Deluxe Canopy Cabins

Of solid wooden construction, with ample, screened glass windows, the canopy cabins offer maximum protection from the elements, while still offering a close connection to the sights and sounds of the forest.
Larger than the rainforest huts, these cabins are stylishly appointed with polished wooden floors, handmade natural timber furniture and spectacular glass-walled bathrooms looking out high in the trees.

With a studio-style lounge and bedroom and a private, furnished verandah, the canopy cabins offer superior accommodation in an entirely natural environment.

Rainforest Huts

Accessed by a boardwalk to protect the forest floor, the rainforest huts have no solid walls, instead the timber structure is screened on all four sides with weather proof curtains able to be drawn for privacy and protection from adverse weather.

Each hut has a small verandah, simple furnishings and sleeps two in either double or twin occupancy.

Share bathroom 10-70m away or upgrade to a Rainforest Hut with an alfresco outside ensuite.

Massage
Delicious cuisine (vegetarian and raw a specialty)
Swimming pool in the rainforest
Access to a near private secluded beach
Yoga retreats
Bird watching and creatures
Amazing views and an unspoilt paradise
Probably the best place in Australia to see a Cassowary in the wild
Free WiFi

Further afield, there is much to see and do in Mission Beach. The closest mainland point to the Great Barrier Reef means that travel times are shorter and with only two reef boats, your experience of this amazing natural wonder is shared by only a select few. Just offshore are many deserted islands to sail or sea-kayak to and explore, most of which are protected National Parks.

For the more adventurous, there is some of the best white water rafting in Australia nearby, as well the opportunity to parachute over and land on one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. The rainforests surrounding Mission Beach offer a wealth of sights and sounds to the walker with a diverse range of habitats and eco-systems to explore. On your arrival, Sanctuary’s knowledgeable staff can assist you to decide which of the many trips and operators will suit your needs.

From the Owners

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

Sanctuary, as an eco-lodge, achieves both of its aims; to share the rainforest with visitors to the area and to protect an endangered habitat and its dwellers. As a registered Nature Refuge, you can be confident that by visiting Sanctuary, you are not only experiencing a rare insight into the ecology of tropical rainforests, but also making an active contribution to nature conservation.

Sanctuary was designed not only to preserve the natural values of the local environment but also to minimize ongoing operational impacts in terms of natural resource consumption. The location of the main buildings and swimming pool were chosen to use existing clearings, while in and around the forest, the accommodation was built on stilts to have minimal impact on the forest below. To minimize ongoing greenhouse gas emissions, the natural cooling effect of the rainforest was incorporated into the designs of the buildings so that air-conditioning is not required, with more than adequate cooling is produced from cross-ventilation and ceiling fans.

Although Sanctuary is located in an area of abundant rainfall, most of this precipitation occurs in just a few months of the year. Whilst Sanctuary harvests and stores this for drinking water, Sanctuary also recycles waste water for use. The treated wastewater is irrigated over 10 acres of land and is also used to flush the toilets. The latest LED lighting technology and many other energy saving devices allow Sanctuary to minimize its power use.

Guests are encouraged, and staff are trained, to conserve energy, use environmentally friendly products and to recycle waste via literature, information and resources provided around Sanctuary.”