This glam eco-lodge on 32 hectares of rainforest on Kuku Yalanji Country just 60 minutes’ drive from Cairns, sets the standard for immersive, nature-based luxury. The 180-million-year-old Daintree is rightfully the star here, with guest suites and communal areas flowing into the leafy canopy, which hosts 3000 plant species, 430 species of birds and the crystal-clear Mossman River that drifts through the property.
The rooms
Forty airy treehouse and riverside rooms range from the Treehouse to the Daintree Pavilion (with pool). The free-flowing plan includes indoor-outdoor lounging spaces and private decks with hammocks swinging in the breeze. Décor has a refined aesthetic, with gleaming timber floors, easy furnishings and a generous bathroom with (naturally) a rain shower. Amenities such as the lovely print bathrobes are custom made. We love the home-baked lemon myrtle cookies on arrival.
Food & drink
The emphasis is on the tropics and its produce, with bright and zestful dishes with the focus on local ingredients, plus a selection of wines and drinks chosen to suit the humid climate. Meals at Silky Oaks Lodge are served in the dramatic Treehouse Restaurant and bar overlooking the Mossman River. The Jungle Perch, cantilevered into the forest, is the place for introductory drinks or just to chill. The flourishing garden is the heart of the kitchen, where staff cultivate tropical and Indigenous ingredients that are incorporated into the dishes.
The service
The young international staff are well-trained and their enthusiasm for the spectacular setting is palpable. Baillie Lodge’s renowned attention to detail is evident in the stylish black and white staff uniforms, which are a far cry from the usual bush attire.
Ideal for: Active luxurians and nature lovers
Why we love it:
- The design. The brilliant open-air plan of Silky Oaks Lodge sets guests among the trees.
- The decks. The private outdoor decks have freestanding stone bathtubs. Magical.
- Signature experiences. From snorkelling in the Mossman River to e-bike exploration of country roads, there’s plenty to do.
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