Family accommodation, doesn't mean you need to forgo luxury - Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

There is a lot of lovely accommodation out there, but once you start travelling as a family, there suddenly seems to be a lot of requirements and restrictions, and often a whole lot of expense. Spending a little time thinking about what your family needs for each holiday can make all the difference.

  If in the tropics, and there is the risk of rain, space may be something you need to consider. If there are children with sleep times to accommodate, is it worth paying extra for a pool or beach front, so you can make the most of those few windows of peace on your own private deckchair? If eating out is going to cost a bundle, is it worth spending more on a room type so that you have a kitchen and dining room? If your meals over the course of a week can add up astronomically for a family of five, so it might be good value to pay a little more on the hotel, and save on the meals.

I had considered none of these things when we booked Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa. We booked a hire car, and I'd asked if there was parking. That was the extent to my fore thought.

Lucky for me, the Pullman chain had done the thinking for me.

We booked into a three bedroom pool villa and were literally amazed at it's size. Three very spacious bedrooms upstairs. One with an ensuite and huge double spa bath.

The downstairs living area was equally massive (the entirety was larger than our actual house). A huge lounge room, a dining table for 8 and a full kitchen. There is a washer and dryer, so you can pack light.

Outside, was a mini lounge area, which I'd sneak out to enjoy when I wanted some quiet time with my book. There was another dining table and a covered barbeque area. There was also the fenced pool, which was perfect for the kids to swim in while we prepared dinner or early morning while some of us were still having breakfast.

For those with really little kids, there is a staircase and also a water feature, which you need to consider. For those travelling as a group of friends, you will need to draw straws for the fabulous master bedroom. Trust me, that could cause arguments!

We had a back gate that lead to the beachfront access, though the whole resort is a short boardwalk to the stunning Four Mile Beach.

The resort offers a regular shuttle into town, for those without a car. Our villa had it's own carport, and there is plenty of parking available.

The other room option includes direct access to the huge resort pool. Perfect for a quick dip, or those with sleeping babies to still be poolside while listening for the baby to wake.



There is a gym and day spa, naturally. The hotel were also very helpful in booking boat trips and organising transfers for us.

The resort is set on almost 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, yet never seems big or busy. In the evenings, the grounds are flame lit, and my kids insisted on returning to the lagoon pool to swim under the flaming torches. (I mention this only so you have been warned!! I don't get it, but I wasn't the only parent dragged out at 6pm).

Our room had an ambience of totally luxury, and time spent in the villa was as enjoyable as by the pool or out on the sand. Down to the Roger & Gallet toiletries, special touches have been included to make for an enjoyable, easy experience for the adults, not matter how many children you have in tow.

Practicalities:

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-8762-pullman-port-douglas-sea-temple-resort-and-spa/index.shtml

I haven't talked price because we are members of Accor Advantage Plus and got a deal which worked out around $420 a night, I am not sure how this compares with other booking methods.
 Given the size of the villa, I thought this was exceptional value. Most restaurants had mains over $30, so we ate in the room a lot. We also got enough points to have a free night elsewhere.

Other reading:

Aqua Restaurant & Bar http://www.weekendnotes.com/aqua-restaurant-bar/

Sailaway Low Isles http://www.weekendnotes.com/sailaway-port-douglas/

Restaurants in Port Douglas http://www.weekendnotes.com/port-douglas/restaurants/

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