Guilt-free pleasure

Lauren Dor

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

© The Cairns Post

 

For pampering and a slice of luxury, the Cairns International Hotel has it all.

It's not often you get to see your own backyard from such a magnificent perspective.

Years spent ferreting around the streets of Cairns for work or play did not reveal the true beauty of this spectacular region.

But step on to the balcony of one of the luxurious Cairns International Hotel rooms and the world of Cairns and surrounds is revealed.

From this view, people become tiny ants marching along the streets, toy cars zoom past and birds perch alongside you on the balcony. You really do get a bird's-eye view of this gorgeous city.

Beyond the voyeuristic people-watching on the streets below, views of soft afternoon sunlight gently sunning the ocean and rolling green mountains is truly a sight to behold.

It's the kind of place where you could pull up a chair, put your feet up on the railing with a cold drink in hand and let the afternoon melt away into the night.

But Cairns International Hotel has plenty of enticements worth exploring to draw you away from the magnificent room views. The recently opened The Spa at Cairns International would be top of the list if you have chosen to stay for some TLC.

As soon as you pass the friendly and gentle spa team and step into the warm and fluffy bathrobes, it's difficult not to give into the array of luxurious treatments.

A modern spacious bathroom and changing area leads to a sanctuary designed for quiet moments spent drinking herbal teas or reading meditation and alternative therapy books.

It is here where you can relax before a treatment or wind down after your body has been massaged and lathered with beautiful soothing oils.

There are a range of treatments on offer including facials and skin therapy, body and water treatments, massages and treatments designed specifically for men.

There are nine therapy rooms at The Spa along with a royal suite, vichy shower, hand and foot therapy areas and tranquil tropical gardens.

But if the purpose of your stay is to indulge in guilt-free pampering, then a spa package and ritual is the right choice.
The top-of-the-range treatment is the Li'tya Spa Indulgence.

At $595 it's not cheap but it is five hours of pure luxury and includes a Yerlo Tarni sea salt scrub, vichy shower and 50-minute Susu Dew massage.

The pampering then stops for a healthy and delicious snack - prepare your stomach for a massage because the spa menu is simply divine - then the treatments continue with foot and hand therapy, a skincare treatment and, to cap it off, a revitalising eye treatment.

There is a full range of facilities at the International, which has 321 guest rooms and suites, two swimming pools and spas, gym, sauna, 24-hour room service, multilingual staff and plenty of dining options.

Checking into the hotel on a Friday afternoon would be the best way kick off a weekend.

Begin with drinks at The Lobby Bar. which features live music and a classy yet relaxing atmosphere. There are cocktail tasting sessions every Friday night at 5-7pm which includes finger food.

When it comes to Cairns restaurants, the hotel has some fantastic options.

Cafe Coco has casual buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with an alternative snack menu. The Sunday brunch is a must-try and starts at 11.30am.

Or for dinner, step across to Village Lane, adjacent to the hotel, to Genkai Japanese Restaurant. Some locals call it the best Japanese restaurant in Cairns.

All in all, if you are after a luxurious weekend away involving spa treatments, gorgeous rooms with magnificent views and beautiful food, then it's time to book in at the Cairns International Hotel.

INFORMATION
WHAT:
The Cairns International Hotel is situated on Abbott St in the city.
WHERE: Rates start from about $155 a night but pay more and you can secure great package deals which include spa treatments, canapés and wine on arrival and breakfast at Cafe Coco.
DETAILS: The hotel also books tours for guests including: Great Barrier Reef cruises, scuba diving, rainforest walks, Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Train, Tjapukai- Aboriginal Cultural Park, scenic flights, four-wheel-drive safaris, fishing, hot air ballooning, bungy jumping, rafting, river cruises, Tableland/Highland tours, skydiving, horse riding, limousine charters and more.
CONTACT: For more information or to book call 4031 1300

 

Click here to book Cairns Accommodation

 


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