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Palm Bay Resort is a beautiful boutique resort nestled in the neck of Long Island, one of the iconic islands of the Great Barrier Reef. With our very own secluded private cove, Palm Bay offers spacious Balinese inspired villas with extensive views to the Whitsunday passage and Coral Sea. Offering complete tranquility and seclusion, Palm Bay is the ultimate natural luxury getaway.
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A few days after we left Palm Bay, my husband exclaimed that he was missing it. My reply, "I think we will always miss Palm Bay."
For why? Well firstly, it is beautiful but many places that a holiday designations are beautiful so that can't be the whole story.
There is something about the concept of Palm Bay that just works. I think it is the self catering in part and the relaxed atmosphere in general that did it for us. The self catering means that your schedule is entirely your own, providing you have pre-ordered your food then you will be shown your box in the fridge on arrival and then there is none of the planning meal times around restaurants that happens in many places. No washing up, that's taken care of and if you can't be bothered then their pizza cooks do a pretty great job of filling that gap.
The rooms are set up for ideal relaxation too with a porch and hammock directly facing the ocean. There are kayaks on the beach which are free to use and the pool area is lovely.
Having the communal kitchen, bar and pool in the same place is also a stroke of genius because it makes for a wonderfully convivial atmosphere that was quite unique. It brings the social element of staying in a hostel into the setting of a luxurious hotel.
The spa treatments are also well priced and we both agreed that we had the best massages that we have ever had.
Don't miss out on wandering the bush trails either. An early morning walk will take you along paths that are literally full of butterflies, it was truly magical.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is gorgeous. It is perfect way to unwind, no TV and didn’t miss it. When the ocean laps at your front veranda it doesn’t get better. Beds super comfortable though trundle bed bit old we just used extra sofa cushions. Staff great , friendly and attentive. It has big tides but still plenty of swimming and snorkeling at either tide. Gorgeous ocean side swing to watch the sunsets. Heaps of marine life turtles right on your doorstep even saw dugong further out. Highly recommend take advantage of free kayaking and only $15 per day for fishing rod. It is currently self catering (usually has a pizza cafe too) but don’t let that put you off , they do the dishes ! And the kitchen is fantastic and great way to hear of local marine sightings. You can also pre order food through company in Airlie. They will do anything for you and food delicious. Highly recommend this resort for few days of R’n’R.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just returned from 7 nights on Long Island and already want to go back. Our visit began with a kind act-after delays with our flights we found ourselves arriving to Airlie 6 hours late (11pm) the palm island transfer ran us over and the gorgeous staff at the resort stayed open till midnight to warmly welcome us in after a long journey. We awoke to a stunning view over the beautiful Bay and then made some breaky and got to begin discovering this wonderful place. I dont know how but all the stress and tension of a high pressure jobs just melted away. The staff are just legends to deal with, not in your face and always there to make your day just that bit better. The accommodation is perfect-excellent aircon to beat the tropical heat (we stayed in a beach bungalow) spotless clean, great quality linen and designed so you can either hang all day in a hammock on your front verandah or spend the day swapping snorkels for sneakers as you explore. The island is self catering this is made easy by the businesses who deliver your food to the island along with some great food available for lunch and dinner on the island. The island is gorgeous-big danger is you can melt away a whole day just enoying the breezes on the western side of the island or floating in the pool (seriously heaven). We were lucky enough to be there for New Years, having spent New Years all over the world i think this must have been one of the most warm, friendly and welcoming NYE ever. The Managers are professional, fabulous company and make everyone feel special, i cant imagine anyone better than this couple of canny scots that could manage such a diverse location better. They manage their staff, supplies and all of the resort services to a standard above any we have ever seen before. So while we can not fault this amazing place, it's people, the service and even the chilled out guests we selfishly dont want to share it!! If you work hard, dont like cheezy commercial resorts and want to go where the staff ensure every moment is memorable and special then this is the perfect location. Oh, and dont miss the cocktails....Long Island Iced Tea on Long Island is a MUST!! Thank you to Carolyne and the amazing team for your over and above service and fabulous company, this was the best holiday of our lives.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:make sure you get air conditioning if visiting in summer
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I recently stayed at Palm Bay Resort for 4 nights and I think it might just be the best holiday getaway we've ever been on. Situated on Long Island about 20 minutes boat ride from Shute Harbour, the resort itself is quite small, with a smattering of villas nestled into beautiful tropical gardens which look out to a palm tree lined cove that looks like a postcard. Waking up to that view each morning was amazing, and felt like the type of view billionaires with their private islands would wake up to, not 'normal people' like us.
It's not a luxury resort, so while rooms are tidy and functional, they are fairly basic, and the island is self-catering so you need to bring your groceries over (recommend a Click and Collect order at Airlie Beach Woolworths). However we quite enjoyed this, as the kitchen facilities are good and it was fun to cook together. Also keeps costs down compared to other resorts where you have to buy expensive restaurant meals 2-3 times each day!
There are so many things to do on the island... activities like kayaking, snorkeling, swimming in the pool, bush walks (super interesting to walk past the long-shuttered Long Island Resort on the North of the island), and tennis, or just relaxing by the pool or swinging in a hammock reading a book and watching the cockatoos.
Overall it was fantastic, lots to do, great staff, beautiful location. There's a few small opportunities for the resort to improve. Some new linen/towels in the rooms, better coffee at the bar, some new tennis balls, etc. Those are just little things though, definitely hope to be back one day.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The Ocean View Bures are more secluded and private. The Beachfront Villas don't offer as much...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are locals and wanted a quiet get away to one of the Islands. WELL, what a surprise was Palm Bay Resort! Beautiful, relaxed and so great service. I mean that! All of the staff were professional, friendly and helpful. The rooms were very nice indeed. Clean too. Tea/Coffee etc. The community kitchen was cleaned so often, you never knew anyone had been there! Everything was provided that you need to cook and eat. We took food over with us, not realising how well stocked the shop was. There was steak, fish, burgers, pizzas etc to cook. Was a bit cool for us to swim in the great pool, but there was kayaks and tennis. The bush walks were good too. Oh, And the butterflies - thousands- yes, thousands of them! It was lovely. We are definitely going back. To have this Resort on our doorstep and not take the time out would be a waste! Highly recommend it for a wonderful relaxing getaway!
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Date of stay: July 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Most are absolute waterfront rooms. We lay in bed and listened to the water lap the edge approx...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is our 3rd time to this resort/retreat??? Why the question marks, well the staff don’t know if it’s a resort or a retreat.
Where in the world does the bar close and lights out at 9pm sharp?
The bar/restaurant is the only way to purchase anything on the island. We asked why the bar is closing at 9pm as it never did before in our last 2 stays. We were told very abruptly, it’s a retreat that’s why. The restaurant food doesn’t reflect a retreat. Everything served with salad/veg and chips, (had better pub food). If you are a vegetarian there is not one hot meal on offer. Only boring salads. Another night while we were finishing our dinner a staff member started moping around our table with bleach. I politely asked to stop right away. Lights were then switched off and the bare minimal lights were left on till we finished. The reason we were told the lights must go off because of the guests in their bungalows. The restaurant area is far away from the bungalows!
It was a very cold week, I know that’s unusual for the Whitsundays but they didn’t have reverse cycling air-con in most of the rooms so the guests were freezing. They ran out of blankets & umbrellas. a
The open fire in the bar area wasn't aloud to be stoke enough to get a flame. When we tried to put more logs on we were told not too. But we are freezing. The next night the logs were taken away and still no flame in the fire place. Again we asked why. One reason, it’s not cold enough, another we have ran out of wood and yet another it’s locked up. Seriously the staff argued about everything.
It’s really sad as the resort/retreat is really a place to relax and unwind. Unfortunately this time we felt like it was an old peoples home, lights out at 9pm.
Our bill at the end certainly reflected this as well. It was only half the amount of the previous two visits and then we mostly cooked our own meals. This time we ate every night in the restaurant and as we couldn’t stay later in the bar as we couldn’t buy more drinks. Really guys want to make more money keep the bar open.
As they say service is reflected from the top down. We asked for the manager to be contacted about why we can’t have a flame in the fireplace and why the bar is closing at 9pm. We never heard a thing from her.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This island aims to be more affordable by self catering but this results in a budget style level of service (minimal interaction with guests) at a price similar to other Whitsunday island resorts who do offer reception, guest services, gardeners, maintenance etc.
We booked a hibiscus suite at $455 per night as all beach bures were already booked. Despite the website promising ocean views, they were mostly obscured by overgrown garden shrubs etc which had not been sufficiently maintained. This room was not worth the price compared to the beachfront bures.
Our negative feelings were increased on speaking to several other guests to find out that many were staying in the beachfront bures which we had requested and were on Luxury Escape packages having paid less than half of what we had done.
Expectations when paying $200 per night vs $455 per night is completely different and suddenly the lack of maintenance across the resort, service and low quality of food in the restaurant was noticed.
In summary, this is a nice place to visit if you are on Luxury Escapes packages but otherwise is overpriced for what it offers.
We do not recommend paying a higher rate for the Hibiscus Suite.
Also, the pooland spa are not heated and is too cold to swim until they warm up in Sept or so.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Beachfront Bures are by far the best.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, what a beautiful place to have a short stay. We had a beach front cabin, beautiful, peaceful, modern, quiet. Views of the bay, island, awesome sunsets. Rooms were spacious, clean and modern. Camp kitchen was out of Masterchef, unreal. I have never seen such an amazing set up. Pool, fresh salt water pumped in from the ocean is beautiful, warm spa, plenty of seats and umbrellas lovely tropical setting, gardens are beautiful. Modern bar for drinks and cocktails. Excellent hiking on the island, kayaking and snorkel , although there is no live coral to see there were fish and tiny rays in the water. Water ferry from Shute harbour was excellent, hotel takes bags to room and ferry docks on the beach where we were met by the hosts and a welcome cocktail. Island is home to 1000’s of beautiful butterflies and small wallaby’s. This place is heaven, very private and not over run with heaps of other guests. They do get day trippers and day boats, pm and late pm for arvo drinks and sunset cruise but honestly they come in, have their drink , swim and an hour later depart, not really any disruptive event and it makes money for the resort. All in all an awesome place, will definitely return here again.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Any of the beach front cabins and bungalows
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We met up with a group of locals for 2 nights over New Year. We travelled by Island Transfers (see separate review) for the flawless 20 minute trip (each way). They claim to be 4.5 star but bear in mind that this a bit remote and wonderfully laid back. The same staff handle check in, bar, serving food, greeting and unloading on the beach, baggage handling etc, so sometimes you may have to wait a few minutes.
They have a good bar and there is no BYO alcohol. The bar is complete but I would have preferred my beer to be a bit colder. The "restaurant" offers a limited menu and you have the option for self cooking. We did both and were very happy with the arrangements. There is a limited range of cooking dry goods in the "store". We read their advice in advance and it worked out well.
We were late making our booking and paid the penalty but secured the last room available at a high price. The room was a Hibiscus suite and luxurious colonial/island style. It had a million dollar view and we couldn't have asked for more .
It is off grid but you needed to look hard to be aware. Notably it relies on rainwater for room water. Not a problem - showers were hot and the bed comfortable and aircon in both rooms (if you need it). We were up the hill a little, away from the main centre and were treated to wildlife - wallabies, goannas, butterflies and birdlife. For an area that has had no rain for 5 months, it was in great condition, with lush gardens, watered with recycled water.
The island has well marked walking tracks and you can swim in the sea or in the pool.
We needed longer and didn't get a chance to use the complimentary kayaks. I did some bush walking along well marked tracks and would like to do more
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Suites have fabulous views (and you pay for them). All rooms have some kind of view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is amazing! We had a turtle swim next to the boat as we arrived, wallabies lining the path. Friendly staff made us feel welcome with a drink and run down of the resort and then we were shown to our room. The view from the room was incredible! Lots of white cockatoos came for a visit on the balcony and a wallaby peeked at us from the rainforest on the other side of the balcony, The room was very clean and comfortable and had everything we needed. The rainforest walks are amazing, thousands of butterflies followed us as we walked, I felt like Snowwhite. We did lots of hiking and had picnics on secluded beaches. We kayaked and swam and relaxed. We ordered food hampers which were delivered to the island. The outdoor kitchen is a bit of fun and and had everything we needed. The wood fire pizza was delicious and we loved the warm relaxed restaurant and bar atmosphere. Thank you for making our 25th wedding anniversary so memorable. We will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Long Island, Australia8 contributions5 helpful votes
Thank you for your question. Yes, you are correct we don't allow BYO. If you want to bring a special bottle of wine for a special occasion that is fine, however no spirit bottles or slabs of beer.
We have a well stocked bar at the resort and you can also buy wine, beer and cider from our shop at reasonable prices.
You can also take these drinks back to your room.
There are more places to choose from in the Long Island area.
PRICE RANGE
$190 - $341 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandWhitsunday IslandsLong Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
25
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