some time due to minimal staff. The restaurant is a stylish sight and offers a tasty, varied buffet that includes made-to-order eggs, meat, and fish, while the hip cocktail bar serves smaller bites with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating, plus pool and ping-pong tables. Room service is on offer until the kitchen closes each day.

The fitness center offers a good range of cardio and weight-training equipment in a light space overlooking the Olympic-length swimming pool. Two tennis courts are also available on-site. The spa offers an extensive selection of spa and beauty treatments, tailored to singles, couples, and groups. The Oaks Resort caters to weddings and all manner of conferences with 11 indoor and outdoor event spaces. A shuttle makes regular trips into town, but there is a charge per person. Plenty of free outdoor parking is available, and bicycles can be borrowed for a fee.