Thala Beach Nature Reserve♡

Disappointing wildlife, disgraceful tollerance of feral animals

6.0

Thala has an impressive main building atop a rocky point with excellent views. The cabins are set in dense forrest. We have been there a few times. The food had always let the experience down. A new chef and menu held promise, but meals were still hit and miss with some very good, such as all the breakfasts and others not so good such as the lunch, Vietnamese Vego rice paper rolls with the rice paper, tough as leather. We sent them back but the replacements were also the same. The steak sandwich on the other hand was excellent. For dinner seafood bisque would have been excellent but served in such a shallow bowl that we couldn't get the bisque until we had eaten all the seafood, leaving the raw potato, then tilt the bowl to spoon up the bisque. The Pork Belly appeared to be overly deep-fried rather than roasted. The Barramundi and the Beef Tenderloin were excellent. The biggest dissapointment for a NATURE RESERVE was that we walked the entire property, day and night but found almost a total lack of native wildlife. FERAL PIGS, however, were roaming the entire property up to and even under the cabins, to the amusement of some overseas guests and staff, but not to any Australian (or informed overseas) nature lover. The "Bird Pond" lacked birds but was beset with plague proportion of Cane Toads. There were no obvious efforts to reduce the feral numbers. Perhaps they could change their name to Thala FERAL Reserve.

Most beautiful place

10.0

Amazing beautiful place - nature at its finest

A cut above the rest

10.0

Thala Beach is an extraordinary place. The accommodation is quiet and comfortable and you feel completely private yet a quick call has someone at your cabin swiftly to deal with any issues you may have. The food in the restaurant is excellent. The pools are very special. What sets this place apart from the rest is the staff. I hadn’t been clear enough about my needs when booking - upon arrival this was sorted out in fifteen minutes. An unexpected flood warning was called for our home town - we quickly packed up and there was no penalty for leaving early. Really looking forward to returning to Thala Beach Nature Reserve, out of the wet season!

Best massage I have ever received

10.0

I was fortunate to book a massage with Lani early December - I didn't want anything painful, and I didn't mind what type of massage modality. Can I say this is the best massage I have ever received in my life. My ability to then gently sail through the stressful month ahead I attribute to the massage. The environs and Lani are second to none. It is clean, beautiful and you feel nourished and nurtured in the natural environment. II then headed up to the restaurant in their electric driven gomobile and enjoyed a cold fresh coconut drink from the property. There is a strong family-run and staff ethos here, who care about what they do and the service they provide. I hope they never change as they are at the pinnacle of nature experience and service provision. I could extend my lengthy praise but instead I would say if you are in the Port Douglas or Cairns area make a massage with Lani at Thala a priority for your health and wellbeing. Don't take my word - go and find out for yourself :-)

Beautiful resort

8.0

If you are looking for peace and quiet this is your spot. Hotel staff go above and beyond. Restaurant has stunning views and great food. Accommodation were comfortable and very secluded.

Beautiful wildlife lodge

10.0

Beautiful nature lodge. Good staff (Thomas the porter from Argentina was a standout). Ospreys restaurant was nice. Grounds were very clean and tidy. Rainforest was beautiful. Lots of wildlife. Pools were lovely. Great place!