Southern Crossings Australia Senior Consultant, Polly Brain recently visited the Sebel Reef House and Spa in Palm Cove to discover an intimate hotel brimming with colonial charm and friendly service. 

A boutique style hotel in the heart of Palm Cove, The Sebel Reef House is opposite the resort's beautiful sandy beach and is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and galleries. 

Smaller than many of the other resorts in Palm Cove, the charms of a bygone era - from the muslin netting draped over the king sized beds to the 'honour system' bar - add a romantic and homely feel to a stay at the Sebel Reef House which was originally set up as a private residence with visitors treated as personal guests. This friendly intimate feel is retained today with candles lit at twilight indicating 'happy hour' in the Brigadier Bar where guests congregate to share a complimentary signature punch and swap travel tales from the day's excursions, surrounded by a library of loan books, games and DVDs alongside an interesting collection of artefacts from the Brigadier's travels and past visitor books recording guest comments since the day the hotel opened. 

The individually decorated light and airy rooms reflect the timeless tropical style of the resort with each enjoying their own furnished outdoor area and king sized beds. My Veranda Spa Room also featured a private outdoor spa bath on the balcony and views of the beach - providing the perfect place to relax after the day's activities .. or the perfect excuse to go nowhere at all. 

Candlelit walkways meander through the lush tropical gardens around the pool area, over a 'moat' to the freestanding purpose-built spa house where a wide variety of award winning therapies can be enjoyed in the tranquil treatment rooms. And whilst the hotel is surrounded by dozens off excellent cafes and restaurants, the Reef House restaurant is an excellent (and popular) place to enjoy fine food and ocean views. 

The Sebel Reef House is an ideal choice for guests looking for a 'home away from home' base from which to explore the many local reef and rainforest day trips.