Silky Oaks Lodge, Beckons

Style

Refined rainforest retreat

Setting

Just the thicket

Whether plunging into pristine primaeval rainforest, dipping into a cooling billabong, or simply sinking into a swaying hammock, a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, Beckons is truly immersive. A soundscape of trilling insects, chirruping tropical birds and whooshing river certainly adds to the delightfully multisensory experience. Perfume from the (allegedly aphrodisiacal) ylang-ylang tree hangs heavy in the steamy air, further arousing the senses. An eight-figure makeover also gave the treehouse retreat a self-assured polish, though with an understated aesthetic that always puts its enchanting jungle surrounds centre stage – and immerses you in it.

Facilities

Rooms

40, including three suites and a two-bedroom Daintree Pavillion.

Checkout

10.30am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 2pm.

More Details

Rates include breakfast and dinner with a daily menu paired with premium wine. Also part of the package are evening drinks hour, morning yoga class, exclusive access to Fig Tree Rapids walking trails, and daily transfers to and from Port Douglas.

Also

If you’re hoping to get a hop on the day, the lodge can arrange breakfast hampers and picnics to be delivered to your room. Backpacks are also provided in rooms for excursions.

Fitness Center

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Spa

At the Hotel

Swimming pool, free WiFi throughout, yoga deck, loaner bikes, lounge, concierge, kitchen garden, gift shop. In rooms: free minibar, music system, hammock terrace, tea- and coffee-maker, premium toiletries.

Our Favourite Rooms

With its skillion ceilings, wraparound glass walls and two separate bedroom wings, the Daintree Pavilion is an absolute blow-the-budget beauty. Spacious, superbly crafted interiors segue seamlessly into a huge open-air atrium with tiered infinity pool overlooking the lush jungle surrounds. The two ensuite bathrooms even extend to private decks with tubs where you can soak to the sound of the Mossman River passing below. For a lot less outlay, the Treehouse Retreat also offers an outdoor stone tub on the veranda where you can jungle-bathe under the stars.

Poolside

A lagoon-style pool is lined with boulders and surrounded by jungle, with a small waterfall adding to the illusion of swimming in the wild.

Spa

No windowless basement here – the Healing Waters Spa offers a series of sunlight-filled spaces with big rainforest-framing windows. Aromatherapy and botanicals feature in treatments inspired by local native traditions. We recommended the purifying mud bath and invigorating Vichy shower while gazing out over the jungle canopy.

Packing Tips

The lodge does provide free eco-friendly spray, but mozzie magnets should consider coming armed with weapons-grade repellent during the rainy season. Solid footwear, sunscreen and a functional hat should also make the cut.

Also

Lodge facilities and one room is wheelchair accessible, which also has easy access bathroom facilities. The shuttle van is also wheelchair compatible.

Children

The potentially perilous jungle setting means children under 10 are not allowed; some rooms are big enough for families with kids.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Nab anywhere jungle-side if you can, for the best of the breeze and more chance of one of the cobalt blue butterflies flitting by your table while you eat. For pre-dinner drinks, head to the Jungle Perch for virtually 360-degree rainforest.

Dress Code

Something floaty but fabulous for sultry sittings.

Hotel Restaurant

Perched over the Mossman River, the Treehouse Restaurant is an inviting split-level eatery with an airy, open-sided layout that makes for widescreen jungle views. The menu takes its cue from the huge Kitchen Garden, where the team cultivates dozens of ingredients. This means plenty of native tropical flavours, like finger lime and pandan, bringing zing and exotic notes to colourfully presented dishes. A commitment to locavore dining means everything not grown on site is sourced close by.

Hotel Bar

The lodge’s Silky Bar has a suitably smooth look and feel, with low-lit green glaze tiling and warm wood. Premium Aussie wines feature on the drinks list, with local Hemingway’s tropical ale standing out among the beers. Spirits, too, are locally sourced and small-batch, with Baillies 9 gin exclusive to the lodge. Sunset cocktails and canapés are served here daily, providing mingling opportunities too.

Last Orders

8.30pm

Planes

The nearest place to fly into is Cairns Airport (CNS), just over an hour by road. It offers direct commercial flights from most of the main national and international hubs.

Automobiles

Self-driving to Silky Oaks is a popular option, thanks to the route through Queensland’s picturesque cane fields and winding coastal roads. Hire a car in Port Douglas or Cairns, and in case you’re wondering, you won’t need a four-by-four to drive around Daintree. The hotel also offer daily free return transfers to Port Douglas.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

With its network of jungle walks, scenic gorges and encyclopaedia of wildlife, getting up close to nature is what this place is all about. A series of marked walking trails means you can explore the Daintree rainforest surroundings independently; we recommend a Walkabout Tour from a First Nations Kuku Yalanji guide to really get the most out of it. Then, to rejuvenate, pay a visit to the Healing Waters Spa for treatments in the rainforest.

Both a top beach resort and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is just 20 minutes away and the hotel will drop you there for free. At an hours’ drive, Cape Tribulation is still worth the journey and a spectacular swathe of sandy headland (best explored on horseback). Alternatively, why not just take in the lot from the skies and ask reception to arrange a hot-air-balloon tour.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .