{"id":30590,"date":"2014-01-01T08:30:31","date_gmt":"2013-12-31T22:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=30590"},"modified":"2018-05-14T09:14:48","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T23:14:48","slug":"hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/","title":{"rendered":"Hotel Review: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort &#038; Spa"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote>\n<div class=\"pinkLinks\">There comes a time in everyone\u2019s life when 3-4 star accommodation just doesn&#8217;t cut it, you want, no- NEED, the epitome of luxury. Whether it\u2019s a honeymoon, an overdue holiday or as in my case, a babymoon, you want to experience the best.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"pinkLinks\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"pinkLinks\"><!--more--><br \/>\nFor me, getaways beyond the local park will soon become rare. So, as I approach the calm before the nappy storm, I decide that I am not diving into motherhood without a mother of a holiday. So we decide to book a stay at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/accommodation\/australia\/pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/W40914?cid=lmau_blog_post\">Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa<\/a>.<strong>THAT pool<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mr LML and I are greeted with a big tropical hug as we step into the resort\u2019s striking reception. Lush gardens, breezy fans and a glimpse of THAT pool set the scene for what\u2019s to come as we check into our two bedroom plunge pool apartment.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/20131026_152303\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30591\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30591 size-large\" title=\"Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa.\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/20131026_152303-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa.\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" \/><\/a>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/pic20131230151002\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30592\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30592 size-large\" title=\"Lobby\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/pic20131230151002-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lobby\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" \/><\/a>\n<p>This isn\u2019t just a nice hotel room with a view; this oversized apartment is bigger than most homes! We go from room to room, drooling over the stylish furniture, decked out kitchen, enormous TV and spa bath.<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/pic20131230151242\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30593\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30593 size-large\" title=\"hotel room with a view\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/pic20131230151242-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"hotel room with a view\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a unique, personalised touch here that makes us feel a little warm and fuzzy inside, but that could also be the tropical climate.<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/pic20131230151429\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30594\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30594 size-large\" title=\"Lovely spa bath\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/pic20131230151429-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lovely spa bath\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The <em>Pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance<\/em> has to be the private courtyard with direct access to the resort\u2019s magnificent 3,000 square metre pool. It&#8217;s even warm even after sunset &#8211; perfect for cheeky night dips.<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/20131026_153843\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30595\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30595 size-large\" title=\"private courtyard \" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/20131026_153843-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"private courtyard \" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/20131027_064035\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30596\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30596 size-large\" title=\"the resort\u2019s magnificent 3,000 square metre pool\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/20131027_064035-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"the resort\u2019s magnificent 3,000 square metre pool\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" \/><\/a>\n<p>Having been in the apartment for less than five minutes, we couldn&#8217;t fight the pool\u2019s overwhelming magnetism any longer. We jump into the refreshing water directly from our patio and stay until after sunset. The sheer size of the pool is incredible and we explore the majority of the resort by swimming around the lagoon- why walk when you can swim? We stumble across the spa in a hidden corner and it\u2019s as if we\u2019ve discovered an uncharted volcanic hot spring. Before we decide to spend the rest of our holiday in the spa, we pour ourselves back into the lagoon and pay the pool bar a visit for some essential sustenance, AKA cocktails and nibbles.<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/pic20131230152625\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30597\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30597 size-large\" title=\"cocktails and nibbles\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/pic20131230152625-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"cocktails and nibbles\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gourmet feeds<\/strong>Having enjoyed our pre-dinner drinks by the pool, we head to the Aqua Restaurant for a gourmet a la carte dinner. Mr LML opts for the seafood curry with juicy prawns and succulent scallops. I can\u2019t go past a good steak on a bed of flawless mash. This deliciousness is served by friendly staff that cater to our every whim. Good service is the perfect accompaniment to any good meal, don&#8217;t you agree?<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/pic20131230152022\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30598\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30598 size-large\" title=\"Aqua Restaurant \" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/pic20131230152022-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aqua Restaurant \" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" \/><\/a>\n<p><strong>Personalised spa tranquillity<\/strong>The resort\u2019s Vie Spa is a sanctuary providing personalised care. My therapist Katharina carefully selects products and a massage bed that\u2019s baby bump friendly.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/pic20131230152243\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30599\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30599 size-large\" title=\"Personalised spa tranquillity\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/pic20131230152243-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Personalised spa tranquillity\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" \/><\/a>\n<p>Katharina begins the body treatment with a soothing back massage. She then lathers on an organic coconut body scrub that transports me to a remote island somewhere far away. I then wash the scrub off in the most amazing shower. I\u2019m talking multiple, enormous shower heads from all directions. Not wanting to single-handedly push the country back into drought, I reluctantly turn the uber-shower off and continue my treatment with a soul soothing scalp massage. At this stage a baby\u2019s bottom has nothing on my smooth, glowing skin.<br \/>\nIn my white robe, I\u2019m taken to the relaxation room for some vanilla rooibos tea and heavenly coconut sorbet. Enough said.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/20131027_191028\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30600\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30600 size-large\" title=\"relaxation room \" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/20131027_191028-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"relaxation room \" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" \/><\/a>\n<p><strong>Exploring Port Douglas<\/strong>About an hour from Cairns airport, Port Douglas is Australia\u2019s tropical wonderland. The perfect base to explore the world heritage <a href=\"https:\/\/lastminute.godo.com.au\/activity\/TRPE100?cid=lmau_blog_post\">Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest<\/a>.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/daintree_rainforest_96677596\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30601\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30601 size-full\" title=\"Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/daintree_rainforest_96677596.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest\" width=\"1000\" height=\"749\" \/><\/a>\n<p>You also can\u2019t go past the infamous Great Barrier Reef. Loads of day tours are available and we opt for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastminute.godo.com.au\/activity\/QSCN101?cid=lmau_blog_post\">1 day low isles adventure<\/a> which allows us to snorkel, swim, relax on the white sand and cruise on a glass bottom boat. We see turtles, lemon sharks and all sorts of intriguing fish and coral. We also enjoy a tropical buffet which includes seafood and fruit to top it all off.<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/great-barrier-reef_85847245\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30602\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30602 size-full\" title=\"Great Barrier Reef\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/great-barrier-reef_85847245.jpg\" alt=\"Great Barrier Reef\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/qld-beach-tnq_162084524\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30603\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30603 size-full\" title=\"snorkel, swim, relax on the white sand \" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/QLD-beach-TNQ_162084524.jpg\" alt=\"snorkel, swim, relax on the white sand \" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><\/a>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"90%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em><strong>Top tip: <\/strong><\/em>Between November and March jellyfish are out and about. Make sure you don a swanky stinger suit to protect you from nasties. The suit comes with the added benefit of air conditioning when wet and protects from the sun, so you won\u2019t have to keep re-applying the SPF 50. Win, win!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for something a little different, go for a dining experience with a twist. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastminute.godo.com.au\/activity\/HANE101?cid=lmau_blog_post\">flames of the forest dining experience<\/a> dishes up a six course gourmet dinner beneath a tranquil rainforest canopy. Perfectly romantic!<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/rainforest_dinner\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30606\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30606 size-full\" title=\"flames of the forest dining experience\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/media\/content\/expaus\/images\/last-minute\/blog\/uploads\/2013\/12\/rainforest_dinner.jpg\" alt=\"flames of the forest dining experience\" width=\"502\" height=\"334\" \/><\/a>\n<p><strong>Saying goodbye to paradise<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pinkLinks\">\n<p>Leaving the pool, I mean Port Douglas, is a tad emotional for me. How does one say goodbye to paradise? When will my next fancy holiday be? While I can\u2019t answer these questions, what I can say is, I\u2019m glad I trusted the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/accommodation\/australia\/pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa\/W40914?cid=lmau_blog_post\">Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa<\/a> with my once in a lifetime babymoon. The memories gained here will surely keep me going for many months ahead&#8230;until we meet again.<\/p>\n<h2>Have you been on a babymoon? Tell us about it in the comments.<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pageLinks\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/accommodation\/australia\/qld-tropical-north-qld?cid=lmau_blog_post\">More TNQ Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pageLinks\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/airfares-on-sale\/queensland-airfares?cid=lmau_blog_post\">Flights to QLD<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There comes a time in everyone\u2019s life when 3-4 star accommodation just doesn&#8217;t cut it, you want, no- NEED, the..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":38746,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[302,4022,745,4023,76,24,78,4024,4025,698,26,655,83,701,122],"acf":{"credits":[{"name":"","label":"","full_url":""}],"enable_review_score":false},"posts_api_cpm_point":{"name":"","description":"","thumbnail":"","address":"Mitre St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia","latitude":"-16.526225","longitude":"145.47401000000002","icon":"\/images\/icons\/marker.png"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30590"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30590"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44322,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30590\/revisions\/44322"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38746"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30590"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30590"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}