Sanctuary Retreat at Mission Beach - Unique rainforest eco-lodge accommodation

Sanctuary for Travellers

Sanctuary believes that it doesn't need to cost the earth to help preserve a part of it

Designed to minimally impact on the outstanding natural values of the surrounding rainforest, Sanctuary Retreat provides a haven for the traveller as well as the native wildlife.

a different view on life

Sanctuary is one of those special places in the world where you realise you are in for a unique experience from the moment you arrive. As you are transported up the steep access track, like a green tunnel, through the rainforest, you might feel you are being carried back in time. To a simpler age where the cares and worries of the modern world are without meaning. And then you will have found Sanctuary.

Sitting high on a hill to catch the cooling breezes and breathtaking views across the emerald forest to the Coral Sea beyond, the long house provides all the necessary creature comforts of life.

Constructed of natural timbers and utilising the talents of local craftsmen to create exquisite natural furniture, the roomy stylish area offers an in-house restaurant specialising in locally grown fresh foods and excellent coffee to satisfy your base desires. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for. And in the evening, dining on the balcony under a brilliant canopy of stars with the moon rising is very fine dining indeed.

The bar can tend to your spiritual needs and for those who who prefer to look after themselves, well equiped self-catering facilities are available.

Internet facilities provide a link to the rest of the world for those who can't totally escape it and there is a shop selling the necessities of life along with locally produced works of art and handicrafts. A comprehensive rainforest reference library and book exchange are in the lounge and you can while away an afternoon in chair hammocks or on the lounges. The tour desk will assist you with expert local knowledge in arranging tours of the region.

deep in the forest

Capturing the cool, green light of the rainforest, accommodation is in elevated secluded forest huts nestled in the rainforest canopy. Each hut sleeps two in either double or twin occupancy. A minimalist design maximises the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest whilst giving some personal space to those creatures you may prefer not to sleep with.

In keeping with the Sanctuary low impact philosophy, buildings are designed and constructed to ensure that the vegetation and bird life is disturbed as little as possible. Adjoining huts are connected by boardwalk to protect the forest floor.

For those interested more in creature comforts, then the deluxe canopy
cabins may be for you. Larger than the rainforest huts, these cabins are
stylishly appointed with polished wooden floors , handmade natural timber
furniture and spectacular bathrooms looking out high in the trees.
With twin or queen bed options, the canopy cabins offer superior
accommodation in an entirely natural environment.

undisturbed peace

Sleeping in the rainforest is a unique experience because it's at night when the rainforest comes alive. The gentle trilling from an orchestra of insects interspersed with the croaking of frogs and the occasional haunting cries of owls is a soothing and entirely natural symphony to fall asleep to.

Walking tracks wind through the forest, providing views of majestic rainforest trees and rare ferns. In a terraced garden surrounded by towering trees, a tranquil pool awaits for that refreshing plunge or sunbathe on the timber deck. A short walk away, lies a beautiful, secluded and near private rainforest fringed beach.

a treat for all the senses

Apart from the
natural beauty of the rainforest, Sanctuary also offers massage therapy and yoga classes.

Sanctuary's experienced masseur and masseuse provide a range of massage styles from the vigorous Deep Tissue Massage with no muscular knot unattended to a relaxing Swedish massage. Or treat yourself to the ultimate in bodily pampering with an Aromatherapy massage using pure essential oils leaving you floating and totally relaxed.

Sanctuary hosts the area's only yoga school, so aside from improving your body and minds strength and flexibility, you have the opportunity to meet a few of the locals doing the same. Relax with them afterwards over a freshly squeezed juice and a Sanctuary baked muffin.

Sanctuary yoga is inspired by the Iyengar and Ashtanga teachings with regular workshops catering for beginners to advanced students.

The Sanctuary retreat centre is also an ideal space for small group gatherings on almost any subject and also, of course, for yoga retreats.

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