As ever with any spa resort spa prefaced by the word Angsana, the touchy-feely part of this operation is exceptional. The Thai masseuse thankfully speaks little English thus sparing us the tedium of faux knowledge. You know the drill - “this oil contains notes of fresh frangipani with citrus undertones to awaken your senses” spoken in the sort of hushed tones reserved for sanctified grounds. Nevertheless aromatherapy is used extensively and
skilfully at Angsana, just without the unnecessary commentary.
The woman in reception will just ask you to name your pleasure and the practitioner only wants to know if you’d like that massage hard, medium or soft. Hard means hard too as I found out but it was a full 10 minutes later before I could gather enough air in my squeezed lungs to squeak “Maybe medium or even soft now.”
The outdoor pavilion with strips of material wafting in the breeze is the one to beg for but even if you score the indoor spa room you’ll soon discover why this
Angsana resort has won more awards than Spielberg. The five-star property, 20 minutes drive from Cairns, has a prime position on Palm Cove’s white sand beach. It’s not the only hotel on the lovely strip but I’m betting it’s the most opulent.
The resort has 67 apartment-style suites, three swimming pools and a terrific restaurant and bar. The suites suit families and couples alike since there are two and three bedroom suites plus the luxurious
Angsana suite which comes with its own swimming pool, terrace and barbecue pit. Eating outdoors on a hot night at the
Angsana is one of the great pleasures in life.
Another would definitely be exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Angsana is well-positioned for guests wanting to visit this natural wonder. The resort boasts that it sits where the Daintree-Cape Tribulation rainforest meets the reef and it’s not wrong. Even if guests don’t make the rainforest, the resort has done its best with their own tropical gardens. In fact the whole experience is rather like staying in a well-appointed condo. A fine urban beach hotel if that’s not a contradiction in terms.
