‘A week of uninterrupted sunshine, a little wind, some great waves and net fishing on the most beautiful of beaches. The children adored the pool and spa and the adults were won over by the night breeze, hammock and overall compulsion to switch off and forget all routines. We’ll be back, same time next year.’

In the know

House style

Palatial modern mansion

Grounds

The house is surrounded by tropical foliage and towering coconut palms, and forms part of a smart residential block which fronts directly onto Newell Beach.

Sleeps

8

Ideal for

Families, intimate groups of friends, couples, and all lovers of minimalism

Rates

AU$900 a night for up to six guests. AU$50 surcharge per night for additional guests.

Minimum hire

Five-night breaks.

Also

Pets are not allowed and smoking is only permitted outside.

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Interior

Bedrooms 

Bedroom 1: Large first floor bedroom with queensize bed, hardwood floors, en suite bathroom and balcony with view of the pool and the sea. A suspended walkway connects bedrooms 1 and 2.

Bedroom 2: Large first floor bedroom with queensize bed, hardwood floors, en suite bathroom and balcony with view of the pool and the sea. A suspended walkway connects bedrooms 1 and 2.

Bedroom 3: Large second floor bedroom with kingsize bed, en suite bathroom, hardwood floor and access to a private balcony overlooking the sea.

Bedroom 4: Large second floor bedroom with kingsize bed, en suite bathroom, hardwood floor and a private balcony with sea views.

Kitchen This is very well equipped and has an espresso machine, dishwasher and ice maker. The kitchen area opens onto a large deck with a full-size outdoor dining table.

Living room The huge, open-plan living area occupies the entire ground floor and has a roomy sofa plump with cushions.

Dining room The open-plan dining area has a glass-topped table which seats eight. For a sheltered alfresco lunch, lay the table on the covered deck outside overlooking the pool and the beach. Another large deck above this has an eight-seat wooden table and is the ideal spot on balmy tropical nights.

Other 

Outdoor

Poolside There’s a large infinity pool at the front of the house and a glass-fronted steam room with sea views. A lush lawn with swaying palms leads directly to the beach, just metres away.

Gardens 

Parking There's secure undercover parking for two cars.

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Planes Regular flights are available to Cairns from all major cities in Australia with Qantas (www.qantas.com.au), Virgin Blue (www.virginblue.com.au) and Jetstar (www.jetstar.com). There’s also an international terminal at Cairns. Sunlover Helicopters offer airport transfers from Cairns airport to most resorts and islands along the coast (+61 (0) 7 4035 9669; www.sunloverheli.com.au).

Trains You’d have to be an avid railway fan to attempt this journey by train. The business-class-only service from Cairns to Brisbane will take an eye-popping 24 hours and there is no sleeper service (+61 (0) 1 300 131 722; www.tilttrain.com.au).

Local taxi service Mossman Taxi Service (+61 7 4098 1138) or nearby Port Douglas Taxi (+61 7 4099 5345). Rainforest Limousine Service offer airport transfers to and from Cairns (+61 (0) 7 408 186 687; www.rainforestlimo.com.au).

Directions by road It’s a one-and-a-half hour drive from Cairns to Newell Beach, along one of the most spectacular stretches of Australian coastline. Take Highway 1, (Captain Cook Highway, northbound) and follow signs to Port Douglas. After the ninth roundabout, turn off the highway onto Port Douglas Road and the Mirage Estate is on your right, just after the Sheraton Mirage. There are plenty of car hire companies at Cairns airport and city, including Hertz (www.hertz.com.au), Avis (www.avis.com.au) and Europcar (www.europcar.com.au).

Review

It’s all in the name. The grounds of this modern mansion in tropical North Queensland are thick with palm trees and join seamlessly with the white sands of Newell Beach.
The design of Absolute…Newell Beach showcases beautifully its award-winning architect’s penchant for modernity and minimalism, which is explored further in the snappy décor and furnishings.
The space is bright and breezy with spectacular ocean views from almost every angle. The four en suite bedrooms have striking hardwood flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea.
The open-plan ground floor has a kitchen, dining and living area with soaring ceilings and every desirable mod con. A vast deck overlooks the infinity pool, so take a seat with a sea-view, and savour breakfast eaten in the fresh salty air. A morning dip in the warm Coral Sea is a refreshing start to the day – ideally followed by some serious poolside lounging. When you’ve worked up an appetite, barbecue a freshly netted fish and wash it down with some chilled white wine. Expect balmy afternoons so reserve the hammock under the palms for a postprandial swing – but keep one eye open for falling coconuts!
Even the ill-groomed will find it difficult to resist a poolside spa treatment followed by a detoxifying stint in the steam room.
For more animated antics, however, nearby Port Douglas is swarming with destination restaurants and boutiques and is the departure point for snorkelling and diving trips to the unmissable Great Barrier Reef.
While this house certainly exudes calm and offers tension-busting yoga sessions on the beach, it’s also the perfect entertainment pad, ideal for a vintage Brat Pack pool party. Kick off the evening with a homemade piña colada (those coconuts sure come in handy) and watch the sun set. This stylish beach house is a self-catering revelation with an unquestionably universal appeal.

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