peaceful location.
This resort is located on Kewerra Beach, approx 30 minutes drive north of Cairns. I have mixed feelings regarding this resort; as probably I have been too spoilt.I have stayed in numerous resorts like Kewarra, and I wanted to try this particular hotel as I noticed it was number 3 in Australia on T/A.
We were greeted warmly on arrival and led to our beachfront bungalow. We were very disappointed when we opened our door, for $420.00 AUD a night we basically had a very ordinary furnished bungalow with a very average bathroom.
The bungalow consisted of a bed, bedside tables, cabinet with mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, and a chair. There was another small room attached which housed the wardrobe and led to the bathroom, which consisted of a very small vanity unit, shower over the bath and a toilet. There was also a small veranda with table and chairs at the entrance to the bungalow. This is no way luxury accommodation which they advertise on their website. Its basically a 3 star with a 5 star location.
After walking through the resort, we decided it would have been better and cheaper staying at one of the other bungalows or mouds tucked away in the gardens. Our beachfront moud was not private and we basically had other guests looking at us whilst sitting on the veranda. If you can afford it the Timara Suite looked the best of the bunch, a lovely private bungalow tucked away beside the lagoon.
The resort has two refreshing natural looking swimming pools nestled within the tropical gardens; both are ample size with a natural waterfall spa attached. The restaurant has an African/ Asian feel to it but we were disappointed with the menu and wine selection. We noticed on arriving for dinner that other Japanese guests were feasting on some crayfish and when the menu arrived it was not on the list. On requiring about what offer guests were eating they told us it was a special menu for the Japanese.
but they would ask the chef if we could see it. Naturally, we wanted what they had, which seemed ludicrous to us that they should have two different menus. Anyway, they happened to have one crayfish left, which I ordered.
Further to our disappointment,we had put our laundry in for cleaning the night before so we would not miss the pick-up, as we desperately needed some washing done. After 7pm and no laundry return we rang reception to ask about it, they told us it would be returned early next morning before our departure. To cut a long story short, the laundry never went out, so we were left with a bag of dirty clothes and basically no clean undies to wear for the rest of our trip. They did however apologize sincerely but to us there was no excuse seeing we had delivered it to reception within ample time, plus to say it would be there in the morning, to us was appalling service.
The interesting factor about this resort is when checking out Palm Cove Hotels like Sea Temple, Outrigger etc.etc. We were actually glad we stayed at Kewarra; it presented a lovely natural surrounding on the beachfront. You just have to get over that there are no 5 star trimmings but 5 stars for its natural environment.
I have given this resort a four star rating due to my experience, mainly the huge laundry stuff up and the menu fiasco. I also think for the price they could improve the bungalows interior without losing the overall natural ambiance.
Tip: A car is necessary for getting around.