Ecohotel | environmentally friendly accommodation

Thala Beach Lodge

Property Information

Property Locality: Oak Beach, Tropical North Qld
Type of Property: Eco resort

Rates

Price Range: $249 - $698 (per couple per night)

Jungle Walk Bungalows: from $249
Nestled in the rainforest, built on timber stilts with deluxe balconies.
Eucalypt Bungalows from $385
Built tall on timber stilts - all rooms turned to maximise the views from their open sides and superb balconies capture the intimate feel of the unique tropical forest.
Coral Sea Bungalows from $565
With spectacular views over the ocean, yet unobtrusively tucked away into the natural landscape and built high on timber poles, looking out through the canopy of trees.
Sandpiper Suite from $698
Perched on the headland overlooking our two secluded beaches, the Sandpiper Suite is the epitomy of privacy and romance. Luxuriously furnished, Sandpiper has a large private verandah and spacious bedroom.
Special Conditions: Rates are inclusive of GST and are subject to change without notice

Property Description
5 star family owned & operated Thala Beach Lodge has achieved the highest accreditation of eco certification through its sustainable practice and environmental sensitivity.

83 deluxe timber bungalows are built high on stilts and nestle in the forest canopy providing a magical and unobtrusive relationship with the natural world. All bungalows have views either to the ocean or the forested mountains. Paths meander through rainforests and connect with 2kms of private sandy beaches. Delightful hours are spent discovering native flora & fauna, secluded coves and rock pools.

The views from the restaurant are panoramic across the Coral Sea and forested coastline. Guests dine among the birds in the surrounding treetops whilst enjoying fine food with friendly five-star service.All over the resort’s 145 acres, guests find themselves in an enchanting and relaxing environment.

Location
Thala is located 45 minutes north of the Cairns International Airport and 15 minutes south of Port Douglas. Sitting spectacularly atop a peninsula with breathtaking views of untouched coastline, it is the only beach nature lodge between Cairns & Port Douglas and provides the perfect location to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Hotel Services & Information

• Private dining in Ospreys Restaurant, Masked Plovers Bar
• Curlews Reading Room, Business facilities
• Valet parking
• Guided onsite tours (tree planting, birdwatching, nature walks,
beachcombing, coconut odyssey, stargazing)
• Day spa / massage, Art & jewellery gallery and library
• 2 free form rock pools (outdoor)
• 24-hour concierge and Reception
• 10kms bushwalking trails, 2kms private beaches

Room Information

Australian timber & granite has been used throughout creating an ambience reflecting the pristine environment. All bungalows are airconditioned, 45m2 (excluding Sandpiper Suite – approx 60m2), stylishly decorated, have screened windows and sublime views either to the ocean or forested mountains.

In-room amenities include television, DVD player (complimentary movies available), refrigerator, mini bar, private granite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, bathrobes & slippers (Sandpiper & Coral Sea only), hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, in room safe, iron, ironing board, dial-up internet (wireless installation 2009), and ISDD telephone.

The Sandpiper Suite is the epitome of exclusivity. Perched on the headland with 180 degree views of private beaches and the Coral Sea, this bungalow is decorated with soft and subtle natural furnishings, houses a separate lounge/living area and large deck/verandah, plus all normal bungalow facilities/inclusions.

Environmental Initiatives
Awarded the highest Ecotourism accreditation by maximising meaningful experiences whilst minimizing the impact on the environment

Natural Area Focus: Thala is built atop a private peninsular jutting into the Coral Sea, surrounded by miles of World Heritage coastline and The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on the seaward side. Thala’s magnificent 145 acre peninsular has six different habitats concentrated into this small area. Ancient littoral rainforest, casuarinas and mangroves lap the beach, while dry eucalypt woodland, gallery forest and coconuts occupy the higher ground and inland creeks. Each habitat attracts its own unique species.

Environmental Sustainability: In the early 1970’s Rob & Oonagh Prettejohn purchased the 145 acre Peninsula. At the time Thala only had 45 acres of the original forest. The balance of 100 acres had been cleared and was a degraded, unsustainable sugar cane plantation. Environmental sensitivities were not as they are today and planning approval at the time would have allowed for a 700 bedroom hotel to be built! Fortunately as locals with a feel for a low impact on this wonderful environment, this was not their style. They planted many thousands of indigenous plants to rehabilitate the area and start its return back to a wild natural state. The lodge is built out of natural sustainable materials in a low impact style that does not set out to dominate the surrounding landscape.

Contribution to Conservation: Thala Beach Lodge is a beacon of hope as mankind progresses from being ‘the demolisher’ to ‘the conserver’ and now to ‘the environmental benefactor’. Over a period of 30 years, Rob and Oonagh have shepherded the re-establishment of complex forests on land that was once cleared and devastated by extractive farming. With the return of the forests, wildlife populations have exploded bringing their pulsating natural energy.

Customer Satisfaction: Rob and Oonagh employ wildlife specialists who are on hand to guide and amaze their guests in their forests, the beaches or along their rocky headland. This is done in a personalised quiet and unregimented fashion: Designed so guests can enjoy the thrill of making their very own discoveries. They might see rare Snub-finned Dolphins , followed soon afterwards by a resident Osprey diving for fish to feed her chicks. Then delicately treading along sandy paths through the magnificent rainforest with its many species of tropical birds and butterflies. Guests are encouraged to add new sightings to the growing lists recorded.

Working with Local Communities: Recognising the importance of the spirit of our local indigenous communities Thala invites the elders of the KuKu Yalanji community to take our guests through the journey of their culture. From healing plants to bush food the elders bring in leaves and seeds for guests to handle and learn their history and importance to the survival of this wonderful community. Thala is always grateful to the KuKu Yalanji elders for their eager sharing of their ancient knowledge.

Responsible Marketing: All marketing material at Thala, Brochures, Website, Flyers and all Images displayed are actual photographs taken, and are true images of what guests can expect to experience. The Brochure can be seen on the web site, reducing the necessity for mass print outs.

• Guests at eco-lodges like Thala leave a soft print in an environmental journey towards a better world: they take away memories and understanding that will inspire them and others for years to come. Their active involvement at Thala also assists in the environmental rehabilitation process. Rob & Oonagh and their staff are proud to be associated with the modern and thoughtful ethos for which Australia’s Eco Accreditation scheme is the standard bearer.