Name: Sanctuary Retreat
Address: 72 Holt Raod P.O. Box 398,Holt Raod, Mission Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Beach, 4852, Australia
Rating: 9

Smoking areas

Smoke-free property

Gift shop

Garden

Terrace

Adults Only

General

Non-smoking rooms

Linens

Rooms

Laundry

Safe-deposit box

Services and amenities

Diet menu (on request)

Common kitchen

Restaurant

Snack bar

Packed Lunches

Meals

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Library

Hiking

Sun Deck

Recreation

Free parking

Parking

Swimming pool

Outdoor pool

Beach/pool towels

Next to the beach

Pool and beach

Snorkelling

Sports

Massage

Beauty and wellness

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Brooks Beach Nature Refuge

Sanctuary Retreat

Mission Beach

Sanctuary retreat is absolutely breathtaking. From the moment we arrived we felt like we were in an isolated wonderland. The entire sanctuary is built into the rainforest and it is abundant how much care is taken to maintain the natural environment. We chose to stay in a hut with outdoor en-suite and could not be happier. The room allows you to feel like you are sleeping outdoors with the screened walls and awakening to the sounds of animals. The cold water shower is beautiful and refreshing especially on humid hot days. Whilst warned there are resident cassowaries living here I was expecting to see one but we certainly did, multiple times in fact. Every meal we ate tasted and looked as if it had come from a five star Michelin restaurant. Words simply cannot describe how incredible it tasted. Yes the walls are steep but definitely achievable especially if you take your time and enjoy the surroundings. This should be on everyone’s list of places to visit, we will certainly be back again!

Hidden paradise

If you want to stay inside a rainforest (and then be able to get good drinks and food), then this is the place. 
We stayed in a deluxe canopy cabin, and it was just as the website said. A shower which feels like you are standing in the trees, comfortable bed, and enough space for a comfortable couple of nights.
The restaurant and view to the ocean are magic, and the service was excellent.
Ignore anyone who compains about the steep walk to and from the carpark - this is quite openly stated in the  information provided on the Retreat's website.  If you are unable to deal with it, then best not to stay.  The beach within easy walking distrance of the Retreat is one of the nicest you will see in this part of Queensland.
My husband and I would recommend this as a real rainforest experience to anyone (and only one and a half hours easy drive from cairns).
TIP: as the website says, there isn't any air conditioning but the fan works a treat in the relative humidity.

Near 100% chance of seeing a cassowary in the wild...

This was my third visit and it remains a favourite place. My cabin was comfortable, private and I felt immersed in the rainforest listening to all the different sounds at night was a delight. A couple of cassowaries made an appearance, wonderful to see. Refreshing swims in the pool, walks along the rainforest tracks and down to the beach, lazing in the long house reading, and of course the wonderful food. Utterly restful.

Peaceful, relaxing and connecting with nature

We loved our stay at The Sanctuary, nestled in the dense rainforest, with friendly staff & a fabulous chef. Thankyou Paul, Hazel & team for the beautiful, sacred space you’ve created & hold. Being up close with the cassowaries was a special experience too. With appreciation… Kaylene & Tony Delaney

Stunning Environment, People & Food

Everything about this place is amazing! Food, views, staff, accommodation, service and amenities. We stayed two nights and ate in the restaurant both nights and mornings. Huge meals perfectly cooked and presented with flavor exploding off the plates! It’s certainly the place to come if you want to wind down and escape from the world. Thanks to Paul and Heidi we will be back!!!

Heaven on earth.

My partner and I booked a stay at sanctuary retreat in a cabin room with sea views, however left within the first hour because we were extremely uncomfortable. 

The first room we were given had a bathroom with windows facing directly into the main dining area with no coverings. When we brought this to the staff’s attention, we were given a key to another room and were satisfied with this change. However when we returned the old key, the owner made an uncomfortable joke about the bathroom situation and us not being able to handle it. Obviously privacy is not valued at the retreat and the owner and staff expect their guests to be happy in uncomfortable situations (showering and using the bathroom in front of strangers). 

When we decided to leave (an hour after checking in) we were given a refund for one night but were refused a refund for the other night because the owner was ‘just making a light-hearted joke’ and didn’t understand why we would let it get to us and ruin our weekend. The owner didn’t seem to understand that his ‘joke’ had left us extremely uncomfortable after already being uncomfortable in the so called ‘retreat’ with no privacy. He was right though that the situation ruined our weekend as it left us searching for accommodation at the last minute. 

Additionally, having ‘sea views’ in their room description is rich because the view from your balcony is mainly looking at rainforest except for glints of sea. The walk to and from the retreat is very long and very unstable - in fact I fell over and ended up with a huge graze. However, this walk is the only way to and from the retreat unless you’re happy to buy a $5 for a ride each time. There are also no lights along the path for night time. 

When we left and attempted to get alternative accommodation, it was made clear by locals that it is a regular occurrence for people to feel uncomfortable at the ‘retreat’ and seek alternative accommodation. 

Overall, we are extremely glad we left because who knows what it would have been like if we stayed. Saved your hard earned money and stay elsewhere.

Awful place

Staying at Sanctuary was such a lovely experience.  A beautiful jungle setting, walking distance from the beach.
The rooms, restaurant and self-contained kitchen were great.  
Sanctuary is close enough to Mission Beach if you would like to explore it or its own experience if you wanted to stay and soak up the serenity.

Highly Recommended

We stayed in an ensuited cabin.  Beautiful rainforest view, glimpse of the ocean.
If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to relax this is it. 
Cassowary outside our door was a real treat.
Restaurant is fantastic - cannot say enough about the quality of the meals.  Lovely view from the Restaurant deck.

Tranquil retreat, excellent meals

Staying Sanctuary Retreat was such a treat. It is a beautiful place with well thought out rustic accommodation perched level with the tree canopy & surrounded by wildlife. The food - cooked by the chef Hazel - was amazing. It was like eating at a five star restaurant but with a great price tag. Would highly recommend this place & can’t wait to go back.

A Piece of Paradise

We have had the pleasure of staying at The Sanctuary Retreat a number of times and it just gets better (if it can) every time.
We had many close encounters with cassowary's a number of times and have amazing photos of our experiences.
The food is stunning as is the scenery and surrounds. The staff can not do enough to assist.
Having travelled the world we have paradise on our doorstep.
We JUST LOVE THIS PLACE.
Well done to Paul and everyone involved.
Heaven on a stick and excellent value.
Thanks again,
Arne and Steve

Sanctuary Retreat

Main amenities of the hotel

Location

Available rooms

Location

Description of the hotel

What other amenities are there?

Policies

Check-in terms and conditions

Additional information

Payment